I was scammed out of nearly $300,000 and was forced to abandon my retirement dreams

Tech Insider
Photo illustration of a man with money collaged.

Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leonid Shteyn. It has been edited for length and clarity.

How a Seattle couple achieved financial independence in their mid-30s after paying their way through school — and why they don't want to retire early

Tech Insider : Economy
Mai-lan Phan and her husband Ryan Wagoner with their kid
Mai-lan Phan and her husband Ryan Wagoner reached financial independence in their mid-30s.

Mai-lan Phan

Baby boomers living on $1,000 a month in Social Security share their retirement experience: 'I never imagined being in this position.'

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Older couple grocery shopping.
For many boomers without retirement savings, Social Security isn't enough to cover daily expenses.

Cavan Images / Getty Images

Jason Kelce lost almost 20 pounds after retiring from the NFL. Now, he wants to lose another 20 more for his kids.

Tech Insider
Former NFL player Jason Kelce reacts following a match during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jason Kelce wants to lose more weight so he can be a better dad.

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

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

Tech Insider : Economy
Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings Koski
Bill Yount and Jackie Cummings Koski both were late starters in the financial independence movement.

Bill Yount

Meet the boomers cashing in on the golden age of retirement

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Younger boomer/older Gen X couple hugging and gazing at sunset, with the wife holding a chubby golden piggy bank
Some retirees are now cashing in on the golden age for retirement savings, when benefits were more generous and investments in real estate and stocks boomed.

Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

My parents struggled in blue-collar jobs. Paying off their mortgage and retiring them is my proudest achievement.

Tech Insider
Simmy Dhillon with his parents and brother.
Dhillon (far right) started his own business as a college student.

Courtesy of Simmy Dhillon

A millennial worked 2 remote jobs so he could retire at 50 but said overemployment isn't worth the stress

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
overemployed man retiring
A California millennial says secretly working two remote jobs helped him save for an early retirement — but that he's happy he's back to just one job.

Ascent/ PKS Media Inc./Getty Images

I'm single and childless and I can't afford to retire in California. To afford the life I want, I'm moving to the South.

Tech Insider
A thoughtful senior woman having a cup of coffee in the kitchen and looking out of her window at home.

DMP/Getty Images

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

Tech Insider : Economy
Chris Elle Dove and her dog
Chris Elle Dove is set to retire early, two decades after declaring bankruptcy.

Chris Elle Dove

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