Gen Xers who began their financial independence journeys in their 40s and 50s explain how they're on pace to meet their early retirement goals

• BI spoke to three late starters in the financial independence movement.
• They started to save and invest in their 40s and 50s and set themselves up for early retirement.
• Their strategies range from safe investments to living minimally to tight budgeting.

Gina Murillo was about to turn 50 and had almost $40,000 in consumer debt, with only $69,000 in her retirement savings. Now almost 57, Murillo, who lives in the Chicago area, has a net worth of over $1.1 million and is on pace to reach financial independence within three years.