My Top 4 Lessons From Die With Zero

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re using your money in the best way possible, Bill Perkins’ book Die With Zero offers a refreshing perspective. The big idea? Spend your money while it matters most—not when it’s too late to enjoy it.

Here are four powerful lessons from the book that can change the way you think about money, memories, and meaning:

Financial support has the biggest impact when it comes at the right time. Helping your kids with something like a first home purchase makes a far greater difference than leaving them money decades later.

Our health and mobility won’t last forever. The trips you’ve dreamed about or the hobbies you love become harder with age. Enjoy them while you still can.

In old age, it’s not the dollars in the bank that bring joy—it’s the experiences. Perkins suggests creating “time buckets” for meaningful adventures, so you can plan the right experiences at the right stages of life.

Figure out how much money you actually need to live comfortably without new income. Once you know this number, you can plan with clarity and confidence—without hoarding wealth you’ll never use.

Die With Zero isn’t about reckless spending. It’s about aligning your money with your life’s timeline so you maximize joy, impact, and memories. Whether you’re building your future or thinking about your legacy, the message is simple: don’t just save—live.