[clamper1797]

Or it's called ...lost my hard earned responsibly saved retirement money (401K) in the stock market crashes starting in 1998 and have to go back to work (if you can find a job) or eat dog food.

[Jimmyclyde]

How can you lose money you never had?

[ThinkDifferent]

Or it's called ...lost my hard earned responsibly saved retirement money (401K) in the stock market crashes

Someone who's been investing in a balanced portfolio over the last 10 years or longer will still be substantially ahead. Sounds to me like this guy had very little savings in the first place.