Although she's lost her job and her income, Corretta says she's facing a more personal deficit—a loss of self-confidence. "After I was laid off, we weren't able to meet all of our financial obligations on time, [and] after a while and it affected my credit rating," she says. Because of her low credit rating, Corretta says she was passed over for some good jobs.

Gary says Corretta—and many Americans in her situation—are in a state of mourning. "You've got to sometimes give yourself a break. You have to remember that you are much more than your six figures," he says. "You are much more to the world and to your spouse than that. And this is a time when the two of you have to find a way to appreciate each other."

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