A boomer who has had cancer and gets $2,200 a month in Social Security can't retire comfortably: 'It's a catch-22'

Tech Insider : Economy
Wendy Jones and her husband
Wendy Jones said she and her husband are just scraping by given their medical costs.

Wendy Jones

My husband retired 5 years ago and I still run my own business. Our schedules are different, but we make it work.

Tech Insider
Ruth Furman and Michael Furman standing together smiling at the camera.
Ruth Furman still runs her own business while her husband retired five years ago.

Photo credit: Mary Rendina Photography

Boquete, Panama, was once a quiet town home to rainforests and coffee farms. Then came the retirees.

Tech Insider : Travel
A view of Boquete, Panama.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Stepping inside TapOut Sports Zone Bar and Grill in Boquete, Panama, is like stepping inside suburban America.

A boomer couple who have pensions after working their whole lives said they're just scraping by after retiring: 'I can't imagine getting by on Social Security alone'

Tech Insider : Economy
Boomer couple sitting at kitchen table.
Nina and James (not pictured) are struggling financially despite retiring early in 2012.

Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

My retired father uses his pension to pay for my basic needs because I can't find a job. I'm worried I'm ruining his retirement.

Tech Insider
side profile of a woman in her graduation gown and hat
The author, not pictured, is a recent college grad who depends on her father.

andreswd/Getty Images

A third of Americans plan to retire on Social Security alone, but it may not be enough to get by

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Retired couple standing on a cruise ship.
About a third of Americans plan to rely on Social Security income during retirement.

David Sacks / Getty Images

A boomer couple on Social Security moved to Guatemala because they couldn't afford to retire in the US. After 2 years, they moved back.

Tech Insider : Economy
Robert Zimmerman and his wife
Robert Zimmerman and his wife moved to Guatemala for their retirement, though they moved back to the US two years later.

Robert Zimmerman

A Texas boomer couple who retired to an expat hot spot in Ecuador explains how it helps them save money

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Travel
Karl and Brenda smiling on a mountain
Karl and Brenda love to travel in retirement.

Courtesy of Karl and Brenda

Millennials have 'phantom wealth' hidden in their homes and 401Ks — but they don't feel rich

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Milennial couple standing next to a model house that is empty inside, on a harsh red background.

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

An Australian boomer retired in Thailand on an $18,000 annual pension. He saves almost half his income and can still travel the world.

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Travel
Older man pulling a suitcase
John Walker, 73, (not pictured) moved to Thailand from Australia. He retired and is living on his $18,000 annual pension.

PixelsEffect / Getty Images

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