How Do I Embrace the Die With Zero Approach?
We’ve mentioned the Die With Zero philosophy before—now it’s time to dig into what it really means, and why it might be the perfect mindset for your Childfree financial life.
📘 What Is Die With Zero?
The idea comes from the book Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins. The core concept? Don’t wait until you’re too old (or it’s too late) to use your money in ways that bring you joy. Instead of aiming to die with a big bank balance, aim to live fully and intentionally—now.
Perkins encourages people to:
- Spend their money at the right time to get the most life value out of it.
- Help others while it still makes a big impact—not just through inheritance.
- Stop working once you’ve hit your “enough,” instead of endlessly chasing more wealth.
This hits home for a lot of Childfree folks. Most of the people we work with say the same thing: “I don’t care how much I have when I die—just that I don’t run out while I’m alive.”
🎯 Why It Makes Sense for the Childfree
Without kids to leave money to, there’s no built-in reason to stockpile for some future generation. That opens the door to:
- Spending on experiences while you’re healthy enough to enjoy them (hello, travel!)
- Helping loved ones (like nieces, nephews, or friends) earlier, when they truly need it
- Creating a personal legacy through causes and communities you care about—on your timeline
🧠 But Isn’t That…Risky?
Not if you plan for it wisely. “Die With Zero” doesn’t mean blowing through your savings on impulse. It means:
- Knowing your numbers—how much is enough for the rest of your life
- Having a long-term care plan in place (insurance, healthcare directives, etc.)
- Making sure your estate plan is set up correctly so your wishes are honored
This is where your Childfree Wealth Specialist® comes in. We can run simulations, help you map out a personalized strategy, and make sure you’re spending with confidence—not fear.
✨ The Bottom Line
You worked hard for your money. Why not use it to create the life you actually want—while you can still enjoy it? Die With Zero isn’t reckless; it’s purposeful, liberating, and aligned with the freedom many Childfree people value most.