By: Dr. Steve Bettner aka José
🏝️ Live Better. Spend Less. Build the Life You Actually Want.
For the first time ever, I’m opening the doors to a new series: Living Like José.
You know the story—José, the Mexican fisherman, chose simplicity, joy, and freedom over the corporate climb. He lived life on his terms.
This series is my way of helping you do the same.
Some of that will be sharing tools to increase your income…
Other times, it will be showing you where you can live like royalty on a fraction of what you’re used to spending.
And today, we start with a tropical favorite: Panama. 🌴
🇵🇦 Why Panama?
Panama is more than just beaches and banking. It’s one of the most retiree-friendly countries in the world, offering:
✅ Low cost of living
✅ U.S. dollar currency
✅ Affordable healthcare
✅ Permanent residency for retirees
✅ Modern infrastructure & easy flights from the U.S.
Panama offers a lifestyle that’s not only attainable—but often more comfortable than what you’re used to in the U.S., especially on a fixed income.
💸 Can You Really Live Well on $2,500 a Month?
Yes. Easily.
Here’s a typical monthly budget for a couple living in places like Coronado, Boquete, or Pedasí:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| 2BR/2BA Rental Home | $850-$1,300 |
| Utilities + Internet | $150-$200 |
| Groceries + Dining Out | $600-$800 |
| Health Insurance | $100-$200 |
| Transportation | $50-$100 |
| Leisure & Activities | $200-$300 |
| Total | $2,000-$2,500 |
That’s not “bare minimum survival.” That’s thriving in paradise with money left over for sunset cocktails and weekend getaways.
🏡 Where Should You Live in Panama?
Here are some expat-favorite towns and what life looks like in each:
1. Coronado (Pacific Coast)
- Modern beach community
- Grocery stores, clinics, golf courses
- 1-hour drive from Panama City
- Active expat scene
2. Boquete (Highlands)
- Cool mountain air
- Coffee farms, hiking trails, expat clubs
- Slower pace, artistic community
- Ideal if you like cooler temps
3. Pedasí (Azuero Peninsula)
- Charming, quiet beach town
- Emerging digital nomad scene
- Lower housing costs
- Great for solitude and surf
🏥 Healthcare in Panama
Panama’s private healthcare is excellent and a fraction of U.S. costs. Many expats report paying just $150–$200/month for private insurance. Doctors are often U.S.-trained, and medical tourism is growing fast.
Bonus: The Pensionado visa offers discounts of up to 25% off medications, doctor visits, and even flights.
✈️ Do You Need a Car?
It depends where you live:
- Panama City & Coronado: No car needed. Uber is cheap and reliable.
- Boquete or Pedasí: A car is helpful, especially for groceries or excursions.
- Domestic flights are easy and cheap for travel across the country.
📄 Getting Residency: The Pensionado Visa
Panama offers one of the easiest retirement visas in the world.
Requirements:
- $1,000/month lifetime income (e.g. Social Security or pension)
- $250/month extra per dependent
- Valid passport, clean background
- Optional: buy a home to lower income requirement
Most people hire a local attorney to assist. Legal fees range from $1,000–2,500, and you get permanent residency.
🎉 What’s Life Really Like?
“We rent a 2-bedroom beachfront condo in San Carlos for $1,000/month and live better than we did in Atlanta.”
— Debbie Boyd, expat since 2023
“We have dinner on the beach, hang with other expats, and watch the sunset every day. No stress. No alarm clock.”
— Kimberly Kelley, retired nurse
🚀 Here’s the Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a retirement guide.
It’s an invitation to rethink your life, your money, and your freedom.
I’m living proof that you don’t have to wait until 65—or win the lottery—to live the good life.
If you’ve been following my journey, you know I don’t just talk about this—I live it.
And now I want to help you live it too.
Whether through:
- Remote work
- Affiliate marketing
- AI-powered income streams
- Or retiring early and smart…
I’ll show you the pathways. And the places.
🧭 Ready to Start?
📌 Want help building the income streams that make this life possible?
Start here: Join My Freedom System
🔔 Stay Tuned
This is just the beginning. I’ll be dropping more guides soon including:
- Retiring in Malaysia on $1,800/month
- How to live like José in Mexico or Belize
- Creating AI-powered income streams while you sleep
👉 Subscribe, follow, and get ready.
Your best life doesn’t wait—and neither should you.
mexicanfisherman.com 