It seems like just a few short years ago everyone I met was prospering in land ownership, rising investment portfolios, and increased accessibility to more and more money-making schemes. 
This is not to say that most people were using 'game' to get their bank accounts propped up (not suggesting a hustle or con type of navigation), but rather, that A LOT of people were making A LOT of money that to the observer would seem absurd in its acquisition.
How they made the money seemed transparent enough.
They cashed out the equity on their parents mortgage-free Pacific Palisades 1950's ranch-style home (the one with the ocean view).  People felt great about themselves, and about their choices.  I'm not saying that period wasn't fun! But whenever we get into an upside market, most people tend to overestimate their money-generating potential. 
Ok, so here we are today.
I would bet anything that we all know at least ONE person that has been laid off...or otherwise lost their source of income.
(Unless of course one owns a "gentlemen's club" [strip joint...ehem!] or other "vice-type" of business---interesting how gambling establishments seem to do so well in harder financial times...)
My point being, things have changed, and we are told that everything is cyclic.
The unsettling thing is how many couples...seemingly GREAT couples have split since this financial shift.
There are couples with several children, that have been together (happily?!) for a significant amount of time, whom are now calling it quits.
Is it the money?
Maybe.
It's easy to 'love' your partner when you are bedazzled by a new boat each season,
luxury suites in posh hotels in cities that most can only dream of exploring,
the latest Mercedes-Benz sedan,
and occupation of the most coveted seats in certain eateries around the world.
But now, I see couples everywhere simply throwing up their hands in defeat and walking away.
Often, I am asked what one or both of the partners ought to do about the seeming "failure" of the relationship collapsing.
This is where I get a little radical in my beliefs.
I am of the mindset that some couples simply are mismatched; and the intoxicating pleasure of "available funds" for things like travel and otherwise sexy rendezvous are the blinders on a a seriously anemic and  feeble horse.
Maybe some couples are only able to make a union last in the "good times".
Maybe not.
But I do believe it isn't constructive for people that are splitting because the weight of their financial burden has all but broken their backs, to "stick it out" for the sake of appearances.
If you and your partner are pissed off at one another because funds are scarce..maybe being together isn't the best thing for either one of you.
Maybe, saying "I do" was only referring to the partner's desire to spend the other's cash reserves?
I believe that it's archaic to base the "success" of a relationship on the amount of calendar pages that have been peeled back.
Love feels great when it's working...but nothing hurts more profoundly than a love lost.
For all those that are grieving the loss of not just their job/income but also their beloved..I wish you the highest and best possible outcome.