Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett
Author: Chris Hutchins
July 15, 2026
Duration: 1:13:32
#287: Chris and Brad Barrett revisit "Die With Zero" and confront how much harder Bill Perkins' ideas are to live than to agree with. They dig into when frugality flips from superpower to liability, the maximizer's struggle to let go, optimizing for the perfect Tuesday over the once-a-year trip, and giving money to your kids while it still matters.
Brad is the co-host of the ChooseFI podcast and co-author of Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/die-with-zero-revisited-brad-barrett/.
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Resources Mentioned
Brad Barrett: Website | X
Book: Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence
Podcast: The ChooseFI Podcast
Newsletter: The ChooseFI Newsletter
The Tuesday Project
Books & Articles
Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
The Tail End by Tim Urban
The Skill of Spending | Mr. Money Mustache
Tools
The Big Ass Calendar
Copilot Money
ATH Podcast
Ep #68: Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Strategies and Friends Newsletters with Nick Gray
Ep #189: Beyond the 4% Rule: Smarter Strategies for Financial Independence with Karsten Jeske
Ep #282: Saving Money and Optimizing is My Kryptonite
Ep #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
Best Cards Page
Newsletter
AMA: Submit Questions
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:14) Revisiting "Die With Zero" Four Years Later
(06:50) Is Intentional Frugality a Superpower?
(08:48) Where Chris Still Struggles to Spend
(15:04) The Psychology of Spending
(19:53) Maximizer vs. Satisficer: What Are You Optimizing For?
(23:35) Matching Your Effort to the Season of Life You're In
(25:04) How to Let Go When You Want to Do Everything
(31:50) Optimizing for Lasting Happiness
(37:23) Don't Run Away From What Lights You Up
(38:43) What Are You Actually Chasing More Money For?
(44:01) What Are You Really Saving For?
(45:46) Giving Money to Kids (and Causes) While It Still Matters
(50:40) Hedging Retirement Risk by Moving, Not Working Longer
(53:00) Fear Wasting Your Life More Than Running Out of Money
(57:52) Chris's Vision for a Family Summer Camp
(01:02:36) Building a Time-Bucket List of One-Off Dreams
(01:03:44) The Case for Doing "Nothing" on a Trip
(01:04:23) Chris's Three Main Takeaways
(01:06:23) Lowering the Barrier to Real-Life Connection
(01:09:55) Defining Net Fulfillment For Yourself
Connect with Chris
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