I needed this book in my 20's- Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

Do not be put off by the title of this book! In this video, I'm sharing my thoughts on the eye-opening book "Die With Zero" and why I think that I needed it so much earlier in my life.

"Die With Zero" by Bill Perkins challenges conventional wisdom about money and retirement planning, urging readers to rethink their approach to wealth and life experiences. The book advocates for spending money on meaningful experiences throughout life rather than hoarding wealth for a distant retirement.

In my review, I discuss the key insights and lessons from "Die With Zero" that resonated with me personally. From reframing the concept of retirement to prioritizing life experiences over material possessions, this book offers valuable perspectives on living a fulfilling and purposeful life at any age.

Whether you're a young adult just starting your financial journey or someone looking to redefine their relationship with money and happiness, "Die With Zero" provides thought-provoking ideas and actionable strategies for making the most of your resources and time.

I am Richard and I am married to Jackie and we are earlyretirementwanderlust. We live in the UK and retired from teaching at the age of 51 in the summer of 2022. Our plans for early requirement include relocating to the Yorkshire Dales, developing our forever home and travelling the UK, Europe and eventually the world in our VW campervan Nelson.

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Many thanks,

Richard & Jackie

Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
01:28 Overview of Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
04:32 Re-evaluate Priorities
05:06 Create a bucket list
06:14 Allocate resources strategically
06:57 Practice money-time equivalence
07:43 Embrace Frugality
08:24 Invest in experiences
08:53 Plan Ahead
09:31 Seize the moment
10:29 Share experiences
11:40 Practice gratitude
12:12 Final conclusions on Die With Zero

[dieselbushcraft]

An interesting perspective on life and one thing for sure is retirement life is not guaranteed as health cannot be taken for granted. That curve ball hit me and I learned from that experience, one little quotation I have seen and totally agree with it “we have two lives, the second one begins when we realise we only have one” which I found very thought provoking.

[ianwall]

Great summary. Why die the richest person in the grave yard. I love the concept of the memory dividend. The key is about balancing your time and money.whilst working you are time poor and retirement enables you to become time rich.

[se]

Great review/summary and nicely put together video.

Similar age to yourself and likewise wish I read books like this in my 20's

Your YT channel is really coming on strong with a library of great, well thought through content.

I like the fact that they are bitesized (succinct - generally sub-20mins), packed with info, nicely edited with some lovely personal pics and delivered in a very relaxed/friendly/humble style.

[nevertoolate]

Good summary. Loved that book too, and 4, 000 weeks which is quite a bit more philosophical.
Tough question tho is when one half of a couple wants more experiences and is on board with the die with 0 plan; and the other half finds total fullfilment in their work, with no desire for experiences, travel etc. Very difficult to find common grounds.

[sharonlong]

Great video & very relatable! I’m definitely too invested in work and forever trying to pull back. I work in end of life care and everyone’s circumstances always trump my own! But so desperate to make changes! Thank you for the reminder ❤

[dominic]

Excellent summary Richard. Love how you relate the key points to your own life. Spot on! 👌🏻

[motorroamingaround]

Great video. It’s absolutely fundamental that you plan well before retiring and get the correct balance between saving & spending but most importantly live life to the full.

[stevemaish]

Thank you for this. I am really starting to feel how important this approach is as I approach retirement (I'm 57) and have just bought a camper van to start broadening my horizons. It cost me a lot of my savings but I am increasingly aware of the need for "memory dividends" and your summary is excellent. Thanks again 🙂

[BulldogDramaDebate]

Just read the book, not because of your recommendation but glad to see your review. Been following your channel for a while now

[rostaylor]

Glad you’ve reviewed this book - I discovered it recently and like you wish I’d read it when I was younger! Love these book reviews - they’re very insightful and it’s helpful to see whether there’s a book I might find of use.

[Nutmegcottage]

Another great book review Richard. I am currently reading Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, which has many parallels to the book you have reviewed. I like the bucket list idea linked to your energy level and health at the time. Also, how you build in journal time to plan but also count your blessings. Often, the simplest things bring the greatest pleasures and don't cost a lot of money to enjoy. Have a great week. 👍

[melian]

Excellent summary of the book. Thank you!

[TimBailey-iotl]

Excellent review. I'm on my second read. My favourite quote, which the author borrowed from Downton Abbey, is "the business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that's all there is."

[DaveH-ts]

Thanks Richard and one for the list. We have changed our lives dramatically over the past year really based on the concept of experience and connections. Thanks for the review

[jeanettesmart]

Great review and reflection. Prior to retirement from my Senior Nurse post I looked at lots of literature on was I ready to retire? It was an eye opener and a great way to pave the forward travel in my life. I have been retired now 11 years and loving valuing each day.

[deborahrosa]

Great review. I'll definitely take a look at this book. It was the money-time-health triangle that prompted me to retire early this year. Like you say, there are no guarantees. Life is for living

[susanharkema]

Wonderful summary (and I just love all the personal photos!). We made two big changes based on reading this book: Savoring our money and our experiences more. 1. We started to see our budget not as a limit but a spending GOAL, which makes us enjoy our money so much more. 2. I got us a subscription to the app Day One where I do a MUCH better job of "dropping a pin" and capturing all the exciting experiences and photos. 3. I created an excel sheet where I am documenting the highlights from each week (idea came from reading the book 4, 000 Weeks). Each Monday, I document the previous weeks out of 1, 900+ weeks I hope that we have left.

[Bob-yhir]

Love the book. It and talking to other early retirees made up our minds to make more memory dividends now. So pulling the plug on work and going to spend down some of the money we have been saving all our lives. Have been keenly aware of the "just one more year" trap when it comes to work and a paycheck. So I have set an absolute line in the sand that I will not cross. When that date arrives, it's bye bye workforce. :)

[christopherschenk]

Thank you Richard. Excellent video. I agree with all those sentiments, having lost my Dad when he was 59 (I overtook him three years' ago). You have to live life to the full. I said to myself aged 30yrs: 'I don't want to get to 65, look back and think: if only'. I have always liked Hunter S Thompson's quote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”. Thanks again, Chris

[kezzfromoz]

I love this book also and you summary is so well thought out, presented and spot one. Well done with the channel and your early retirement life. Best wishes from oz