This is a great concise article describing the advantages of living in Panama for retirees. The main draws:
Inexpensive Real Estate, lower cost of living, a relaxing pace of life and of course - the SCENERY!

http://www.internationalliving.com/Countries/Panama/Retire

Furthermore, Panama has one of the lowest costs of living in Central America - homes can be built for around $40 per square foot, unskilled labor averages around $6.40 a day, water bills are around $18 a year, while telephone service can be around $30 a month.
One big perk for foreign investors or retirees:
Foreign Investors don't pay property taxes for 20 years.

How about that for decreasing your monthly or annual budget?