I came across a video that said, “Spend every dollar before you die.”
It was based on the idea of Die With Zero, a philosophy popularized by Bill Perkins that encourages people to use their money for experiences rather than saving for retirement.

At first, it sounded freeing. Live fully, spend boldly, and leave nothing behind.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized: if you die with zero, someone else often ends up paying the price.

What Does “Die With Zero” Really Mean?

The concept behind Die With Zero is simple. Instead of saving endlessly for the future, use your money now to create memories, adventures, and moments that make life rich. After all, we can’t bring our money together with us on our last day. Right?

It’s about living life before it’s too late.
Because no one wants to look back and realize they worked their whole life just to save for a retirement they never lived to see.

Regret is an enemy that weaponizes your past against your future.

It’s a powerful message, but it assumes life always follows your plan.
And it rarely does.

Why the Idea of “Die With Zero” Sounds So Tempting?

There’s something beautiful about this idea.

You only live once, right?

You can’t take money with you when you’re gone. It feels romantic, to live freely, travel the world, and not worry about the future.

But what happens when the future still comes? When your parents outlive you, when your partner depends on you, or when your kids grow up in a world even more expensive than today’s?

That’s when Die With Zero stops being poetic and starts being problematic.

Watch the Full Breakdown on YouTube

I shared my full thoughts in a recent YouTube video, including how my perspective changed after becoming a parent.

🎬 Watch the full breakdown below:

In the video, I break down why “living fully” and “planning wisely” don’t have to be opposites, and how to find the middle ground.

💔 The Problem With Dying With Zero

If you’re single, Die With Zero might sound like freedom. But when you have people who rely on you, parents, a spouse, and children, the story changes.

When you spend everything for yourself, you’re not just ending with zero. You’re leaving others with the bill. Emotionally and financially.

And then there are the things we never plan for: Unexpected illness, job loss, or emergencies that wipe out what’s left.

That’s the part no influencer or financial guru tells you, because life doesn’t stick to your spreadsheet.

My Story: From DINK to Dad

For almost a decade, I thought I had it figured out.

My wife and I were DINKs. Dual income, no kids. We could spend more freely, travel often, and enjoy life with no limits.

Then, everything changed. We had our first child. Then another.

Suddenly, Die With Zero didn’t sound empowering anymore. It sounded careless.

Because when you have people who depend on you, your choices with money echo far beyond your own life.

The Smarter Way: Live With Enough, Not Zero

Money isn’t meant to be hoarded, but it’s also not meant to disappear.
It’s a tool, not a trophy.

Use it to:

  • Create experiences that truly matter

  • Protect your loved ones

  • Build something that lasts beyond you

“Living fully” isn’t about draining your account. It’s about designing a life that’s rich in both meaning and stability.

Because when you have enough, not too little, not too much, you gain peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Live Fully, Plan Wisely

The real message isn’t to Die With Zero. It’s to live with enough.

Spend on what matters now. Save to protect what matters later. And always remember, you don’t need to die with zero to live a life that feels full.

🎬 Want to see the full conversation?
Watch the complete video on my YouTube channel for the full story and reflections.