What would be the best financial decision?

I’m a 20 year old female. I’ve been working at the local school district for a year. I’ve finally got enough saved up to make an investment other than my retirement plan.

The real question,

what investment should I make?
A CD, Money Market account, IRA?

When I saved up enough I figured IRA was the best decision, only needing $500 to start it but an older friend of mine told me a CD would be better.

Advice, please.

And should I start up a saving account? I have a checking account at Chase, a debit and credit card with them.
Sorry, financial neediness word-vomit going here.