Die with Zero
Bill Perkins
A useful challenge for careful savers: money is for living, and some experiences have an expiry date. Read it for balance, not as a rulebook.
By uFIRE ·
What the book is about
This book argues that many people over-save and under-live. Its aim is to get the most life out of your money, which means spending on experiences at the ages when you can enjoy them most, rather than dying with a large pile you never used.
The author suggests mapping out the experiences you want by stage of life, noticing that health and energy change over time, and planning for your net worth to peak and then be drawn down on purpose. He also argues for giving to children and causes while you're alive, when the gift can do the most good.
Who it's for
Savers who find it hard to spend, people close to or in retirement, and anyone who has caught themselves postponing every trip until "later".
Maybe skip it if: People who are still working on their saving habit. If you're not yet saving consistently, this book can be read as permission to stop.
What we liked
- Thinking about life in chapters, with experiences that fit each one, is a lovely exercise.
- It gives careful savers permission to enjoy what they've built.
- Giving while you're alive, when it helps most, is a generous and practical idea.
What we'd push back on
- Aiming to spend down to zero carries real risk if you live longer than expected or face large care costs. The book addresses this, but it deserves serious planning.
- It's written from a position of considerable wealth. The principle travels well; some examples don't.
- It can tip into spending pressure. We'd frame it as spending on purpose, not spending more.
Takeaways
- Some experiences are best at certain ages. Plan for them.
- Your plan should include how and when you'll spend, not just how you'll save.
- Think about giving while you're alive, when it can help the most.
Want to read it?
Check your local library first. Many lend e-books and audiobooks you can borrow from home. If you'd like your own copy, it's easy to find.
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Education only. These are our opinions about a book, not advice. uFIRE is for education only. Nothing here is financial, investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. uFIRE does not sell insurance or investments. Please check any money, tax or insurance decision with a licensed professional.