Die With Zero

Date: 2023-02-15

Book Author: Bill Perkins

Most books tell you to save more. This one tells you to spend smarter — before it’s too late. Bill Perkins argues that you should maximise life experiences, not your bank balance. And that dying with a massive net worth is, in his words, “wasted potential.”

💡 Key Reframes: • Spend when you can enjoy it most — not just when you’re older. • Track “memory dividends” — the return on experiences, not just assets. • Avoid over-saving out of fear or inertia.

❤️ What I Appreciated: • It pushed me to consider when I want to spend — not just how much. • Great if you’re scared of spending or stuck in save-hoard-repeat. • The charts and lifecycle examples are weirdly comforting.

🤔 What I Questioned: • It assumes predictable life paths — not always realistic for freelancers or founders. • You still need discipline — or you risk justifying reckless spending.

📈 Verdict: A bold, sometimes uncomfortable read — but important. Especially if you’re great at earning and terrible at living.

Rating: 4.3/5