Welcome to The Quiet Rich, your weekly guide to a quiet mind and rich life. Today we're talking about being "rich" in priceless memories (and no regrets).

CONTEXT

I keep thinking about this quote: "Your life is the sum of your experiences. When you look back on your life, the richness of those experiences will determine how full a life you've led." —Bill Perkins

Harsh truth: your window for certain travel experiences is quietly closing.

• Want to take your aging parents on a vacation? At some point, they won’t be comfortable sitting on a long flight or walking long distances.

• Dream of backpacking through Europe? If you keep waiting, you may have too many responsibilities to take that much time off.

• That motorcycle tour across Morocco? After you have kids, your risk tolerance might change forever. (I’m so glad I did this in my 20s. 🏍️)

We don't think about it this way, but every dream experience has an expiration date.

To me, travel isn't just about seeing new places. It's about collecting memories that you’ll tell stories about for years. Bill Perkins calls this "memory dividends."

When you experience something wonderful (like a vacation), you get joy from it in the moment. But the joy doesn't stop there.

You come home and people ask how it was. You show them photos. You smile telling stories. You fondly remember it years later when someone mentions that place.

The time you spent in Japan at 25? Of course it was fun in the moment. But it also gave you stories to tell at dinner parties and memories to cherish for decades.

The trip is the memory. All those extra moments of joy are "memory dividends," or the extra payout you get every time you recall the memory.

Important note: These experiences don't have to be grand or expensive. Some of your most priceless memories may come from recording a conversation with your grandparents as they tell stories about their life. Or hosting a small fundraiser for a cause you care about. Or surprising your partner with a date night you've always wanted to try. This exercise is about maximizing your happiness and fulfillment in the long-run.

METHOD

Here’s my 3-step exercise to become rich in memories. It’s probably the best thing you could do with the next 10 minutes of your day. Just saying.

Step 1: Create your “Rich List”

Grab a pen and paper (or download my free workbook called “The Rich List” and do this on your computer so you never lose it).

Write down at least 20 experiences you want to have in the next 10 years (e.g., places you want to travel to, skills you want to learn, ways you want to give back to your loved ones and community, personal growth goals, etc).

Think of the things you’d really regret not doing at least once. Be bold.

Curious what mine are? I included my personal list in that PDF: 52 things I most want to experience across my Career, Health, Relationships, Lifestyle, and Social Good.)

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Step 2: Write down the “Expiration Date”

Next to each of the travel things on that list, write down the age when you’ll probably not be able to do it.

For example, I really want to ski Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. (This is one of many examples from my personal travel list. (Free PDF here) But I’m guessing by the time I’m 60, I’ll no longer want to take the physical risk of skiing double blacks.

Be honest about the physical, mental, and life-stage requirements for each experience.

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Step 3. Commit to a Month + Year

Here’s the important part. Decide exactly when you will prioritize those. Literally, write down the month and year you plan to do it. (Getting my skis ready for February 2027. ⛷️)

My challenge to you: Book one of those experiences between July - September this year.

Most people put off the planning, assuming that they can “always do it next year.” But there will come a year when you can’t…

And if you do it earlier, it will serve you for years to come. David Brooks referred to this as building “identity capital.” He wrote, “In your 20s, do three fascinating things that dinner companions will want to ask you about for the rest of your life.”

One small ask before you go: I'll be traveling through Italy this summer, and I'd love your help. 🇮🇹

What's one "hidden gem" place in Italy that you absolutely adore? It could be a hotel, restaurant, coffee shop, specific food to eat, museum, etc.

Hit reply to this email! 🙏 Something like: "Palermo! Go to dinner at Villa Igiea." I can’t wait to hear about your favorite Italian hidden gems. ❤️

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Your “Rich List” isn’t just about the experiences themselves. It’s about the people you share them with. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of solo travel. But when you share an experience with a loved one, you both earn “memory dividends” every time you reflect on it together.

Most people approach summer travel backwards. They wait for the "perfect time" when they have more money, more vacation days, or less work to do. But if we’re honest? That perfect time rarely comes.

I’ll leave you with this final thought: “Yes, you need money to survive in retirement, but the main thing you’ll be retiring on will be your memories—so make sure you invest enough in those.” –Bill Perkins.

Enjoyed this? Forward it to someone in your life who you want to have priceless moments with this summer. ❤️ And read the other newsletters from The Quiet Rich here.

Until next week,

Jade

P.S. Curious how to make more time for travel? Honestly, it helps to work for yourself… My life changed dramatically over the past 3 years. I started a coaching business, landed a book deal, and left my full-time career at Google. And it’s entirely thanks to growing my personal brand on LinkedIn.

If you want to grow your brand but don’t know where to start, I have fun news. Ben Meer and I are hosting a free webinar TOMORROW on how to define your niche on LinkedIn and start attracting dream clients and opportunities directly to your inbox. 900+ people already got their spot. Register here for free.

I can’t wait to see you there. Pssst. We’re giving away 3 free gifts that I desperately wish I had when I started posting online.