People who've been wealthy and powerful just don't end up on the breadline, no matter what.

You hope that your friends and family will help out when you're in trouble, whether you're rich or poor. Depends on the size of hole, and how much your friends and family can help, of course. But if they won't (or can't) help, you're on your own, no matter what.

Of course, there is also the element that people who've been wealthy *and* powerful usually had a reason for being that way, namely they can actually do stuff. If they were just wealthy and they piss it away, chances are pretty good they'll be going down with the ship, and left with whatever they can salvage.

Graham.