Sarah and Michael had been friends since college, but their lives took drastically divergent paths after becoming parents.

For Sarah, the birth of her daughter Emma ignited a longing to embrace a life of experiences over material possessions. Michael, on the other hand, saw the arrival of his son Jacob as motivation to prioritize financial security above all else.

It was during those sleep-deprived newborn days that Sarah discovered Bill Perkins' book "Die With Zero." As she pored over its pages, rocking Emma in her arms, the central philosophy struck a profound chord – to thoughtfully spend one's savings and net worth creating cherished memories with loved ones. The concept of the "memory dividend" resonated deeply, for what good were fancy possessions if her daughter grew up without a anthology of vivid family experiences?

Without hesitation, Sarah decided to restructure their lives according to this new outlook. She quit her corporate job, downsized their living expenses, and embarked on a globetrotting journey filled with adventures tailored to enriching Emma's childhood.

From trekking through the Himalayas to immersing themselves in the vibrant cultures of South America, Sarah and Emma's travels became a tapestry of unforgettable moments. The awe-inspiring vistas, the camaraderie forged with fellow adventurers, and the deep sense of accomplishment upon reaching each summit – these were the memories that would forever bind mother and daughter.

With each adventure, their bank account dwindled, but the bonds between them and their treasury of shared experiences grew richer.

Michael found himself pulled in the opposite direction by the hustle culture. Determined to provide a secure future for Jacob, he poured himself into his career, working tirelessly to build a substantial nest egg and college fund. Personal relationships and leisure time became secondary as Michael singularly pursued financial growth.

As the years passed, the divergence between Sarah and Michael's paths became increasingly apparent.

Sarah reveled in the richness of her shared memories with Emma, though concerns about long-term financial stability lingered. Michael, conversely, amassed an impressive nest egg but felt a growing disconnect from Jacob, missing out on precious moments as his son grew up yearning for quality time together.

Sarah worried about the potential for unexpected expenses or health issues straining their finances in old age. Michael, despite his substantial savings, grappled with the nagging sense that the sacrifices he made had come at too high a cost – his relationship with his son.

Michael, too, had moments where he glimpsed the beauty of a life crafted around experiences rather than wealth accumulation. As Jacob gleefully unwrapped the latest gadget on his birthday, Michael couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy that their shared memories centered more around possessions than authentic personal connections.

So should we be like Sarah and die with zero?

I feel its a deeply personal question. What is the value of your memory dividend to you versus your financial security? What about your relationships?

As always, the optimal approach lies somewhere in between.

And its likely different for you and me.