Meaning of the word "fools live poor to die rich" in English

What does "fools live poor to die rich" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

fools live poor to die rich

US /fuːlz lɪv pʊr tuː daɪ rɪtʃ/
UK /fuːlz lɪv pɔː tuː daɪ rɪtʃ/
"fools live poor to die rich" picture

Idiom

a proverb suggesting that it is foolish to live a life of extreme frugality and hardship just to leave behind a large fortune when one dies

Example:
He never spent a penny on himself, but as they say, fools live poor to die rich.
Enjoy your money now instead of hoarding it; remember that fools live poor to die rich.