Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Die With Zero?
Bill Perkins’s book argues that many people over-save and under-live, accumulating money they never get to enjoy. He encourages spending on meaningful experiences at the stage of life when you can enjoy them most, while still planning carefully for health and longevity. The aim is to use wealth intentionally rather than maximize the balance left behind.
Is it better to give money to your children while you are alive?
Lifetime gifts let you see money help with a home down payment, student debt, or raising a family, often when it matters most. In 2026 you can give up to $19,000 per recipient without filing a gift tax return, and larger gifts count against a lifetime exemption of $15 million per person, so most families owe no gift tax. Because gifting also affects your own retirement security, it is worth discussing with a financial advisor or tax professional.
What is longevity risk in retirement?
Longevity risk is the chance of outliving your savings because you live longer than you planned. Planning for a realistic lifespan, and for how long you are likely to stay healthy and active, helps you decide how much to spend early versus hold in reserve. This guide on how to plan for a retirement that could last 40 years covers the planning side in more detail.
How can retirees spend more confidently without running out of money?
Common approaches include setting a sustainable withdrawal plan, using guaranteed income sources such as Social Security or annuities to cover essential expenses, and delaying Social Security to increase your lifetime benefit. Many people also front-load travel and other active pursuits into the early years of retirement, while health allows. Revisiting the plan each year keeps spending aligned with how your portfolio is actually performing.
About the author
Contributing Writer, Wealthtender
Karen Banes is a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurship, parenting and lifestyle. She writes articles, website content, ebooks and the occasional award winning short story. Her work has appeared in a range of publications both online and off, including The Washington Post, Life Info Magazine, Transitions Abroad, Brave New Traveler, Natural Parenting Group, and Copia Magazine.
Karen provides copy editing and proofreading services, as well as content creation services, at her website KarenBanes.com.