My grandparents lost their businesses when Ferdinand Marcos was deposed in the early 80’s.
I wasn’t “rich” but comfortably upper middle-class. If I wanted to spend my birthday in Paris, I could, for example.
However, I was in a toxic marriage and had been out of the workforce for years raising my children. Once they were older, I got help for my depression and got out of the toxic marriage. At the time I worked for a local newspaper and was able to put a down payment on a modest house for myself and the kids.
Then the housing market crashed. Then the print news market crashed. Then my ex-husband withheld child support. I had several VERY lean years while I built up my own business, and it was incredibly hard.
But you know what? I don’t regret it at all. I came through to the other side a stronger, much happier person. I have a great relationship with my now-grown children and their children. My income isn’t impressive, but I have what I need. I can stand on my own two feet and overcome adversity. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the experience of the last 15 years for anything.
My great-grandfather owned I don’t know how many acres of vineyards and then lost them all during prohibition. Everyone in my family from its founding up to my grandmother went to Stanford, but my dad had to go to Berkeley like a peasant.
Should’ve posted this question in r/WallStreetBets
As soon as I found out how great drugs and hookers are. No regrets