Lump sum investing in today's economy?

A certain amount of trepidation is a good thing. Put the money in a high yielding money market fund with the brokerage of your choice. Then choose a time frame over which to invest it. One, two, three years. Decide on an investment interval (every one month, two months, six months, etc.) and slowly invest over time. Then do the math and determine how much to invest at each investment interval. Then you get the advantage of dollar cost averaging. You'll buy more shares at a lower price and fewer at a higher price. If the market tanks early and you have money left over to invest at cheaper prices. This method is easier to do with mutual funds than with individual stocks, but it can be done with both. Good luck.