[sc_rufctr]

I have sympathy for your friend and people like her but there's a cautionary tale in this for all of us.

When I think about my own situation and what happened I'm actually one of the "lucky" ones. It could have been so much worse but luck had nothing to do with it. I lost my job back in March 2020 because of Covid. I've been sitting on my arse ever since and financially I'm OK. I'm not rich but I've got enough money coming in to keep my head above water. If I sold some assets I could retire but at 56 I don't want to.

What I tell young people: Earn money, live within your means and learn how to save. When you can do that and not before think about investments... What's secure and will give you the best return LONG TERM? For me it was real estate.

Being passionate about what you do is great but most people don't have anything like that.

About 3 weeks ago I visited the cemetery to pay my respects to an old friend. He died of lung cancer and he was only 61. He kept himself fit, never smoked and only had the occasional drink. He was a good guy who worked hard and did the best he could for his family.