This is what happens when your previous boss sells the country's gold reserve. It least he's got the real estate thing close.
"Those who hide in gold will lose because the financial system won’t fail. No hyperinflation. No people burning banknotes in their space heaters. No trading wafers for groceries and ammo. It’s just shiny metal."
http://www.greaterfool.ca/2010/05/09/next-4/