Die With Zero Needs a Plan

The spend-it-all retirement mindset appeals because some retirees underspend, while memorable experiences and giving can create lasting emotional value throughout later life.
Planning matters: a current survey found ~50% of Americans lack a written financial plan, and advisers said this strategy demands deliberate budgeting and savings.
Many retirees already withdraw less than the traditional ~4% guideline, and past research found some households still held all their starting retirement assets later.
Spending and gifting earlier can reduce tax efficiency, because bigger withdrawals may trigger taxes and heirs can lose a valuable step-up in basis.
One adviser recommended permanent life insurance bought earlier, so spenders can leave heirs a tax-free benefit and tap policy value if needed.