Since home equity is the largest source of wealth for most Americans, young households were especially hard hit, as many are now underwater on their homes.

FORBES: Wealth Inequality Between Young and Old Generations Reaches Record High

Scour: removal of underwater material by waves or currents, especially at the toe of a shore protection structure.

UNESCO: L O S S A R Y

Central to the case against bottom-fishing is the protection of underwater mountains, known as seamounts, which are especially rich in marine life of all kinds.

ECONOMIST: Marine conservation

In entirely too many cases, the answer is fear not of physical death, but instead fear of our financial demise, which is often rooted in a fear of lifestyle reduction, which is often rooted in a fear of relative lifestyle comparison with our peers, which is especially ironic when you consider the millions of unemployed workers, bankrupt households, foreclosed homes and underwater homeowners.

FORBES: Steve Job's Financial Planning Advice: You Are Already Naked