Nope. It made money in a wide variety of markets, but went bankrupt with an eye popping $613 billion in bad debt. At least until September 15, 2008 when two of the pillars of the financial world faded into oblivion and raised questions about the mortgage as a whole. Formed in 1850, this was one of the biggest investment banks in the world. The failure of Lehmans is scary. by Dan Gibson We have all heard about the problems in the banking industry, but has it really bothered anyone? The A lower interest rate gives you less interest to deduct on your income tax, which may increase your tax payments and decrease your total savings from refinancing.