Nowadays, many books teach people how to manage their time and resources efficiently to succeed.
However, not many books focus on what people should do after they have achieved success. Die with Zero is one of those few books.
Die With Zero is a bestseller from Bill Perkins that gives readers a guide on achieving their financial and life goals.
Instead of focusing on how to die right, the book teaches you how to live wealthy. Here’s a review of the book’s teachings and how you can implement them in your life.
Life philosophies in Die With Zero
The whole essence of the book is its title – getting everything you can from your money and your life. The book is divided into three parts, each with three chapters.
In total, there are nine key points that the author tries to get across to the reader.
Let’s look at them individually.
1. Maximize the positive experiences in your life
Perkins talks about the concept of “net present value” and how it can be applied to money and life.
The idea is that you should focus on experiences that will bring you the most happiness in the present moment, even if they cost more money.
For example, Perkins cites the example of taking a trip to Europe. It may cost more money than staying at home, but the memories and experiences you gain from the trip will last a lifetime.
But it’s also important to note that not everyone can afford a trip to Europe. The key is to maximize positive experiences in your capacity.
For instance, you can visit a local museum or go on a hike in a nearby park.
Perkins say that these experiences pay us a ‘memory dividend.’ What he means is that the more positive experiences we have, the happier we will be in the long run.
2. Invest in experiences early in life
A common mistake most people make is that they think life is about making money. While having a stable income is essential, Perkins argues that experiences are just as valuable – if not more valuable.
This is because our ability to enjoy experiences decreases as we get older🧗.
For example, a 20-year-old will have a much easier time learning how to ski than a 50-year-old.
This is because the 20-year-old’s brain is more plastic, and they are generally more open to new experiences.
On the other hand, the 50-year-old may be more set in their ways and less likely to try something new.
Therefore, it’s essential to invest in experiences early on in life when we are more likely to enjoy and benefit from them.
Perkins explains this by a concept he names ‘experience points’. You can increase your experience points by traveling to new places, learning new skills, and meeting new people.
The more experience points you have, the richer your life will be.
3. Plan to die With zero
Dying with zero means you shouldn’t have any regrets when you die. Instead, you should have lived your life to the fullest and made the most of your time and resources.
But this also applies to actual money. Perkins argues that people save too much.
What is the point if you spend all your life making money and end up dying without spending it?
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should spend all your money recklessly. But it does mean you should live a little and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
After all, you can’t take it with you when you die.
4. Use every available tool to die with zero
When it comes to money, there are a lot of tools available to help you achieve your financial goals.
For example, some apps can help you track your spending, budget your money, and invest for the future.
You should take advantage of these tools to help you die with zero.
The same goes for life. Again, there are a lot of resources available to help you live a more prosperous life.
You can read books, listen to podcasts, and take classes to learn new skills.
You should also use social media and technology to connect with people and create new experiences.
5. Give money to charities and your children
Dying with zero doesn’t necessarily mean you should spend everything on yourself. Perkins argues that giving money to charities and your children can help you achieve your goal.
You should plan when and how you will give your money away. This way, you can make the most impact with your donation.
He emphasizes his three Rs: giving Random money to Random people at Random times. Basically, he says you can’t be sure if your heirs will outlive you or if your money will do more good in someone else’s hands.
Instead, you should give money to charities or your children when it profoundly impacts their lives. For instance, you could pay for your grandchild’s college tuition or donate to a cause you’re passionate about.
6. Don’t live on autopilot
Too many people live their lives on autopilot. They go through the motions daily without ever taking the time to stop and enjoy life⭮⭮.
Perkins argues that this is a waste of time. Instead, you should be deliberate about how you spend your time and make sure you’re doing things that make you happy.
One way to do this is to create a bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die.
Likewise, it’s essential to focus on your health. You’ll only be able to have good experiences if you’re healthy enough to enjoy them.
Make sure you’re eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. You should also see a doctor if needed. Perkins says beside health, your money and free time also determine how many and what kind of experiences you’ll have.
7. Consider your life different seasons
Throughout your life, you go through different ‘seasons’ or stages.
For instance, when you’re young, you might be focused on your career. Then, as you get older, you might start a family or focus on your hobbies.
It’s important to consider how your different seasons will affect your ability to die with zero.
For instance, you might need to save more money in your younger years to have the financial freedom to die with zero later on.
Perkins suggests drawing a time of your life and dividing it into intervals of ten or five years. Then, you can think about which key experiences you want to have in each season.
It helps you be proactive about your life and make sure you’re doing things that will make you happy.
8. Know when to stop growing wealth
One of the most essential things in your aim to die with zero is to know when to stop growing your wealth.
You should have a goal for how much money you want to have and when you want to achieve it.
Then, you can start working backward. It will help you make sure you’re on track to reach your goal.
Perkins says the point in your life when your net worth is the highest is called the net worth peak. Most people continue working and growing their wealth after they reach their net worth peak.
However, Perkins argues that you should stop working and focus on enjoying your life after you reach your net worth peak.
9. Take huge risks when you have little to lose
Risks are a mandatory part of life. If you never take risks, you’ll never achieve anything significant.
That being said, Perkins argues that you should take the most significant risks when you have the least to lose.
For instance, if you’re young and don’t have any responsibilities, you can afford to take more risks than if you have a family to support.
As you get older and your responsibilities increase, you should start taking fewer risks.
It doesn’t mean you should never take risks. You just need to be more strategic about it.
How to apply in your own life
Once you read the book, you’ll find many practical ways to implement the teachings in your life.
Here are some of the most important things you need to do:
- Set a goal for how much money you want to have.
- Create a bucket list of things you want to do before you die.
- Focus on your health and ensure you’re doing something that makes you happy.
- Consider your life’s different seasons and plan accordingly.
- Stop working and focus on enjoying your life after you reach your net worth peak.
Summary
Die With Zero is a great book that will teach you how to live a happy and fulfilled life. It’s packed with helpful information and advice that will help you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to live your best life, Die With Zero is a great choice.
