DIE WITH ZERO BY BILL PERKINS

Key Concepts of the Book

• Maximize Experiences, Not Net Worth: The true goal of life is to maximize your personal fulfillment (or "experience points"), not the number in your bank account when you die.
• The Health-Wealth-Time Triangle: Life involves a dynamic interplay of three resources: time, health, and money. You have abundant time and health when young (but little money); you have money and health in middle age (but little free time); and in old age, you often have money and time (but little health). The key is to time your experiences to match the optimal window for enjoying them.
• Invest in "Memory Dividends": Experiences provide a compounding return on investment that material possessions cannot match. A meaningful trip or shared adventure creates memories that generate joy, stories, and connection for decades, long after the initial cost has passed.
• Use "Time Buckets": Plan your life by dividing it into 5- to 10-year intervals and scheduling specific experiences for each phase. A physically demanding adventure should be planned for your younger, "go-go" years, while less active activities can be reserved for later life.
• Give Money While Living: Instead of leaving an inheritance after you die, give money to your children or charity when it can have the most impact on their lives—often when they are younger adults (ages 26-35) and need it most to buy a home or start a business. You also get the joy of seeing the impact firsthand.
• Don't Live on Autopilot: Challenge conventional wisdom and societal expectations about work and retirement. Make intentional choices about how you spend your time and money, ensuring you don't fall victim to the "one-more-year" syndrome of endless work.
• Insure Against Longevity Risk: Fear of running out of money in old age is a common reason for over-saving. Use financial tools like annuities or long-term care insurance to cover your basic survival threshold, which frees you up to spend the rest of your capital without worry.
• Take Smart Risks Early: When you are young and have fewer responsibilities, the downside of risk is low, and the potential upside is high. Don't be afraid to take bold moves or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, as you have plenty of time to recover from failure.