Die with Zero Summary, Key Lessons & Ideas

Lesson 1: Reevaluate Your Priorities

In “Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life,” Bill Perkins tells us to think differently about how we use our money. Instead of just saving it all for when we’re old, he wants us to consider using some of it to have fun and enjoy life now.

Perkins says that many people think the only goal of money is to save for retirement. But he believes this is a mistake. He thinks we should think about what matters to us and use our money to make those things happen.

For example, instead of waiting until we’re old to travel or do exciting things, Perkins says we should do them now while we’re young and full of energy. He calls this time in our lives the “Go-Go” years, and he thinks it’s when we can enjoy life the most.

By reevaluating our priorities and thinking about what truly brings us happiness and fulfillment, we can use our money to create meaningful experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. So, it’s important to think carefully about how we want to use our money and make sure it aligns with what’s most important to us.

Lesson 2: Live it Up When You’re Young!

Bill Perkins, talks about a time in your life called the “Go-Go Years.” Imagine yourself as a kid, full of energy and ready for anything! Those are your Go-Go Years!

Perkins says these are the years to spend your money on fun stuff, like trips to new places or trying something totally new. Don’t wait until you’re older to start enjoying life!

He says experiences, like vacations or cool hobbies, make you happier than just buying stuff. Think about how much fun you have playing with friends – that’s an experience you’ll remember forever!

Perkins wants you to make the most of your Go-Go Years because that’s when you can have the most adventures and make the best memories. So go explore, try new things, and have fun! These are the years to live it up!

Lesson 3: Save for Sunshine, Not Shiny Things!

Ever get a new toy, love it for a minute, then forget about it? Bill Perkins in “Die with Zero” says that’s how stuff can be!

Imagine using all your money on a cool toy car. Fun at first, but then what?  Perkins says things are like birthday candles – exciting for a bit, then gone.

Instead, save for adventures!  These are fun times with friends and family, like trips to the beach or funny movie nights.  Remember building a sandcastle or laughing at a silly movie?  Those are memories you keep forever!

Perkins says adventures are like sunshine in your mind!  They hold all the happy moments – the games you played, the yummy treats, the cool things you saw.  Even when you grow up, you can remember them and feel happy again.

So next time you want to buy something, think of this: Adventures are the best things to save for!  They make you happy now and give you memories that last.  Go explore, have fun, and make sunshine memories!

Lesson 4: Plan for the Future, But Live in the Present

 Planning for the future is like growing a giant sunflower. You plant the seeds, water them carefully, and wait patiently for them to sprout. It’s important to take care of your future self, that’s what Bill Perkins teaches in “Die with Zero.” That means saving money, like putting coins in a piggy bank, for when you’re older.

But here’s the secret: Sunflowers don’t just grow by themselves! You need to have fun in the sunshine too, while you’re waiting. Bill Perkins says don’t forget to enjoy life today, just like a kid enjoys a birthday treat in the middle of the year. This could be saving up for a special toy you’ve been wanting, a trip to the zoo with your family, or even just a fun day at the park with friends. These are like little bursts of sunshine that make you happy now.

Imagine you only ever watered your sunflower and never enjoyed the sunshine. It might grow a little, but it wouldn’t be very happy. The same goes for you! By saving some money for the future and also spending some on things that make you happy today, you’re like the perfect gardener. You’re taking care of your future sunflower and enjoying the sunshine in the present moment. That way, you’ll grow up to be a happy and successful person, with a piggy bank full of savings and a heart full of amazing memories.

Lesson 5: Think Different, Save Smart, Play More!

Money can be tricky! Bill Perkins in “Die with Zero” says don’t just do what everyone else does with their money. Imagine all the kids at school saving their lunch money for the same exact toy. Boring!

Perkins says think for yourself! A piggy bank is great for saving money for when you grow up, like putting away treats for a special occasion. But that’s not all piggy banks are good for!

Imagine a piggy bank with a cool knob you can twist to get a little bit of money for a fun surprise. That’s like using some of your money for things that make you happy, like a trip to the zoo or a new book.

Perkins says be smart like a special piggy bank. Fill it up for later, but don’t forget to turn the knob for some fun now and then! This way, you’ll be happy today because you got to do something you love, and you’ll still have a full piggy bank for your future dreams! It’s a win-win!

Lesson 6: Play Safe But Go for the Slide!

Bill Perkins says new things can be scary, but fun things are often scary first!

Taking risks isn’t crazy like jumping off a roof. It’s like the slide – a little scary at first, but then whoosh! Fun!

Risks let you try new things, like a game with friends or a funny-looking snack. Maybe you mess up the game or the snack is yucky. That’s okay! Sometimes the best things are scary first.

Life is short, like a trip to the park. Take a deep breath and try the slide! You might have the best time ever or make a new friend! So next time something scary looks fun, go for it! You might be surprised!