E155 Retire in Panama City, Panama

Retire There with Gil & Gene

Janet Sussman stands as an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of adversity. In 2006, she and her husband were on the verge of realizing a cherished dream: the construction of a log home nestled within 5 acres of woodland in Florida. However, their dreams were shattered when her husband suffered a stroke and one of her sons tragically lost his life in a construction accident. To compound their woes, the 2008 financial crisis dealt them another crippling blow. Faced with mounting challenges, Janet began exploring entrepreneurial avenues to secure her financial footing.

In 2009, a glimmer of hope emerged when she learned of opportunities in Panama City, prompting her to embark on a life-altering journey. While her trip resulted in the birth of a successful business, what truly resonated with Janet was her profound connection with Panama and its people. Tears streamed down her face throughout the journey back to Florida, as she sensed that Panama had become her destined path. Tragically, shortly after her return, her husband passed away, leaving her with two surviving children who continually reminded her of her love for Panama.

In 2012, Janet took a courageous leap of faith and relocated to Panama. In a quest to make Panama even more affordable, she chose house-sitting in and around Panama City over traditional homeownership or renting. Janet's extraordinary journey and her unwavering determination are a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. To hear more about her inspiring story, tune in to Episode 155 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.