"Optimizing Life Satisfaction: Lessons from 'Die With Zero'

When I first picked up "Die With Zero," I didn't quite know what to expect. Was it just another financial book, preaching the usual advice on early retirement or index fund investing? The first time I read it, I confess I was somewhat distracted (to be fair, I was listening to the audiobook and multitasking). The only part that stood out was the section on annuities, and I initially dismissed the book.

But something about it lingered in my mind, and that seed started to grow. So, I gave it another listen, this time inviting some friends to read it with me, setting up a date to discuss our thoughts. (I'm all about recruiting accountabilibuddies!) The second time around, the book ignited a fire within me. Few books have radically shifted my perspective on life, but this is one of them. Everyone I know who has read "Die With Zero" feels the same.

Here's the essence of it: Most of us live our lives on autopilot. We go to work because it's expected, and we've always done it. We save and accumulate money for the same reason. We make sacrifices and deny ourselves the pleasures of life because we want to amass more wealth. This concept may not apply to those living paycheck to paycheck, but for those in the accumulation phase, it's easy to become fixated on the pursuit of more.

Bill Perkins suggests a different approach. He encourages us to shift our priorities and focus on optimizing life satisfaction rather than chasing the biggest bank account or the most luxurious lifestyle. Perkins believes that memory dividends are more valuable than financial dividends and repeatedly reminds us throughout the book that we all have an expiration date—life is short, and we're not getting any younger.

He emphasizes getting the order right in our lives. Many of us postpone travel and adventure until retirement, often in our 60s or 70s. But let's be honest, will climbing Machu Picchu be as enjoyable at 70 as it would be at 30? Unlikely. Perkins challenges us to consider living our best lives when it's best to live them.

And I wholeheartedly agree. This concept struck a chord with me. Especially in pursuing Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), it's easy to have a future retirement date in mind as the moment when I can finally start living the life I've been working toward. But what about the present? Am I squandering my healthiest years behind a desk? It certainly sounds like it!

This revelation shattered the linear path I had set before me. I knew I had to start optimizing my life satisfaction today. I began making long-term travel plans and prioritized quality time with friends and family. I splurged on tickets to see my favorite basketball team and took my best friend along. It helped me appreciate my city and love my life a little more. I spent a summer in Mexico City, adjusted my work hours for intensive Spanish classes, and immersed myself in the city's vibrant culture. I dedicated weeks to family, forging connections that will last a lifetime. I even got a memento mori (reminder of death) tattoo to remind me of life's brevity and the importance of seizing every opportunity to enhance my life satisfaction.

And you know what? The money is still rolling in. It's entirely possible to optimize life satisfaction and still meet financial obligations while contributing to savings and investments. Living this way has opened up new ideas and income-generating opportunities because I'm not tied to material possessions. Suddenly, the idea of selling everything and traveling the world sounds like a brilliant plan! When I mentioned long-term travel to someone recently, her response was intuitive: "It's not going to get easier when you're older." We all instinctively grasp the concept of making the most of life while it's good; it just takes that little spark to awaken us from autopilot and prompt intentional living.

I encourage you to check out the book and share your thoughts. I love hearing how this concept impacts people's lives.

Oh, and remember my accountabilibuddies who read the book with me? They sold everything, rented their house out, and are now traveling the world full-time. That sounds like the foundation of a well-lived life to me!