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Finance

Living Fully: The Case for Spending Every Penny Before You Die

2025-06-23

In a world where financial security is often seen as the ultimate goal, the idea of spending every last dollar before death might sound radical. Yet, in his compelling book *Die With Zero*, Bill Perkins challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that life's greatest value lies not in what we accumulate but in what we experience. This article explores the provocative philosophy behind this approach to personal finance and how it could reshape your priorities when it comes to money, time, and happiness.

Experience Life’s Peak Moments While You Still Can

The Irreconcilable Trio: Health, Time, and Money

There exists a natural imbalance between three of life’s most precious assets: health, free time, and financial resources. Our physical vitality typically peaks in our twenties, while disposable income and leisure time usually reach their height much later—often in retirement. This mismatch creates a dilemma: should we delay fulfilling experiences until we’re financially secure, or should we find ways to prioritize them earlier, even if it means stretching our budgets?

Perkins makes a strong case for seizing physically demanding opportunities early, such as hiking Machu Picchu or diving with sharks in the Galápagos Islands. These adventures are far more enjoyable—and feasible—when you have the energy and resilience of youth. By the time many people achieve the financial freedom to afford such luxuries, their bodies may no longer support them. The message is clear: the best time to live fully is now, not later.

Avoiding the Trap of Working for Nothing

One of the most sobering ideas in *Die With Zero* is the notion of “working for free.” If you spend decades accumulating wealth only to pass away with millions untouched, you effectively traded years of your life for money you never used. This concept is especially relevant for those in high-stress jobs they dislike, where long hours are exchanged for savings that ultimately serve no purpose beyond their lifespan.

Consider someone working late into their sixties, sacrificing weekends and holidays to build a larger nest egg. If they never get the chance to enjoy that wealth—whether due to declining health, unforeseen circumstances, or simply passing away before retirement—their efforts were, in essence, wasted. Perkins urges readers to reevaluate what they’re trading their time for and whether that trade-off truly serves their happiness.

Rethinking Inheritance: Give Generously While You’re Alive

Leaving an inheritance is often viewed as a noble legacy-building gesture. However, Perkins argues that waiting until death to transfer wealth may not be the most effective way to support loved ones. Most beneficiaries receive inheritances around age sixty, often after they’ve already established careers and financial stability. At that stage, even a substantial gift rarely alters one’s quality of life.

Instead, he advocates for giving smaller amounts earlier—what he calls an “early inheritance.” Imagine helping a child pay off student loans at twenty-five or assisting with a down payment on a first home. Not only does this kind of support make a tangible difference during pivotal life stages, but it also allows the giver to witness its impact firsthand. Similarly, charitable contributions made during one’s lifetime can create lasting change and personal fulfillment.

Balancing Ambition and Enjoyment: The FIRE Movement vs. Living in the Moment

The FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early—has gained popularity among younger generations eager to escape the nine-to-five grind. While the idea of retiring in your thirties or forties is appealing, Perkins warns against extreme frugality that sacrifices present joy for future freedom. He argues that some adherents of FIRE end up missing out on formative experiences, from traveling abroad to building deep relationships.

That said, there is merit in planning for the future. A complete rejection of financial discipline can lead to instability and regret later in life. The key, according to Perkins, is balance. One should neither live entirely for the moment nor hoard resources without ever enjoying them. Instead, individuals should strive to align their spending with their values and capabilities at different life stages.

Changing Perspectives on Wealth and Happiness

For chronic savers, the idea of dying with zero can feel counterintuitive. Many people derive comfort from having a safety net, and rightfully so. But when saving becomes compulsive—driven by fear rather than prudence—it can prevent individuals from living rich, meaningful lives. Perkins’ philosophy encourages a shift in mindset: viewing money not just as a tool for survival but as a resource for creating joy and memories.

This doesn’t mean reckless spending or ignoring emergency funds. Rather, it’s about being intentional with how and when you spend money to maximize personal fulfillment. For instance, investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip with family or funding a passion project could yield lifelong satisfaction far beyond what any bank account balance ever could. It’s about recognizing that true wealth isn’t measured in dollars but in lived experiences and emotional richness.

Millions of dollars in unclaimed assets, including dormant bank accounts, unused checks, and forgotten utility deposits, remain uncollected in New Jersey. The New Jersey Unclaimed Property Administration (NJUPA) has launched a public initiative encouraging residents to search for lost funds through an easy-to-use online tool. This program aims to reunite individuals with their rightful property at no cost. Officials warn against third-party services that charge fees, urging people to use only official channels when searching or claiming assets. By dedicating just a few minutes to this process, families may uncover significant financial resources that have gone unnoticed.

Locating Lost Money Through NJUPA's Free Online Tool

The NJUPA provides a user-friendly digital platform where New Jersey residents can locate unclaimed funds without any difficulty. This service allows users to input their name or the names of family members to quickly access potential matches in the state's database. Millions of dollars lie dormant in forgotten accounts, and this system is designed to simplify the recovery process. As part of its mission, NJUPA ensures transparency and accessibility by offering real-time updates on claim status and step-by-step guidance for retrieving funds. This approach eliminates unnecessary complexity and empowers individuals to take control of their financial history.

The search process begins by visiting the NJUPA's official website, where users are guided through a straightforward query system. Once a name is entered, the database returns any matching records, allowing individuals to identify possible claims instantly. These results often include detailed information such as account numbers, original institutions, and estimated values, giving users clarity on what they may be entitled to recover. NJUPA officials stress that this entire procedure is free of charge and should never involve third-party fees. The goal is to ensure that every eligible person can reclaim what belongs to them without obstacles or misinformation complicating the process. By using this digital resource, residents can efficiently reconnect with assets they might not have known were available.

Steps to Claiming Your Unclaimed Assets

Once a match has been identified, the next phase involves submitting a formal request to retrieve the recovered funds. This process is structured to be simple and secure, ensuring that only the rightful owner or authorized representative can access the money. To begin, claimants must complete an official form available directly from the NJUPA website. Alongside this, they are required to provide documentation verifying identity and ownership, such as government-issued IDs or financial records linking them to the unclaimed asset. After submission, applicants can monitor the progress of their case digitally, maintaining full visibility throughout the verification stage.

Upon confirming eligibility, the NJUPA processes the release of funds without delay. Claimants receive their recovered assets either by check or direct deposit, depending on the available options. Officials emphasize that there are no costs associated with filing a claim, reinforcing the integrity of the program and distinguishing it from fraudulent services that may attempt to mimic official channels. Additionally, the administration encourages families to search on behalf of deceased relatives, as heirs are also entitled to recover lost assets. With minimal effort required and no risk involved, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to enhance their financial stability by reclaiming overlooked resources. By actively engaging with the NJUPA’s tools, residents can uncover hidden wealth and put it to meaningful use in their daily lives.