How Rich are the Rich? Brandon Miller Dies in Debt

An American real estate tycoon living in the Hamptons committed suicide in July after drowning in $34 million of debt. The 43-year-old sported a rich lifestyle with frequent vacations on his 8700 sq. foot villa in Italy and a successful business in the real estate market. However, it was recently discovered that his suicide had been a mere escape from his multiple overdue mortgages and loans. $11.5 million of unpaid mortgage, $800,000 to Titan Capital, and litigation had left him with just $8000 in his bank account.

The Mask of Wealth

Despite their financial mess, the couple never seemed to stop flaunting their life, raising concern about how the reality of the rich can oftentimes be deceptive; wealth acting as a mask for their insecurities or deeper struggles.

Any field, typically at the high end, is characterized by tremendous pressure, leading to the workers sometimes making questionable decisions. They may also get into habits like gambling, further adding to the list. Their work itself deals with such large sums of money with the potential to ruin a career,  that it is impossible not to get stressed out, or even depressed if a deal goes south. These factors coupled with the high expectations from society fuel the need to stand up to the wealthy image they project. Especially in real estate, a smart, rich agent with an opulent lifestyle, is the one who would be most competent, thus attracting the most clients. 

Therefore, although they may be struggling financially, it is often crucial for the rich to continue maintaining their prosperous lifestyle, at least to others. While this does not justify Miller’s unpaid loans and mortgages, it makes us wonder; what goes on behind the luxury cars and vacations.