"Die with Zero: Redefining Legacy and Wealth in Singapore"

My Legacy is the Life I Live.

Live Fully, Give Early: Rethinking Wealth and Legacy in Singapore

We work hard. We save carefully. And one day, we leave behind an inheritance for our children.

That’s what most of us call a legacy.

But what if that’s only part of the story? What if legacy isn’t just about what we leave after we’re gone—but also about how we live and give while we’re still here?

“A true legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind, but how we show up for the people we love today.”

Why Wait Until We're Gone?

Most of us were taught to accumulate wealth quietly and pass it on when we're no longer around. It feels right, noble—responsible, even.

But here’s a thought: what if the real impact happens not at the end of life, but in the middle of it?

In his book Die With Zero, Bill Perkins shares a powerful idea: wealth is meant to be used, enjoyed, and shared while we’re alive. Not recklessly, but meaningfully.

“Supporting your kids early in life can unlock opportunities, confidence, and freedom—far more than money passed down decades later.”

It might sound counterintuitive, but giving earlier—when it matters most—can actually be the more generous act.

Singapore Is Expensive. Young Adults Feel It.

In Singapore, the cost of living is high. Housing, education, healthcare—it all adds up. And while many of us feel the squeeze, young adults feel it even more when they’re just getting started.

Starting a career, buying a first home, raising young children… it’s a lot.

That’s why giving now, not just later, can be such a meaningful choice.

Help with a down payment. A small investment to help them launch a business. Even funding a sabbatical or an overseas experience. Don't see them as luxuries — seem them as launchpads.

“Living fully now means investing in people you care about—because the true gift of wealth is the impact it creates today.”

The Myth of Having to Choose

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to pick between enjoying life or supporting others.

You can do both.

Enjoy the holidays. Eat the good food. Build memories with loved ones. And yes, set aside money that helps others grow, take risks, and chase their own dreams too.

“Your legacy is being written right now—in the choices you make, the moments you show up, and the people you lift up.”

Think about a cause you care about deeply. Wouldn’t you want to give your time and resources to it while you can still see the impact? The same goes for the people you love.

What Legacy Really Looks Like

To me, legacy isn’t measured by the size of the cheque you leave behind.

It’s in the advice you gave when someone needed clarity. It’s in the time you spent when you didn’t have to. It’s in the risks you helped your kids take, and the confidence they gained from your support.

It’s being there now, not just remembered later.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late—live generously, love openly, and give meaningfully while you’re still here.”

Living this way doesn’t mean throwing financial caution out the window. It means being intentional. Spending not just on things, but on people. Not just on security, but on growth.

How to Start Living and Giving Today

Start small. Think about:

• Who in your life could use a little boost?

• Is there a cause you care about that needs your time or support?

• What memories can you create now that will still make you smile years from today?

Wealth is more than money. It’s love, time, encouragement, and opportunity.

“The legacy we leave is built in the ordinary moments—how we love, how we give, and how we live.”

Final Thought: A Challenge for You

Let’s rethink what it means to be wealthy. Let’s build a life that’s not just rich in numbers, but rich in meaning.

Plan wisely. Save diligently. But don’t wait until the end to give. Live fully. Give early. And leave a legacy that starts right now.

I write about the financial habits and decisions that shape the way we live and see the world. If this piece resonated with you, I invite you to explore more at williamseah.com/blog—there’s plenty there for curious minds and thoughtful planners.

If you'd like to dive deeper into any of these ideas, or explore how they might apply to your personal financial journey, I’d be glad to connect. Drop me a note at reach.william@gmail.com or send me a message at 9673 1523. Whether it's coffee, whisky, or a good conversation you're after—I’m always up for it.