The thought of being broke is scary to all, but some will never experience this even a little. The fact is that the mega wealthy are even more wealthy now than they ever were. The smart strategy for them, is that they are playing possum with their consumption and spending in order to move below the radar. Go to the most expensive stores on the weekend and watch how much discretionary income some are spending. Especially in the major cities such as LA, CHICAGO, NEW YORK AND MIAMI.
The average New York I-Banker can afford the finest things in life a thousand times over while the rest starve. Starve is putting it mildly, while the rest suffer from malnutrition. The fact is, there is still a waiting list for luxurious cars. Some are even still receiving bonuses even though their firm received bail-out cash from the government. "The RICH will continue to get RICHER and the Poor will stay poorer". My advice is, "Since you can't beat them join them". If your family did not descend from high capacity then you better get busy because your work is so perfectly cut out for you!