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Its only money!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Bosshardt Realty Services, Inc.

The cover of the wall street journal today reported that French Fianancier Thierry Magon de La Villehouchet apparently took his life after discovering that his investment fund lost 1.5 billion in the Madoff scandal. When I first read this I was tempted to blog something along of the lines of how a real estate investor may take losses from time to time, but he always knows what he has got.

Then I thought better of this tragedy and thought the real story is that its only money. Money just buys you things. I dont think money can buy you happiness, but I think that if your life becomes predicated on obtaining huge amounts of money then when and if you lose it perhaps you feel as though life is lost. I don't know because I don't have billions of dollars. Still during the holiday I think its important to remember what really matters. Famliy and friends, valuable relationships, life and the promise that this country gives to all of us; the continued pursuit of happiness. All you have to do is be alive and you can pursue happiness.

My condolescenses to all those who knew and loved Thierry Magon. I'm sure they didnt really give a damn about the money and I bet they would do anything to have him back.

 

Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

In real estate, if you truly focus on helping others and putting their needs above your own, word soon spreads through your SOI and even people you have never met and before you know it, you will never have to worry about the money...

Dec 23, 2008 10:54 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

MOney is just that MOney. You cant take it with you. Its nice to have to pay the bills but its not worth dying for. I am fortunate but If i wasnt I wouldnt care!

Dec 23, 2008 11:07 PM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Aaron, you're right, money is definitely not the most important thing in life but some people lose focus on that and get wrapped up in a world of materialism and greed. I know a lot of people who aren't billionaires but very wealthy, and after living lavishly for so many years, they probably wouldn't know what to do with themselves if their lifestyle was taken away. It's too bad about what happened and unfortunately, this guy isn't the first person to commit suicide due to financial trauma.

Dec 23, 2008 11:15 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

It must be that "the moment" is overwhelming and for some then seemingly logical reason, "the end" looks like a good way out...and it of course is not...financial problems can be the root/route of divorce, death, depression...there is always a way out...it just may take some time to get there.

Dec 23, 2008 11:18 PM
Aaron Bosshardt
Bosshardt Realty Services, Inc. - Gainesville, FL

Michael - Thats a great point. I think this years recents events have taught us also to be more prudent with our success as well.

Laura - Thats a great attitude. Funny how it doesnt seem that women comit suicide over financial matters as often. thats my perception anyway. I wonder if the statistics would support that.

Dan and Amy. Yeah he isnt the first and he wont be the last. You're right on too, its that fear of the unkown and perhaps those people are so highly competitive perhaps also a fear of being seen as a failure

Sally and David - I agree that if they just really just spent some time to reason it out they would have to see that its not the end right? One of my first mentors in real estate shared the same thoughts you have about divorce and death.

Dec 23, 2008 11:42 PM