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I once read somewhere that there are three types of people: those who only save, those who never save and only splurge, and lastly, those who find a balance between saving and also having fun with their money. However, just because you have savings doesn’t guarantee anything.

Life happens and anyone can hit rock bottom at any time. Just look at these folks who shared how they drained all their life savings in a single incident. While reading, you might realize that it can also happen to us, which is quite scary, isn’t it? Well, just scroll down and check them out for yourself!

More info: Reddit

#1

Two paper grocery bags filled with fruits, vegetables, and bread illustrating savings drained on essentials. Bought groceries last week.

speaster , Maria Lin Kim Report

Loudawg76
Community Member
2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yip! I’m having to live like a poor student again - 30 years post-graduation!!

Nils Skirnir
Community Member
2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except when I was in grad school, things I’d buy like neck bones, beans, and rice are now rich people delicacies. Beef neck bones cost a fortune.

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Roshan Kassan
Community Member
2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These days, i internally cry with joy when my kid says she wants 2-min noodles.

Ravenkbh
Community Member
2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow!!! that would feed me for a month!!

RELATED:
    #2

    Tornado touching down on open field under stormy sky, symbolizing sudden events that drained savings in one go. Cyclone Marcia hit.

    My town is nestled in between a bunch of mountains, it should have been all but impossible for the cyclone to pass over us. But somehow it picked the gap and went right over the top of us.

    A 2.5 ton gum tree in the neighbour's yard snapped at the base and landed on the roof of the unit I was renting. At the time, I was sleeping in my bed. I was awoken by the crack of the tree breaking and opened my eyes to watch the lead branch come through the roof right above my bed. All of the windows in my unit imploded and the unit flooded.

    I lost 95% of my possessions.

    And that's when we found out that our conservative PM Tony Abbott had drained the natural disasters slush fund. I - already broke and now unable to work because all of my gigs would be cancelled until the town had rebuilt - was granted a total of $850 by the government to rebuild my life (had he not misappropriated the money, I should have been eligible for about $10k).

    6 weeks later - when I finally had a new unit to rent - I spent that money on a bed. Luckily for me, the owner of the warehouse had heard about what happened, and when that bed was delivered two weeks later, he had gifted me an entire house's worth of furniture and appliances to go with it. Everything I needed to start my life again (except a car, which I had to replace because it died in the cyclone too).

    If it weren't for that man's generosity, I would still be rebuilding that life now, ten years on.

    I will never forget what he did for me. Just as I will also never forget what the LNP allowed to happen to the natural disaster rebuilding funds.

    HappyTimeHollis , Getty Images Report

    Colt Winkler
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WOW thats very unlucky. such an amazing thing for people to come together in tough scenarios though.

    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tony Abbott is a vile, religious fanatic who was brought to power by the Murdoch. He was an Australian f*****t. Now he’s just a global f*****t gadfly. A truly evil creature

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's truly sad and unforgivable when emergency funds (especially) are looted

    Loudawg76
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get the disappointment re the govt support but do people not get their own insurance anymore as well?

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    #3

    Young man leaning on car door, looking thoughtful outdoors, representing people who drained their savings in one go. My wife's cancer. Spent every dollar I had. Leveraged all the credit I had. Now I live in my car.

    But she has secure housing and food to eat. So I have absolutely no regrets.

    Fit-Title-3414 , freepik Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And people still don't believe in universal healthcare?

    Anthony Elmore
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, no, see this actually angers them even more, because they don't want so much money from the insurance fund paying for expensive things like someone's cancer. Literally had a guy b***h to me about that when he heard some person got cancer and he heard the rough cost that insurance paid.

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    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    US was never great, except for the over-wealthy

    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It used to be great for poor people too, but never for Black people.

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    Lukas (he/him, it/its)
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    According to OP on Reddit: "We had to separate our household for her to qualify for housing assistance. It was either me be homeless or both of us. Easy decision."

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    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is in America, it needs to start acknowledging the fact that it's a third world country now - expensive food, no free healthcare, a dictator at the helm, it all checks out. Land of the free my a*s

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, I feel sooo sorry now that I never moved to the US. My, what I was missing! Honestly guys, this happens and you're not on the streets or doing a general strike? Are you okay?

    Wolfwarlord
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We would have to worry about the military being sent in at this point. Though there is a history of the national gaurd offing protesters

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    We all know how important it is to have some savings tucked away, because let’s be real, life loves to throw trouble when we least expect it. However, here’s the scary part: about 42% of Americans don’t have an emergency fund at all. This means that a single unexpected bill could throw nearly half the country into panic mode.

    Imagine your car breaks down, or you suddenly lose your business. You check your bank account and realize you’re flat out of luck. It’s not just stressful; it can be truly terrifying. We’re talking about real life-or-death situations in some cases.

    In fact, a recent study from early 2025 found that 37% of U.S. adults had to dip into their emergency savings in just the last 12 months, and 80% of them used that money for absolute essentials.

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    #4

    Older man and young girl happily taking a selfie together, illustrating moments from folks who drained their savings in one go. CPS brought my grandchildren to me and said sorry we cant pay you as a foster parent and we cant help you get any food stamps or anything but here are you badly a****d grandchildren. If you dont take them we have to send them back to the a****r. $15000 for clothes and furniture and a bigger house and providing basics of life until court, which was $8000, then I finally got a little financial help but I am still supporting three of us on $1600 a month in cash and benefits. Life savings gone, credit score dropped 200 points in a year and as they will be living with me another ten years I am already 60 i know I will never dig myself out of this hole. If you arent able to take care of children DONT HAVE THEM.

    Alarming_Long2677 , Curated Lifestyle Report

    otiose
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they are abüsers and unable to take care of their own children, they obviously dgaf and will not take that advice. Good on OP for having children then taking care of THEIR children.

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As crappy as that is, i am glad that OP took the kids in. They will know what he did for them and hopefully will 'pay it back'

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, this country hates their kids, if they don't support them.

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    #5

    Sick child in bed with scarf and stuffed bunny while an adult checks her forehead, illustrating savings drained on unexpected illness. Terminally ill child. I made 6 figures, but as a single mom quit to care for my child in Oct 2013. Cashed out my govt retirement, 200k, all went to medical costs. Nursing care and caregivers were 9k a month. 5k after insurance and Medicaid. My folks spent 300k of their life savings on his care. 


    He passed away July 2022. I have been chipping away at the massive medical debt that I have, have 0 retirement. 


    Would do it again in a heartbeat. .

    Fuckyoumecp2 , user18526052 Report

    gvizzle_ 74
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sad part is that you shouldn't have had to do it in the first place.

    Leg less In Minneapolis
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My son died in Minnesota in 1996, we had state programs that paid past private insurance (my husband I kept working for thee insurance), and in place when we maxed out both insurance policies in 8 mos. Trump makes me fear the future of Medicare and Medicaid

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend's sister's baby was born with severe birth defects. Months in NICU, then in and out of hospital for 2 years. Parents got a flat near the hospital (paid for by health insurance) and other than that paid only for the coffee they brought along, the parking, and the cake for the nursing staff. Glasgow / Scotland

    #6

    Doctor pointing at brain scan images on a lightbox illustrating medical expenses that drained their savings. Age 21. $12k in the bank. Time to backpack around europe. Two thumbs up.

    Age 26. Was very depressed. Had, idk $6k. Decided to go on the great American road trip. Two thumbs up do recommend.

    Age 32. Had $50k in bank account. Had cerebral spinal fluid vein collapsd, 2 years catatonic. Brain surgery helped, but still can't work. Two thumbs down, do not recommend.

    biddily , Anna Shvets Report

    Colt Winkler
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no, I did not expect that twist

    Beth H
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh o and they are so young too! I’m glad they traveled as too many put it off for later.

    Loudawg76
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy s**t that escalated quickly 😬😬

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    As you can see in the list, many people lost their life savings mainly because of medical emergencies. That’s honestly one of the most heartbreaking reasons. Think about it: you’re already dealing with a health crisis, which is scary enough on its own. Then you’re also hit with bills you can’t afford, and next thing you know, your savings are completely drained.

    However, the worst part is that when you are out of cash, you’re forced to borrow. Being completely broke and still needing to come up with thousands more just to stay alive or take care of someone you love. Sounds nightmarish, doesn't it?

    Want to hear some shocking stats? Around 14 million Americans (6% of adults) owe more than $1,000 in medical debt, but it gets worse, because about 3 million people (1% of adults) are drowning in over $10,000 of medical debt. As wild as it is, it really shows how one medical emergency can turn your entire financial life upside down within the blink of an eye.

    #7

    Hands gently resting on a pregnant belly, illustrating emotional moments for folks who drained their savings unexpectedly. Pregnancy conplication led to my wife almost losing her life, our twins being born premature, and ultimately, they didn't survive.

    I have no money, no savings, no kids. Just a wife trying her best to cheer me up on what should have been my first father's day.

    Individual-Bill-3531 , Getty Images Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are still a parent, even if you lost your child. <3

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We lost our son 38 years ago, aged 5 weeks, and not a day goes past that I don't think of him. I'm still his mother. I hope you and your wife are OK.

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    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's sad but the second part just reads "me me me"; mother's day comes before fathers day; would she have said she had nothing but "just a husband trying to cheer me up on what should've been my first mothers day"..?? 🤔 I sure hope op remembered her on that day and was there for her the way she's been for him

    Julia H
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine what OPs wife is going through.

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My opinion: you and your wife celebrate being parents. Your time will HOPEFULLY come or adopt?

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    #8

    Orange tabby cat resting with eyes closed on a wooden floor, symbolizing calm after draining savings in one go. Cat emergency surgery. I was 19 and working in fast food, only had $4k in savings.

    They saved him, but he became a tripod kitty for his last 6 years.

    Frozefoots , Michael Sum Report

    Charlie the Cat
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Works out approximately $1.83 per day. Worth it.

    Costa
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I started reading this comment I thought it was going to say "Works out approximately ... per leg"!

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    highwaycrossingfrog
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    4k in savings at 19 is pretty impressive. Doubly so working in fast food

    #9

    Close-up of a woman shedding a tear, reflecting the emotional impact of draining savings in one go. My husband got double pneumonia and was in the hospital in an induced coma for 8 weeks. He did regain consciousness and was transported to a critical rehab center. I had one day with him before he became catatonic and was transported to another hospital. No obvious reason given. Although several large bruises on his arm and stomach. While he was there, I reviewed his charts to find that he was being administered f**tanyl every 3 hours. He said he was in no pain and was hallucinating continuously. I questioned the staff and left messages to the doctors that went unanswered. Later that day, as I hugged him, I noticed that his abdomen was rock hard. The doctor on staff ordered tests and found sepsis throughout his entire system. After much thought, I ordered the life support turned off. Ten minutes later my hubby of 44 years was gone. So. Made a complaint with the bureau of hospitals. And was told they couldn’t find any malpractice. Even though his computer generated charts had many entries at 2, 3, 4 AM stating “ reviewed progress with patient and family”…no, I wasn’t there then and he was in a coma. So, $4.3 million with about 20% not paid by insurance drained 401k, IRA an.

    pook1029 , Kateryna Hliznitsova Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband was in a coma for 2 months, then in rehab (residential, extensive therapy, a number of wound treatments because wound would not close) and paid exactly nothing beyond what everyone has to pay, which is about 350 euros.

    Julia H
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plans have out of pocket maximums. If OP had coverage, the last statement doesn't make sense

    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fentanyl causes fluid buildup in the lungs. A fact I only recently learned, about a week after my sister had been admitted to the hospital for what she told us was pneumonia. She left AMA. She had been hanging with people smoking fentanyl in a seedy motel in New Mexico, and even then my mother denied up and down that she would ever "do that". Well, it's been a few months and now it's a well-known fact she's a fentanyl addíct, far from any family and avoiding any contact or attempts to help. Still remember just how shocked I was to learn that awful substance causes lung problems, and putting two and two together...

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im seriously wondering HOW healthcare in the US actually works.

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's the in the US - care is not cheap in the US.

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    Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: draining your life savings isn’t just a financial disaster. It can actually affect your health. Basically, losing it can shorten your life. Yeah, you read that right!

    There was a study that looked at people in middle to older age, and it found something pretty intense: if someone lost 75% or more of their total wealth within just two years, they were 50% more likely to pass away over the next 20 years compared to those who didn’t. That’s a huge difference.

    The thing is, the stress and emotional toll of losing everything is massive. It can adversely impact your mental health. Plus, when people suddenly lose their money, they often start skipping medical care because they just can’t afford it anymore, and that just adds up fast.

    #10

    Stethoscope and pen on medical forms highlighting expenses that drained savings in one go for healthcare costs. Just as I was building a decent savings, I suffered a non work related injury. I was out for a year and medical bills wiped my savings. Started over with $500 in my account.

    lvfunk , Pixabay Report

    RomanceRadish
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even with insurance, this is a common scenario in USA.

    Saber4
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would be supplemental insurance like AFLAC. They would’ve paid up to a year with an accident policy. Have this.

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meanwhile, in civilised countries...

    Helen Ettlin
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a Canadian, I sit here shaking my head at this. Why on earth do you folks tolerate this nonsense?

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    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boycott ALL USA products. Don’t travel here either

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    #11

    Young man sitting in a car looking contemplative, illustrating the impact of drained savings in one go stories. I was 17, depressed as f**k, and decided as a last hurrah I'd take two weeks and drive across the country to see Tool and do a bunch of psychedelics. Stopped at a bunch of tourist traps along the way, because f**k it. Spent every penny I had and went $3500 into debt on my credit card

    Honestly, that trip saved my life. Worth every penny. I'd recommend to anyone thinking of making the final decision to first go on a "f**k it" trip. Worst case scenario, you won't be there to see the repercussions. Best case scenario, it'll change your life. I was in the latter camp.

    UnkindPotato2 , Adolfo Félix Report

    Anthony Elmore
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This doesn't actually work for a large portion of the s******l population. The excess wracks up too much guilt for it to seem like an enjoyable idea, and that's not even considering anhedonia. Hard to plan a 'f**k it' trip when you don't think it'll be enjoyable.

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My experience with clinical depression aligns with what you said. I was too depressed to think I would enjoy something like a trip across the country to see a concert. The planning and effort that would go into that were beyond me when I was in the midst of depression.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Glad to hear one "positive" story. But please don't create debt because you might not be there to pay it. Someone will have to pay it. Yes, McDonald's won't have a problem, the small providers you cheat out of money very much will. Also, why leave by being a fvcking selfish cvnt?

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    #12

    Three men at a cemetery comforting each other, representing emotional impact of draining savings in one go. My mom died and my brother was homeless from it. Had to pay for the funeral, which was not cheap, and get my young brother set up. I’m young as well tho so there is time to build it up again.

    DLF4L , RDNE Stock project Report

    Colt Winkler
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How old was the brother, and I'm assuming he lived with the mom, right?

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    Researchers call this sudden loss of money a "wealth shock," and believe it or not, it's not a rarity at all. In fact, the study that we spoke about before mentioned that more than 1 in 4 Americans (over 25%) experienced a wealth shock over a 20-year period. That's not a few isolated stories, but something that’s affected millions of people, across all walks of life.

    Job losses, medical emergencies, market crashes, bad investments—anything can just unravel your whole life before you know it. The study also found that losing your wealth later in life can be just as damaging to your life expectancy as never having had any wealth at all. Basically, your financial safety net isn’t just about living comfortably; it can literally be the difference between life and your demise. 

    #13

    Woman wearing headscarf sitting at table, being comforted by another person, representing folks who drained their savings. Double whammy, quit my job to start a business with 1 year of savings. 3 months later... Covid, then skin cancer, then colon cancer. My a*s can never retire.

    Difficult_Coffee_335 , Thirdman Report

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Life can be a biţch. Best of luck, OP.

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    #14

    Young white alpaca standing in a fenced outdoor area with sheep behind, illustrating folks who drained their savings. Taxes, I was young, early twenties, and my folks couldn't afford the taxes on the family farm. Took my entire bank account to get that settled. Happened a few more times throughout my twenties. I often wonder if I just should have let it go.

    Casualscrubbery , RDNE Stock project Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, you should have just let it go.

    Agfox
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, this is a classic example of sunk cost fallacy

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it wasn't working and wasn't generating an income, it was time, yes.

    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Emotional ties makes us throw good money after bad sometimes

    #15

    Green and yellow medical helicopter in flight, illustrating unexpected events that caused people to drain their savings. My teenage son was in a car wreck. He was air lifted in a medical helicopter. He was in ICU for 2 weeks. Had 8 emergency surgeries and was on 10 different IV medications, on Dialysis, was in a medical induced coma, was on a ventilator and was tube feeding! He ended up passing away! We were off work for a couple of months, had his funeral and it took all of our savings to be able to make it through. Life sometimes happens unexpectedly!

    anon , SHAUN WADHAM Report

    YakFactory
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry for your loss, and for the unexpected pain in your life. I hope you are OK.

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    To be honest, that troublesome research sent a shiver down my spine, and I really hope my savings don't drain out like this. It definitely opened my eyes about how careful we have to be when it comes to our finances. Don't you agree? What would you do to ensure you never run out of your savings? Also, were you able to relate to any of the stories in this list? Let us know in the comments!

    #16

    Woman caring for baby on bed, illustrating stories of people who drained their savings in one go. Maternity leave. Company initially agreed to fully cover it 100%. Then with eight weeks left decided the policy didn’t apply to me on a technicality and said the rest would be unpaid and they’d need to reconcile what I’ve been paid thus far. Our childcare arrangements cannot start earlier than planned, so going back to work ahead of schedule isn’t an option (nor should I have to consider it with a two month old baby, but welcome to America).

    alsothebagel , Daiga Ellaby Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is idiocy. Why can't a civilized country offer its mothers, who nurture the next generation, a decent maternity leave? We have 4 to 6 weeks before the birth and 10 weeks after the birth with your pay intact. Scandinavian countries offer, I think, almost up to a year.

    otiose
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The usa is of the corporations, by the corporations, for the corporations.

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    Loudawg76
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They can’t just back-date policy like that or make a change to your agreement unilaterally. They could only enforce it for future cases. America is so f****d up!!

    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the forced birth scheme is alive and well - you must give birth but after that, you're on your own

    Saber4
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get an employment lawyer ASAP

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder why people aren't protesting the streets...

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WHY DON'T YOU BIRTH LIKE SHYTE, LADIES???? DON'T YOU KNOW WE WANT YOUR BABIES? Oh, btw, fvck you when it comes to the costs.

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    #17

    Elderly man in wheelchair with caregiver in a bright living room, illustrating folks who drained their savings. It wasn’t instant but could have been. Siphoned off my father’s retirement while he went to Assistive Living, then Memory Care. Alzheimer’s can eat a bowl full of d***s.

    USSanon , Getty Images Report

    BrownEyedGrrl
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had to sell my mom's house to pay for her Alzheimers care. She made too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough for the care she needed. Yes. Alzheimers CAN eat a bowl of d i c k s.

    #18

    Two people holding large cardboard boxes, illustrating the concept of draining savings in one go. I was trying to get a better job, the employee said I was perfect, but they wanted someone local. I emptied my bank account and cashed in what little I had in my 401k to pay for the move.

    I went all in, and it paid off in the end, but man I can't tell you how terrified I was that we would could become homeless, and it would have been my fault.

    EnderWigginson Report

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    #19

    Man wearing glasses hugging a young child outdoors, illustrating folks who drained their savings in one go situations. My soon to be ex wife f****d another dude and now im 40k in debt fighting for access to my kids.

    Sitbacknwatch , Jonas Kakaroto Report

    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sheesh, stories like this make me so mad, talk about a double standard.. the wife here was the homewrecker who knowingly and willingly nuked her family, yet the husband has to fight tooth and claw and suffer life-changing financial debts just to see his own children...

    Lucy Allen
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex decided that she wanted out of the marriage and heard it was 'free'. Thank goodness i had a legal aid policy!! She tried ALMOST every dirty trick in the book to convince my kid i slept around AND threw them out.

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    #20

    Divorce agreement paper with wedding rings and pen symbolizing how savings can be drained in one go during separation. Stroke and divorce. I've had to dip into my IRA. If that wasn't there, I'm not sure what would have happened.

    DesertWanderlust , freepik Report

    Roshan Kassan
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My divorce nearly killed me, Ex wife l left me in so much debt that i was NEARLY blacklisted. 10 years to pay off majority of the debt. Would NOT recommend

    #21

    Two stressed professionals reviewing financial documents, illustrating folks who drained their savings in one go. Partner’s business failed.

    She borrowed money from my 83 yr old mom, and I emptied out my Roth IRA to save it.

    A month after handing over everything, she decided she was poly and wanted to sleep with her coworker.

    I tried to handle it all, but it absolutely broke me. 
    It’s been almost two years and she’s still fighting the divorce. .

    Billeaugh , Getty Images Report

    LongFang
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Funny" how they often cheat but want to fight the divorce. Mine did...

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My SIL runs a business that's over 200k in debt. She pays herself less than minimum wage and has borrowed 10s of thousands from my/her parents for it. I don't understand why she keeps clinging to something that is failing, it's been 10 years without profits. I think she just liked the freedom to sleep in and calling herself a business owner.

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    #22

    Group of young adults working on laptops together, illustrating people who drained their savings in one go. I had a few grand saved, but was offered an entry level software developer job on the other side of the country. I used that money to pay for an apartment, pay for the move and other expenses. Getting your first job as a developer is incredibly difficult, particularly for self taught (although it was probably easier 11 years ago when I did it)

    It worked out, moved on to a better paying job and the career has never lost steam since.

    ryanjusttalking , Annie Spratt Report

    Kaedyn Walsh
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm self learning front end to get into the biz. I'm 52f and hoping to land a remote job doing freelance. I'd love to leave factory and customer service work finally. Goal is full stack dev. :) posts like these give me hope. I live in a cheap area of S. Indiana so it'd really help me save more money by making better money. Self taught FTW!

    #23

    Newborn baby wearing a soft hat, resting on an adult's shoulder, illustrating stories of drained savings from unexpected life events. Happened twice:

    1st time. My wife and I were fostering medically fragile infants. One of three families in Texas, at the time, qualified to do that. We had a nurse living with us and had 24 hour care for two of the infants. We. flat. loved. it. You feel a very strong purpose when you are opening your home to such a complex set of challenges. Needless to say, my per-monthly bills for everything we were doing, exceeded $10k... per month. I was let go from the job I had for 14 years. Bad politics in the office and my whole team was ditched. We were able to make it 2 years on everything we had saved... we ended up having to retire from fostering and had to sacrifice everything but some furniture and personal effects.

    2nd time: Wife started uncontrollably throwing up... even drive heaving and we tried to figure it out on our own but after a this coming and going, it was now non-stop. We called and ambulance and my wife was in the hospital for 4 months. Sure insurance was present but my out of pocket drained us down again to just $2k to our names.

    I am about $4k away from recovering from that.

    Bonus item: My wife had numerous procedures and 5-9 operations. We lost track among all the other tests. She was sent home with basically the same condition and a bunch of meds... and after two days, she stopped the meds cold turkey, so to speak, and slowly popped right out and back healthy. A one day difference. We found out later that it was part of her LUPUS and part medicine combos that triggered the LUPUS reaction. She's strong and mows the lawn just because she gets to prove to herself that she's back and better than ever. She also has a playlist on her iPhone for mowing the lawn that might actually cause unsuspecting victims a shock. :)

    To anyone facing this situation. You can and will overcome it and you will have gained so much personal growth. Endure it, have a plan and execute it. The comfort you will get from having a plan and sticking to is it peace of mind and good rest at night. Personal experience I'm sharing with you, here.

    wxrman , Chris Anderson Report

    Damienne Rowe
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but why do Americans accept this debt instead of screaming for state health care?

    Kat
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We keep trying - people vote against their own interests because they are ill-informed or selfish, and politicians are in the pockets of the companies that benefit from this system. Also state health care = socialism, and we can't have that (/s)

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    LongFang
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know the playlist... Metalhead here.

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    #24

    Person dressed in black sitting alone outdoors holding red carnations, symbolizing loss and drained savings emotions. My son passed away at 19. I worked my whole life to raise my family and finally got out of debt and started saving…..now I’m 6k in debt from burying my son. 😞.

    Mykidsdad4ever , Kateryna Hliznitsova Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP says his son committed su!cide. I've been su!cidal most of my life and have made two (quite serious) attempts and I can say that, no matter how bad the pain is in THAT moment (and I know exactly how bad it can be), sometimes you have to realize that you will be leaving behind SO MUCH MORE PAIN if you do commit su!cide. Your family/loved ones will suffer pain for the rest of their lives, wondering if they did something wrong, what they could have done differently, if they could have saved you. We know that there sometimes isn't anything they could have done, but THEY won't know that, once we're dead. I'm NOT saying su!cide is always "wrong", but I AM saying... maybe take one breath and think about the people you DO love and ask yourself if you can be strong enough to not cause pain to them. I know my own family wouldn't care, personally speaking, but I have pets who need me, so I am alive for them <3

    LongFang
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had a lying, cheating, bi-Polar, narcissiste wife who was driving me insane. One night as every one slept, i was in a dark room toying with a bayonet on my belly... Ready. Then thought of my 5yrs old. Put down the blade to be the best father she could have. Happily disvorced btw !

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    #25

    Pug wrapped in a blanket on a bed, symbolizing the emotions of folks who drained their savings in one go. It was 2 events in rapid succession. My beautiful, sweet, funny son died very suddenly and the funeral needed to be paid for. 2 months later, my much loved dog got sick, needed round the clock care, and that drained the rest of it plus having to use credit cards. He ultimately died horribly.

    blubbahrubbah , Matthew Henry Report

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    #26

    Bright orange flames rising from a fire pit, illustrating the idea of people who drained their savings in one go. I was 19 and lost everything I had in a fire except my car and the clothes on my back. My parents abandoned me when I was 16 and my extended family did not want to help me, so I had no support. A week later, my car was totaled and the insurance pay out only covered the value left on the loan. I joined the military the next week. Took me 20 years to rebuild my life.

    tyrdchaos , Ricardo Gomez Angel Report

    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least you took control over the situation with your choice to join the military; well done for making that decision

    #27

    Model of human lungs showing detailed bronchi and blood vessels, illustrating health impacts related to draining savings. I suffered a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism in January 2024 at 36 yrs old and was out of work for months. Back to work now but had to start over with my savings. 😖.

    MsRitsukai , Robina Weermeijer Report

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    #28

    Scenic mountain road surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky, illustrating moments when folks drained their savings in one go. Husband wanted to move to Montana. Sold everything, gave up a fully paid house. I went up first with two kids because I had a job and housing lined up.

    Husband arrived two months later, declared he hated the town, refused to work or contribute to the family in any way (he wouldn't even babysit.) We gave up two years later, were divorced two years after that.

    Baebarri , Hans Report

    otiose
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A parent taking care of their child(ren) is not babysitting. It is parenting.

    #29

    Man and woman sitting back to back on couch, looking upset about how draining savings affected their relationship. Divorce. We had significant debt and decided to pay it all off with our savings so we could both walk away scott-free. He got the house and furniture and I was given $2000 to start over. It was really hard to bounce back but now I'm happy that I got all new things and not living with the memories of our martial items.

    CuteCanary , Getty Images Report

    highwaycrossingfrog
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He got house and furniture, OP got $2000. Ouch. (OP says he argued that he was taking on the debt of the mortgage - but he then sold the house in the housing boom for $150000 more than he owed. Double ouch.)

    BrownEyedGrrl
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait. He got the house & you got $2000?

    Bartlet for world domination
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Nope, no typo. His thought process was that he was taking on the mortgage debt alone and I wouldn't have it so he was doing me a favor. He sold the house a year later during the 2020 housing boom for $150,000 more than what was left on the loan. I didn't see a dime since I was already removed from the deed and loan. I wish I had the money to hire a divorce lawyer at the time but in all honesty I just wanted to get away from his habitual cheating a*s. I had no family alive anymore so I was doing it all on my own. I'm stronger now and see I was owed a lot more after 20 years of marriage. Never again."

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    #30

    Two construction workers on a rooftop at sunrise, illustrating folks who drained their savings in one go on home projects. Roof replacement, unexpected travel for a parent funeral, planning/paying for the other parent funeral, sickness, SO emergency oral surgery.

    All in the span of a month.

    Nearby-Geek , Ahmet Kurt Report

    Sara Frazer
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen "funeral" pop up on this list so many times, I couldn't imagine doing that to my partner or one daughter. Ffs at that point I'd be a slab of meat. By all means donate any useful parts, cremate me in an inexpensive way if for some reason people want my dust or bury me at sea off the coast of Alaska. Could even just be wrapping me in burlap and tossing me overboard 🤣 don't mean to be grim, but I don't want my cessation of life to hinder/ruin any of my loved ones' continuation of life...I should probably get this in legal writing in some way...

    BrownEyedGrrl
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My daughter was horrified when I told her to have me cremated and flush me down the toilet.

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    #31

    Key and house-shaped keychain on wooden table symbolizing savings drained in one go and financial decisions. Purchasing a home 2 years ago took all my money. 2 years later we're still struggling to save.

    Practical_Taste325 , Tierra Mallorca Report

    gvizzle_ 74
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah but you have a house, and that will build equity.

    Bec
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bought our house 15 years ago, life savings for the 20% down. Insurance inspection said we had to have a new roof or they would not insure. That was an unexpected cost (we knew it needed a roof, but were going to save up for it). It sucked but we covered it.

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not sure that choosing to spend your life savings fits with the theme of this list, especially because if needed OP could likely sell the home and get the money back... it's not really lost.

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