Age 19, looking to invest

[MYNAMEIZGREG]

Hello all,

I am 19 years old and have the daunting task of investing my money. I currently have 72k, but obviously I am not looking to invest all of that.

I am going to invest 20k in something that my father is recommending so that is out of the question as of now.

Let's set aside 7k for short term expenses (Too much? I go to a college and don't really pay for anything).

For poker I would like to have 30k set aside.

That leaves a measly 15k left. However, I make about 30-35k/month, so I want to start setting everything up now.

I would like to put the bulk of it for this month in a savings account, but which one is the best. I have been searching and Emigrant gives 5.15% interest a year? Are there any stipulations. Is that the account that you can't take money out of until 59 1/2?

Then, what should I be looking at in terms of stocks? Can I just really buy the DOW S&P and the Q's and expect 8-10% ROI a year? What about mutual funds?