Don't listen to the naysayers, Retired Millennial.

You've done a service with your piece here, in that people with ambition (even "poor" people) can do exactly what you did.

You've given others some great ideas for ways in which they can improve their own financial situations.

Well done!

Keep it up and ignore those who complain as though financial peace is a zero-sum game in which your wins are somebody else's loss.

Onward!

Guy

P.S. I'm an old semi-retired guy who is going to follow you. :-) The best of blessings as you earn your retirement. :-)