Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Die With Zero Urges Spending Money on Meaningful Experiences
Bill Perkins wrote a book called Die with Zero about how people use their money.
He says money is useful when it helps us do things that matter to us.
Trips and other experiences can create happy memories that last for years.
He calls the happiness from remembering them “memory dividends.”
Some activities are easier when people are younger, so he recommends planning when to do them.
Perkins also suggests helping children with money while they are alive to see how it helps.
But he does not say to spend carelessly.
He says people should think about their savings and how long they might need them.
An annuity can provide income regularly for life.
Bill Perkins argues that money should support a meaningful life, not simply build the largest possible balance.
He says experiences can provide lasting happiness through what he calls “memory dividends.”
Perkins recommends organizing desired activities into age-based “time buckets” before they become harder to enjoy.
He suggests giving children money while alive, when it may help them with goals such as buying a home or starting a business.
He cautions that spending down savings requires planning and says an annuity can provide regular income for life.
- Who
- Bill Perkins, an American hedge fund manager and author of Die with Zero.
- What
- The article presents five personal-finance lessons from Perkins's book about using money for meaningful experiences and planning how to spend and give it.
- Why
- Perkins argues that saving money without using it for meaningful experiences can mean missing chances to enjoy life.
Prioritize saving
Spend for meaningful experiences
The purpose of building savings
Prioritize saving
The article describes the common approach as saving as much money as possible.
Spend for meaningful experiences
Perkins argues that money should be used to support meaningful experiences and a full life, rather than becoming an end in itself.
When to give an inheritance
Prioritize saving
Children may receive an inheritance later in life, potentially when they are already in their 60s.
Spend for meaningful experiences
Perkins suggests giving money while alive, particularly when children are in their mid-20s to mid-30s, so they can use it sooner and the giver can see its impact.
- Book
- Die with Zero
- Author
- Bill Perkins
- Memory concept
- Perkins calls the lasting benefits of good experiences “memory dividends.”
- Planning method
- Place desired activities into age-based “time buckets.”
- Suggested gifting period
- Perkins says children may benefit from financial support between their mid-20s and mid-30s.
- Financial safeguard
- The article says an annuity can provide regular income for life.