What if living life to the fullest wasn’t just an Instagram motto but a financial strategy? In Die with Zero, Bill Perkins flips conventional wisdom on its head, arguing that saving too much is just as risky as spending too much. His philosophy? Optimise your money and experiences so that you die with zero – not a dollar wasted, nor a memory left unmade.
Perkins challenges us to think beyond the 9-to-5 grind and delayed gratification. He believes wealth’s real purpose is funding the moments that make life rich. Instead of hoarding money for a retirement you may not fully enjoy, he urges investing in peak experiences earlier when health, relationships, and zest for life align.
Perkins outlines nine rules for a richer life:
1. Maximise your life experience – prioritise moments over material things.
2. Invest in experiences early – while you’re healthy enough to enjoy them.
3. Aim to die with zero – don’t hoard money you’ll never use.
4. Use memory dividends – invest in experiences that keep paying joy over time.
5. Don’t live your life on autopilot – be intentional with your choices.
6. Think of time as your currency – spend it wisely.
7. Balance spending and saving by age – align money with your life stage.
8. Take calculated risks – stretch beyond your comfort zone.
9. Give money to your loved ones and charities when it matters most so you can enjoy the reward. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Packed with anecdotes and practical tools, Die with Zero is a wake-up call for anyone stuck in the cycle of overworking and under-living. It’s a reminder that life isn’t about what you leave behind – it’s about the memories you create and cherish along the way.