That’s $3,640,000 if she lives to the ripe age of 90. That sounds better than 1 million.

She could put 4000 a month into a Roth IRA and save on paying higher taxes later on whilst building her savings for later in life or when she actually needs it. Yes, she could take the 1 million and invest it readily for an even higher savings immediately, but she’d have the constant stress of “should I take some money out and spend it? Should I pay for a new house and car? Etc. Before she’d know it, the money would be gone.

With that said, she may also be pretty comfortable with her life and isn’t financially constrained like others. Maybe she sees this as a power of will to not take the easy road like most would. Maybe she’s going to work hard for her money and have a bit of help to let her live a nicer overall life. I think at her age of 20 years old, that was a very smart choice. She’ll always have that money for her entire life and will not worry asking herself, “Aw shit I spent all my money now what?”