A years pay is alot, good for investments/school/vacations. But usually when a company has something they are offering, it means that you probly could get more if you hold out. . .

After saying that, I say take the payoff, but ask for more. I mean your going to be gone eventually any how. Invest that money directly into something for you family. Have you ever though of opening a shop of some kind. I am taking a marketing class right now, and for sure owning your own bizz is the way to go, But buying in on some new stock pays off very well. I know a guy who knows a guy that owns almost all the stock a bagged salad. He's set for a while. . . I say a get rich skeem would be investing in property, most of the time they pay whatever you ask for so $$$.