Where should the first money I take off the table actually go?

Boring, in the best way. The first money off the table is not for a hot stock tip, it is for security. A sensible order many people follow: first an emergency fund of several months of expenses in something liquid and safe, then health and term insurance so one hospital bill or accident does not undo everything, then long-term money into low-cost, diversified investments like index funds. Only after those basics are covered does it make sense to think about anything more adventurous. The goal is a floor under your family that does not depend on the company at all. Freefincal has good goal-based planning frameworks, Zerodha Varsity covers the basics, and JL Collins' stock series makes the case for simple index investing. Returns and tax rules change over time, so treat any numbers as illustrative and confirm specifics with a qualified advisor. This is general education, not advice.