not need for say 3 years.? Minimum of 3 years, I have no plans on taking the money out till i retire or it reaches 50k which ever comes first. I am investing for maximum growth. IT does not all need to be invested at one time or in one place or in a lump sum . Looking for sound investments with acceptable risk and multiple options. I am between 25 and 30 not married, no children.

You are going to leave the money in for a ling time I recommend buying a good mutual fund. When it grows to say 10K you need to develop an asset allocation plan.
If you may want the money in three years then perhaps some higher risk fixed investments are for you.

If you're prepared to leave it for even longer, for about 7-10 years, you will make a profit. At the moment, in the next 10 years it can only get better, unlikely to get much worse now. Either find a broker to do it for you or invest in a fund.