Sadly, the Bell Tolls for Some
When I was in junior high school - yes we called it JUNIOR HIGH back then, not middle school - I remember studying about the Great Depression and the stock market crash. What really stayed with me all these years was reading about how people jumped out of windows in 1929 - committing suicide because they lost a lot of money.
Now it’s happening again. The Real Estate Dispatch of Bigger Pockets posted a story yesterday about how the real estate and financial crisis have turned deadly. As expected.
Adolf Merckle seemingly had it all. A father of four. A successful businessman. The fifth wealthiest person in Germany.
100 thousand employees called him boss.
Tuesday, he decided to walk in front of an oncoming train, a suicide note apparently blaming the huge losses his empire suffered because of the financial crisis.
I guess I don’t feel suicidal since my losses have been far less. My daughter’s college savings took a big nose-dive and she started college in the Fall. Fortunately, she’ll be able to get nearly full-ride scholarships at two of her favorite schools so we’re cool there except for spending money. My own retirement account is wheezing, but since I supposedly have between 13 and 18 years before retirement, I suppose it’ll come back by then.
I’m still glad 2008 is over and done with because I think 2009 will bring many opportunities. Sadly, these financial gurus who’ve taken there own lives won’t be around to see the resurgence.
