I always thought it was strange to spend a bunch of money (or points) to attend a conference about saving money.
ThinkSaveRetire.com started in late 2014. Despite years of blogging, I’ve never attended a single Financial Conference (FinCon) put on by the one and only Philip Taylor of PTMoney.com.
In case you don’t know, FinCon is basically THE conference to attend if you’re in the personal finance blogging community. Hundreds of bloggers, as well as financial companies, converge on a hotel and spend a few days putting on presentations and basically talking about money. Bloggers routinely network with each other. For many, it’s the very first time we meet one another in person. It’s a ton of fun, they say, and filled with late nights talking, laughing and generally bullshitting with your fellow bloggers.
But yet, I resisted going.
Why I refused to go
For the first couple of years after joining this awesome community of money bloggers, I refused to go because it was tough for me to reconcile the cost and, basically, the stuff that we blog about each and every day. Saving money. Spending less. Minimizing.
Honestly, I found it funny that so many bloggers willingly spent hundreds of dollars to attend a conference about saving money.
But through it all, there was this little inkling of doubt in the back of my head. Maybe it’s worth going? Virtually every blogger raves about the experience afterward. The networking is amazing. People are having fun chatting with each other until the wee morning hours. Podcasts explode with new guests and on-the-fly interviews. There’s just a lot going on.
But still, the money…
Why I am going to FinCon17
Eventually, I realized that I was being dumb. Or perhaps more accurate, I wasn’t practicing what I preach on this blog. I kept focusing on the money.
But, personal finance isn’t just about money.
Yes, money is a large part of personal finance, but there’s also another part that I was ignoring: Value. I completely ignored the potential value that I would get out of attending the conference. What if I attend the conference and wind up doing business with another blogger, a relationship that never would have materialized if I hadn’t decided to go?
Or, maybe I’ll jump into a podcast that will get my blog out there even more than it already is. Ideas abound at these types of conferences. Maybe I need to put myself in a position to soak up the wisdom from my fellow bloggers.
How much potential for success does this conference provide?
Long story short, I don’t know the answer to that question. But, that’s also why I am going this year. I spend a LOT of time in the personal finance community, and I owe it to myself to at least check this mad house out for myself instead of reading people’s post mortems. I need to be there and observe for myself what value this conference truly has.
I think there’s a reason why so many folks are repeat attendees.
Who knows whether or not I’ll be a repeat attendee. But, I am determined to put myself in a position to determine that answer once and for all.
Dallas – here I come.
P.S. If you’re going too, I want to meet you. Whoever you are, let’s meet. My wife and I are flying in on Wednesday and staying through Saturday and leaving Sunday. I’ll be hanging out with J$ a lot during the conference, but I want to meet everyone. Let’s have a blast, shall we?
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I look forward to seeing you. That’s exactly why I’m going. I love networking/conferences: the right ones provide tremendous value. And since FinCon is THE one for personal finance, it should be a great value. Let’s grab a beer!
Likewise, FWP! Totally, let’s definitely grab a beer. Or two.
Don’t forget there’s FREE BEER there too! That helps recoup some of the money 😉
What!!!!!
Will see ya there! Looking forward to it
I had no idea there was free beer until a couple of days ago. How in the world did I not realize that before?!? Ugh. 🙂
I got handed about 5 drink tickets at the closing party last year. Funny thing is I’m not a fan of wine, and I can’t drink beer, so I’d trade multiple tickets for a hard drink with someone. Win win for everyone!
Definitely, a win-win! 😉
Free beer? Well that changes the budget a bit, doesn’t it.
Ha! It does indeed. Basically cuts my assumed budget in half. 😉
I’ll toast to that!
Free Beer??!! Awesome!
I think JMoney gets more free beer than the rest of us. Just saying:) I don’t remember much of the free stuff (although maybe it was because I had too much beer). Lol.
Ha! Beer will do that to a person. Especially good beer.
What!!?? I thought you were only coming to meet me. I’m crushed, but I’ll get over it.
Glad you decided to come, I look forward to meeting you in Dallas (I know why you’re really coming, after all). My first, as well. Excited to experience it all. See you both soon.
Likewise, Fritz! Unfortunately I can’t blind you with the Airstream because that’s gotta stay back in Arizona this time, but I’ll find another way!
See you soon!
I didn’t know you lived in Arizona. I live in Arizona too! I am not making it to the FinCon but would definitely like to catch up later sometime!
Hey Raman – technically, we used to live in Arizona. Since we full-time RV now, we’re only back in AZ a couple times a year. Especially in the fall and winter! 🙂
I plan on being there for the first time this year also, plus I’m local so had little choice really. My value equation was skewed a bit more positively as a result. Glad to have the chance to meet you!
Likewise, Max. See you in a month!
Really glad you’ll be there Steve. It’ll be my first time too – looking forward to meeting you in-person!
Me too, Chris!
I thinks it’s good move to go check it out. You’ll no doubt learn a few things, network, and have some fun socializing and meeting everyone. It will probably give your blog a boost as well. One thing I’ve learned is just being out there in life can lead to new opportunities that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
That’s so true, Arrgo. Just being there helps even if you don’t interact all that much. Showing up is half the battle, these days!
Hope you have fun! Sad I won’t be seeing you because I’m not going. I think it would probably be a great benefit for your blog, especially being in the FIRE part of it since it’s all the rage! 🙂
Thanks Tonya! Hehe, FIRE is all the rage, isn’t it? It’s a good rage, though. A good rage. 🙂
Honestly I thought it was because you wanted to visit Dallas…..
Have fun. I will not be there this year, but maybe next….
Nothing against Dallas, but I’ve seen it before. Big city. Kinda like New York, right? (Kidding!). Too bad we’re gonna miss each other this year, but yup, maybe next year!
Steve,
The cost of the conference is paid for by the relationships and opportunities that arise out of it. It’s an investment in your online endeavors that pays off.
On top of that, it’s a GOOD time with lots of free beer and food and it isn’t that expensive. And the breakout sessions (many are worth checking out) and all of your conversations will help you frame your priorities for the year ahead. This is my third year and I’m more excited than ever. See you there!
-RBD
Thanks RBD – I slowly but surely realized that the value of the conference might override the cost to attend. We’ll see. I’m amped to go, and I bet it’ll be a wonderful experience.
I’m pretty skeptical about it Steve. I’ve attended conferences for different industries and they definitely were not worth it from a monetary standpoint. From a social standpoint, well….
I think part of the appeal is that bloggers are a largely under-socialized group. Put a few of them in a room together and pretty soon you see blog posts about having a “amazing mind-blowing experience”. Free beer probably helps that happen.
I expect we’ll see similar posts from thinksaveretire! 😀
As long as I honestly believe it was a good experience, that’s all that really matters to me. It’s a mind game, after all! 🙂
We just got home from Longmont and the conference with MMM at his new headquarters. It was incredible. And I think FinCon will be just as exciting and worthwhile. I just had one of your readers contact me about helping her make a career decision – so even though some of the networking happens behind the scenes, I’m really psyched about meeting you and all of the other great folks in the community! I think I owe you a beer – or two as well!
One of MY readers? Awesome! Glad you two were able to connect. That’s what makes this community so worthwhile, after all. People helping each other out with our different perspectives! 🙂
Looking forward to seeing you there!!
Likewise, Miss Mazuma!
Yay! I’m so glad you are going!
Thanks Michelle! I take it you’ll be there as well?
Looking forward to meeting you, Steve! And what’s this “free beer” stuff – this definitely makes the investment worth it!
— Jim
Likewise, Jim! And yeah, they had me before the free beer part, but that totally makes it even better. 🙂
YAAAAAS. I’m going to my first-ever FinCon this year as well. We’ll have to catch up. 🙂
I haven’t been, but like you have heard great things. Dallas will be my first – but I suspect not my last.
See ya there, WealthyDoc!
I enjoyed my time at FinCon15. I used a bunch of reward point to reduce overall cost. I did learn a lot, but enjoyed connecting with everyone even more. The side conversation were the best. Having lunch with a millionaire at Panera was priceless. Just sold my ticket for this year, too much going at at home to make the trip. Hope to get back in the future.
Thanks Brian. I’m really looking forward to the conversations with other bloggers.
I’m so looking forward to FinCon and meeting everyone. Hope to see and hear lots from you and Courtney, and of course enjoy a free beer or two with ya!
Thanks Amy! We’ll definitely see ya there. So looking forward to meeting up!
Ah that’s awesome! I’d love to say hi! (and drink a free beer with you)
Totally, let’s do it!
I was at FinCon last year and, while I have been largely inactive in the blogosphere since then, I still reaped tons of value from the experience that is paying off today. It’s crazy how something can show its value months down the line when you least expect it. Everything in our culture seems to be about instant gratification, so it’s easy to come away empty handed and just think it wasn’t anything great. But here I am a year later, and I’m in touch with a few people I met there who have helped me out in ways I didn’t think would ever happen.
Thanks Andrew! Your impressions of FinCon are very common, and that’s great to hear. 🙂
Glad you came around, Steve. Ha. I think you hit the nail on the head with value. I grew my career in the real estate investing world, and there were many events with HORRIBLE value. You know, the late-night-info-take-your-wallet-when-you’re-not-looking types.
FinCon was a breathe of fresh air because of all the value I’ve experienced. The first year as a newbie it was a lot about learning for me. Last year, the relationships, podcast appearances, and most of all face-to-face friendships were invaluable.
You’ll make your own call after it’s said and done, but it seems like a good decision to me.
I look forward to meeting there.
Us too, Chad. It’s been a long time coming for us, but we finally broke down. 🙂
Don’t you know that resistance is futile? 🙂
I go because it’s fun, and you can develop some good relationships along the way.
But you forgot one part of the equation, it’s not just about saving money, it’s actually about making a tremendous amount of money if you want. That’s where a lot of value lies.
Sam
I NOW know that resistance is futile! 🙂 And yup, nothing wrong with earning a tremendous amount of money. It’s all good!
Experiences are never a waste of money. You will network with a lot of amazing people. Have fun !
Thanks Steve!
This will be FinCon #2 for my wife and I, can’t wait to meet you in person Steve!
The main reason we go is to hang out with a ton of amazing people, many in the FIRE community. We haven’t had a bad experience yet interacting with others on similar paths to our own and we always walk away with new ideas.
Thanks Noah! Looking forward to meeting you guys as well. In fact, that’s the primary reason I’m going. Gotta meet all you people. 🙂
I’m going this year, so can’t wait to meet you! And free beer?! How did I not see that there was free beer sooner?! Woohoo to learning things in the comments section!
I do recall Mrs. SSC telling me, “Wait, we spent how much for you to go to FinCon?!” So, unless I pay for everything next year, it may be my only experience, lol.
I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing what all the hubbub is about as well.
Likewise, Mr. SSC! Looking forward to witnessing, along with being a part of, all the hubbub. 🙂
Woohoo to free beer! Watch out for the red Asian guy (I turn red when drinking alcohol).
Looking forward to meeting you in person. 🙂
Hehe, duly noted! Let’s have a beer or two…or three. See ya there!
Dallas is kind is just so-so, haha. I shouldn’t say that since I’m from Texas and was born in Dallas but yeah…
However, I’m really excited to be going to FinCon17 again! Getting to connect in person with several people was worthwhile. See you there!
You and me both, Colin. Yup, see ya there!
See ya there, Steve. I’m glad you finally saw the light. I hate to break it to you though…… you’re probably not going to spend a bunch of time with J. The man has groupies everywhere he goes! But hey that just means you can spend more time with the rest of us 😀
As for the costs, there are ways to keep it reasonable. We got an AirBnB last year that had a kitchen, so that cut the costs for the few meals that weren’t covered at FinCon. We were also super close and not the hotel so it was the place to be. We’re doing the same thing this year! (which is good, because my bf and my friend’s husband are going to go through so many eggs for breakfast). Also, buying your ticket earlier in the year helps cut the cost.
Lookin’ forward to it! I happened to buy a ticket off of someone who didn’t want there’s, so it ended up being the same price as the early bird for my wife and I even though we bought our tickets about a month ago. 🙂
Follow you on youTube. We retired early (62). Touring part time in our TT now. next year a 6 mo. trip through Canada (we’re Canadians eh and want to see more of here rather than there. LOL
Thanks Jerry! It’s an amazing country out there. We actually want to see Canada one of these years, but we haven’t fully explored the U.S. quite yet either. We’ll be close next year, though – Washington State! 🙂