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<\/a><\/p>\nWhy Save Money You Will Never Get to Use?<\/h2>\n
Francesca Baker-Brooker is 39; her husband Andy is 41. They own a flat in Shoreditch, work in London, and have chosen not to have children.<\/p>\n
Despite being relatively young, the couple have already laid solid foundations for the future. Francesca, who works in public relations, has amassed roughly \u00a3400,000 across her pension accounts. Andy, a chartered accountant, targets a pot close to \u00a31 million before stepping away from his career.<\/p>\n
Their ultimate goal, however, diverges from traditional financial planning. The couple have no intention of spending their best years deferring gratification, only to leave a vast sum untouched.<\/p>\n
Instead, they plan to spend their capital on travel, comfortable living, and shared experiences\u2014gradually decumulating their wealth as they age.<\/p>\n
Francesca puts it plainly: the necessary safety net is already in place, making endless accumulation for the sake of a larger number on a screen seem pointless. The couple would rather enjoy life right now than wait for an uncertain date down the line.<\/p>\n
The Origins of the “Die With Zero” Philosophy<\/h3>\n
This approach owes much of its popularity to Die With Zero<\/i>, a 2020 book by American investor Bill Perkins.<\/p>\n
Its core thesis is that money holds no intrinsic value. It matters only because it buys time, autonomy, security, and life experiences.<\/p>\n
Viewed through this lens, a substantial surplus left behind after death represents unspent life energy\u2014hours exchanged for money that was never converted into anything meaningful.<\/p>\n
Perkins also introduces the concept of “memory dividends”. A holiday, a family gathering, or a milestone event delivers enjoyment long after it concludes; the resulting memories compound emotionally over decades.<\/p>\n
Consequently, there is a strong argument for spending earlier. A major trip taken at 50 is likely to yield far greater utility and enjoyment than the same itinerary attempted at 85, when health and mobility may well be constrained.<\/p>\n
Passing On an Inheritance Sooner<\/h3>\n
Giving while living forms a cornerstone of this philosophy.<\/p>\n
Most people inherit wealth when they are already well into middle age\u2014frequently in their 50s or 60s. By that stage, life’s major financial hurdles have often been cleared: university fees are settled, property has been purchased, and careers are established.<\/p>\n
The very same sum could be transformative 25 or 30 years earlier, helping a young adult secure a deposit on a first home, launch a business, fund further education, or avoid high-interest credit.<\/p>\n
Advocates of this strategy suggest giving away a portion of wealth while still alive. This allows parents to support their children when it matters most, while enjoying the satisfaction of seeing the impact firsthand.<\/p>\n
For childless couples, the decision is even more straightforward. Without direct heirs, deciding who gets the remaining capital\u2014and why\u2014demands active planning.<\/p>\n
Francesca notes that many of her friends in London are also childless. In one case, an older relative hesitated to spend part of her savings on a holiday, feeling the money was effectively spoken for as an inheritance for extended family.<\/p>\n
Her relatives gave a clear answer: take the trip; the memory matters more than a future bequest.<\/p>\n
The Baker-Brookers take a similar line. They would far rather their own parents use their hard-earned money to enjoy their retirement than make sacrifices to inflate an inheritance.<\/p>\n