How a Gen Xer went from declaring bankruptcy at 30 to being on track to retire early in her 50s

• Chris Elle Dove, once bankrupt, is set to retire early with over $1.5 million net worth.
• She transitioned from earning $50,000 a year as a professor to investing full-time.
• Her strategy includes living minimally, investing in real estate, and keeping spending low.

Chris Elle Dove, 52, declared bankruptcy at age 29 in 2001 and survived off government benefits and side hustles to provide for her two kids. She had recently lost her husband and was struggling to be a good mom while finding more stable work.