IMO, the sweet spot is believing in an afterlife that is made better by how much you improve this world. If you view the money you leave to your children/inheritors as part of a lasting good in the world, it powers a drive to achieve greatness in this life too.
Discussion
Agreed! Buddhist concepts of reincarnation are framed like this
What do you think about the opposite that life after death might be the ultimate form of inflation? Devaluing your actual life so that you are willing to give it up for the crown/state/country/etc. to your detriment.