From experience, it is scary and humbling all in the same instant. I was born into a wealthy family and married a wealthy man. After my parents passed and I got a divorce all with in 18 months I was left flat broke due to an air tight prenup and my parents estate not being available to me till I am 50.

I hadn’t worked since I was 18 and was 25 at this time, I had a useless degree. I ended up getting a job working as a cleaning lady. I never thought I would be ‘the help’. I lived in a studio apartment that was the size of my old closet, in a bad part of town before I lived in a 8 bedroom 12,000 sq foot home. I drove a 1988 Honda Civic when I used to drive a brand new leased Range Rover. I never had to worry about how much money was in my account. When I had the power, gas and water got shut off and couldn’t afford food, I ended up getting a $20 gym membership so I could shower. I finally swallowed my pride after the temperatures dipped below freezing and applied for assistance and food stamps. It was the most humbling experience of my life. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I decided that day that I would never worry about paying a bill again!!!!

I now own the business I started working for 7 years ago, with multiple location across my state. I have a nice house but not to nice (even though I can now afford it) I drive a nice 4Runner, I have food, I have water, I have power, I have money. None of those things will be things I ever take for granted again. I am glad I went from rich to broke. It was the best thing that could ever happen to me.