Learning From Literature

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

Cover of Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
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Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins is a personal finance book published in 2020.

What if the goal isn’t to die rich – but to live fully?

Most of us are taught to save, invest, and plan for the future. We’re told to be responsible, delay gratification, and build a nest egg for retirement. But what if, in the process, we’re missing out on the best years of our lives? 

Die With Zero flips the script on traditional financial wisdom. It’s not a book about reckless spending – it’s a provocative call to rethink how we use our time, money, and energy to create a life rich in experiences, not just assets.

Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Define the Life Experiences You Want

  • Actively think about the life experiences you’d like to have and how many times you’d like to have them
  • Consider all types:
    • Large or small
    • Free or costly
    • Charitable or hedonistic
  • Reflect on what truly matters to you in terms of meaningful and memorable experiences

Take Action Now

  • “Early” is right now
  • Of the experiences you’ve identified, ask:
    • Which can or should I do today, this month, or this year?
    • What are the risks of delaying those experiences?
  • Think about the people you want to share those moments with
  • Consider the “memory dividends” you’ll receive by doing things sooner

Understand Your Resistance to “Dying with Zero”

  • Explore any psychological resistance you may have to spending now
  • If you love your work, find ways to spend money on enriching experiences that fit your schedule

Plan Your Giving – To Family and Charity

  • Decide:
    • When and how much to give to your children
    • When and how to contribute to causes you care about
  • Discuss these plans with:
    • Your spouse or partner
    • A financial planner for expert guidance
  • If you are going to give them money when you die, why not give it now and see the effect your legacy will bring

Consider Your Physical Health

  • Ask: What can I do now that I may not be able to do later?
  • Invest in your health:
    • Choose one way to improve your health today
    • Learn about nutrition
    • Engage in physical activities you already enjoy (like dancing or hiking)
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Maximize Your Time

Time-Bucket Your Life

  • Don’t be overwhelmed – start small
    • Create just three time buckets covering the next 30 years
    • Add more later as needed
  • If you have kids:
    • Identify a key shared experience you want to have with them in the near future

Know Your Biological Limits

  • Consult your doctor to understand your biological age and health trajectory
    • Get all the objective tests you can afford
  • Ask:
    • When is your enjoyment of key experiences likely to decline?
    • How will your favorite activities be affected?

Take Smart Risks While You Can

  • Identify low-risk opportunities you’re currently ignoring
  • You’re better off taking chances younger than older
  • Examine your fears:
    • Distinguish between rational and irrational ones
    • Don’t let irrational fear block your dreams
  • Recognize that every moment is a choice
    • Your decisions reflect your true priorities – make them intentionally

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