Penny Martinez started saving money at six and investing at 18. Her goal was to retire early, be debt-free, and find opportunities to give back to her community. She accomplished all three and has never looked back.

Penny volunteered for service throughout her life, but retirement allows her to pursue it full-time. She reads to children in elementary schools, works in the kitchen at an emergency shelter, writes holiday cards to care facility residents, picks up trash, supports a pregnancy center, fights human trafficking, organizes blood and clothing drives, coordinates a local veterans group and community neighborhood watch, puts wreaths on veteran graves, and even dabbles in politics.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, one could argue she’s earned the right to spend more time pampering herself. But that’s not Penny. Oh, she definitely has fun, but she insists that the true joy of life can be found in serving others.

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00:00-Start

01:38-A Service Heart

04:17-First Investments

09:44-You Want It? Go Get It.

13:11-Surviving Cancer. Twice.

15:15-Being Pulled Like Gumby

20:35-Things Didn’t 'Pan' Out

25:18-Everyone Should Give One Hour

35:06-Faith, Family, Foundations

42:27-A Perfect Day

44:25-Thread Kindness Through 365 Days

49:51-Redefining Retirement

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