Dying With Zero: Why It Might Be the Smartest Financial Move You’ll Ever Make
When I first started working as a financial advisor, I assumed most of my time would be spent talking people out of overspending. I pictured myself helping clients rein in their budgets, avoid impulse purchases, and save more for the future. And yes, that does happen. But what I didn’t expect was how often I would be doing the opposite. I often find myself encouraging thoughtful, responsible people to actually spend the money they’ve worked so hard to save for their retirement income plan.
I meet so many individuals and couples entering retirement with more than enough saved, but they still struggle to give themselves permission to enjoy it. They’ve spent decades in accumulation mode, and making the shift to spending with intention can feel uncomfortable. That’s why the book "Die with Zero" by Bill Perkins struck such a chord with me. It offers a fresh and practical way to think about money—not just as something to preserve, but as something to use intentionally to create a meaningful life.
Let’s take a look at some of the key lessons from the book and how they apply to the retirement income planning conversations I’m having every day.
The Saving Mindset is Hard to Break
For many retirees, saving isn’t just a habit. It’s part of their identity. You didn’t get to where you are by being careless with money. You were disciplined, prudent, and responsible. That mindset served you well. But now it might be holding you back.
Retirement isn’t just about being financially independent. It’s about being free to spend your time, and yes, your money, in ways that are meaningful to you. "Die with Zero" challenges the belief that our goal is to preserve and grow our accounts forever. Instead, the book suggests this: The real goal is to maximize life experiences while you’re healthy and able to enjoy them.
Money is Most Valuable When You're Able to Use It
One of the book’s core messages is that money becomes less valuable to you over time. In your 60s and early 70s, you’re likely in your “go-go years.” You still have the energy and health to travel, explore, be active with your family, and check things off your list. By your late 70s or 80s, that window starts to narrow. You might still have the means, but not the interest or the ability to fully enjoy it. That’s why Perkins encourages us to spend with purpose while we can still create memories rather than just investment returns.
The Concept of Memory Dividends
This was one of my favorite takeaways from the book. When you spend money on an experience—a trip to Europe with your spouse, a weekend with the grandkids, a cooking class, a concert, a personal splurge—you get more than just the moment. You get the memories, and those memories continue to pay emotional dividends for the rest of your life. You can replay them, talk about them, look at the photos, and feel the joy again and again. That’s something your investment account cannot do.
Planning to Give? Do it While You're Here
Many of the retirees I work with also want to leave a legacy, and that’s a beautiful goal. But "Die with Zero" challenges us to think about the timing of that generosity. If you plan to help your children or grandchildren financially, consider the impact of giving when they need it most rather than waiting until you’re gone.
The same goes for charitable giving. Watching your money make a difference during your lifetime can be far more fulfilling than simply passing it on through your estate. This doesn’t mean giving away everything. It simply means planning your giving with the same intentionality you brought to your saving.
"What if I Run Out of Money?"
This is the most common fear I hear, and it’s a valid one. You want to be responsible. You want to be prepared for the unexpected. And that’s why we build retirement income plans that stress-test your portfolio against market declines, inflation, healthcare costs, and longevity. But for many people in your shoes, the reality is this: you are not going to run out of money. The real risk is that you’ll run out of time to enjoy it.
You Don’t Have to Die With Zero, But You Do Deserve to Live With Intention
This book isn’t saying you should empty your accounts by age 85. It’s saying you should understand your numbers, have a clear plan, and use your wealth to live a life full of joy, connection, and experiences. Not just accumulation. You’ve earned it. You’ve planned for it. And it’s okay to start spending in ways that reflect your values and priorities.
Let’s Build a Retirement Income Plan Around What Matters
If this resonates with you, we should talk.
We can work together to create a retirement income plan that:
- Provides stable, predictable income throughout retirement
- Covers healthcare, inflation, and legacy goals
- Gives you permission to enjoy your wealth now, without fear or guilt
Because the goal isn’t to die with the most money. It’s to live a life you’re proud of, and to use your money as the fuel, not the finish line.