[Dilbert San Diego]

A story such as this, should be a wake up call, to manage your life and money wisely.

One guy was a product development manager with McDonald’s? He had to be pulling in some decent pay while he was working. And you wonder how it was he couldn’t get another decent job, even if at lower pay.

Yes I know some people have life crises which get them to such a point in life. My only point is that, hearing such stories, should be a wake up call, to live below your means, save money, avoid credit card debt, avoid risky investments, etc.

[Mariner]

And I have been twice wiped out by divorce. Each instance took me to $0 net worth (pre-pay cash to reduce alimony).

Still, between a small pension, SS and VA I’ll have over $4k per month retirement income.

In the big scheme it’s enough to live on, without luxury.

My grandfather survived on FAR less in inflation-adjusted dollars. As did my father.

I see so many who fail to live well today, when they’re healthy, so the can keep their big ‘ol house with pool and 1/2 acre yard when they retire, can barely walk and lose their drivers license.

Retirement has ALWAYS been about downsizing. It’s rational and normal for the human condition.

Far too many cannot accept that.

[CaptainK]

My only point is that, hearing such stories, should be a wake up call, to live below your means, save money, avoid credit card debt, avoid risky investments, etc.

That's how I live my life and what I preach to my son. He works for a bankruptcy law firm, which only reinforced what I taught him.