Most of us spend decades building wealth, thinking we’ll “enjoy it later.” But what if “later” never ends up the way we imagine?
In this quick video, Rory O’Hara shares what the idea of “Die With Zero” (from the book Die With Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins) taught him about using money, time, and energy with intention.
Transcript:
Introduction: Rethinking Money, Time, and Purpose
Hi, everyone, I’m Rory O’Hara with Ausperity Private Wealth. Today I want to talk about a simple idea—one that’s become a guiding philosophy for how I think about money, time, and purpose. I’m talking about the concept of Die With Zero, based on the book by Bill Perkins.
What “Die With Zero” Really Means
This isn’t about literally ending life with an empty bank account. It’s about making sure your wealth is used purposefully, not stockpiled indefinitely. After working with hundreds of families, I’ve seen what happens when people save for decades, only to reach retirement unable to enjoy the experiences they worked so hard for.
The Hidden Cost of Saving Without Intention
The idea of Die With Zero has pushed me to think deeply about how we balance our financial lives with our actual lives. One thing I’ve learned is that money and time rarely show up in equal supply.
Why Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset
Time is the only asset that truly depreciates. You can always earn more money, but you can’t make more time.
Missed Experiences Across Every Stage of Life
I’ve seen high-income millennials building tremendous wealth while delaying meaningful experiences they’ll never get back. I’ve worked with corporate executives who climbed the ladder of success only to realize they missed the moments that mattered most—family time, personal health, and peace of mind. I’ve also seen individuals discover too late that they could have retired earlier and spent those years traveling, exploring, and creating memories.
The Danger of Focusing Only on Accumulation
These are just a few examples of what happens when we focus solely on accumulation. Without intention, you risk saving for a version of life you may never get to live.
Experiences Create the Greatest Return on Investment
To me, “Die With Zero” doesn’t mean reckless spending or running out of money. It means recognizing that your greatest return on investment comes from memories, relationships, and experiences—not just portfolio performance.
Redefining Prosperity and Legacy
Prosperity isn’t just about how much wealth you have; it’s about how fully you use it. Experiences, not assets, leave the most lasting legacy.
The Critical Shift: From Accumulation to Utilization
Often, the people who accumulate the most (executives, top performers, disciplined savers) are the same people who struggle to enjoy it. Not because they don’t want to, but because no one has helped them safely shift from accumulation to utilization. That shift is where meaning is created.
Using Wealth to Elevate Your Life Today
This approach uses money not only to safeguard your future, but to elevate your present life.
How Ausperity Private Wealth Can Help
So where does Ausperity Private Wealth fit in? If you’re wondering whether your financial plan truly reflects the life you want to live, I’d love to talk. A single conversation can bring clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose around how you use the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build.
Next Steps: Schedule a Conversation
To schedule a meeting, call my office at 856-252-0102 or email me at [email protected].