“But isn’t that a really expensive event for frugal people?”
As someone who ended up buying multiple bottles of hotel gift shop almond milk during a previous FinCon (and winning a frugal blogging award there!), I can assure you that professional conferences can be expensive.
Of course, it’s vital to remember that spending on ourselves is OK. Especially if it’s about professional development, personal growth, and new knowledge.
And if you’re like me and FinCon is really just an excuse to catch up with your favorite money nerds and lurk awkwardly in the shadows of your blogging idols, it’s OK to spend money on that, too!
The Internet is overflowing with fabulous #FinCon19 recaps, and rather than write my own, I figured I’d do something a little bit different. Instead of telling you all about FinCon, I want to tell you this: events and conferences can be costly and you can win with money while attending anyway.
Maybe you’re attending FinCon next year or maybe you’re on the fence. Maybe you have no desire to attend a FinCon ever, but you know there’s bound to be some kind of professional conference in your future. Know this, too. Even if the event or conference seems expensive (but #worthit), money wins are possible. In fact, they’re downright likely when you’re surrounded by a sea of money nerds.
Not convinced? Check out these #FinCon19 money wins.
Daniella
What is your money win?
I used southwest RR points for the flight and my wife used her companion pass so the flights were free (besides fees of course)! Also, I snagged a sponsored opp ?
Why are you pumped?
Because FinCon#19 was expensive and the hotel was even MORE expensive. It was nice to catch a break with the flights.
What can others learn from it?
Getting rewards credit cards for any airline or travel reward program is great and can help you save a lot of money but only if you know how to use them correctly. Always pay them off in full and don’t spend using them unless you know you can pay them off in full that month. If you can, great! Use them as much as you can because those points and perks continue to reward us time and time again.
Adam from Minafi
What is your money win?
Bought #FinCon19 flight on points, spoke at FinCon (free pass, discounted room), shared a room with 2 other guys, and picked up a box of protein bars for breakfast for the week ($14!).
Why are you pumped?
My total expenses for a week-long trip to DC to hang out with people were $524 for 7 nights!
What can others learn from it?
Try stepping out of your comfort zone and speaking at a conference. It’s fun and can be financially rewarding.
[Penny’s note: And if public speaking isn’t your thing, there’s a good chance you can find a way to score some kind of perk. Whether it’s working with or volunteering for the company that’s hosting the conference OR talking to some of the vendors who attend.]
Financial Pilgrimage
What is your money win?
My money win was getting a Chipotle gift card from Mr. Burrito Bowl for handing out his business cards at FinCon.
Why are you pumped?
Because Chipotle is delicious!
What can others learn from it?
That being nice gets you Chipotle gift cards.
[Penny’s note: Nice guys don’t finish last AND they get Chipotle!]
Allea Grummert
What is your money win?
I packed my own snacks (PB M&Ms, obvs) and throat coat tea (that I made in the room).
Why are you pumped?
I knew I had snacks on-hand, when I needed them, versus needing to go and buy them. It also gave me a good excuse to go back to my room to rest and refuel between sessions.
What can others learn from it?
It’s super easy to buy a few snacks and bring them with you in your luggage, and it’s a proactive way to avoid being hangry during the conference.
[Penny’s note: Because we travel as a family (and fly Southwest), we know we’re checking luggage anyway. We took two suitcases on this trip – one was diapers, wipes, and ALL THE SNACKS (and breakfast items)!]
Penny (It me!)
What is your money win?
We made it a point to explore outside of the #FinCon19 conference and take advantage of the many free things there are to do in DC. (Plus, we swam in the hotel pool a bunch. Why not if we’re already paying for it?!)
Why are you pumped?
We saved a bunch of money while exploring playgrounds, monuments, and the National Zoo. I scored a few tips from other locals, like ZJ Thorne (and I got to meet her for tea to get the scoop in person!). Plus, I got to spend precious time with my family. Since my husband and I both exhaust all of our personal days for the year to take this trip, it’s important that it’s family time for us, too.
What can others learn from it?
It’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time and more exploring on foot to see what’s out there. Even in a pricey city, there are definitely free and frugal things to do.
HP working hard on stopping my heart for free at Kalorama Park!
Matt at Financial Imagineer
What is your money win?
This year I travelled to Fincon with only three t-shirts and returned with about 7 new ones in my luggage. The shirts (from Fincon itself and many others) are usually of very good quality, nicely designed and I love to wear them almost daily.
Why are you pumped?
Since going to Fincon I rately go t-shirt shopping anymore.
What can others learn from it?
1. Come to Fincon (not just for the shirts though). 2 Bring minimum of t-shirts along and have sufficiently big luggage ready.
Lance Cothern
What is your money win?
While at FinCon, I had honest discussions with many colleagues. I quickly learned I could be getting much higher rates for some of the work I currently do. It looks like I’ve already lined up a couple of new clients at pay rates more in line with what I should be charging.
Why are you pumped?
I’m pumped because I’ll be making more money which will allow me to spend more time focusing on my blog.
What can others learn from it?
Have honest discussions about your work and what it is worth. While you may not want to discuss this in an office setting, you can find colleagues in other companies that can be an honest sounding board.
[Penny’s note: YES! If you do any kind of work that is not on a salary schedule, talk about your pay!]
Brian
What is your money win?
I got my trip to #FinCon19 sponsored and paid for by Upstart.
Why are you pumped?
Can you say a free trip to hang out with all of my fellow money nerds!?! This saved me a ton of money and allowed me to invite my wife to her first FinCon. It was great for her to experience FinCon first hand. It was also an opportunity for us to have some alone time.
What can others learn from it?
Others can learn the importance of making connections with others in real life. Whether its new or old friends or your spouse. Nothing beats meeting, and talking with, others in person compared to staring at a device.
Final Thoughts on #FinCon19 & Money Wins
There you have it, folks! Proof positive that you don’t have to put on your spendypants if you’re attending a professional conference. And if you’re going to FinCon, you don’t have to put on fancypants either (unless dressing up is your thing!).
As a third-time FinCon conference goer, I meet people who are shocked every year that we travel as a family. The truth is, though, that we’ve used at least one of these money wins every time to make the conference much more affordable.
Plus, it matters to me.
And if something is pricey and you can save up for it, that’s a money win, too!
If you’d like to join the money win party, fill out this survey. Whether you are a blogger or a reader or both, you are welcome to party here!
Also, don’t miss any of our past money wins:
- Volume 1 – Kate, Revanche, Melody
- Volume 2 – Jody, Aitza, Little Miss Fire
- Volume 3 – Sarah, Kathy, Tara
- Volume 4 – Zero, Kat, Mystery Money Man
- Volume 5 – Anna, Debra, Claudia
- Volume 6 – Kate, Are We Adults Yet, Money Saved is Money Earned
- Volume 7 – Leigh, $76K Project, Josh
- Volume 8 – Jill, Verokina, Mr. Green
- Volume 9 – Budget Epicurean, Felicity, Erin
- Volume 10 – Kris, Revanche, Aaron
- Volume 11 – My Plutus Nod & Jo-Anne
- Volume 12 – Amanda, Kudy, Laura
- Volume 13 – Kate, Rich, Emily
- Volume 14 – Cait, Margot, Mr. Flexcents
- Volume 15 – Kate, Salty Old Lady, Dave
- Volume 16 – Saving4XtraRice, Perpetual Money Machine, Zandile
- Volume 17 – Rachel, Cashflow Cop, Kris
- Volume 18 – Gigi, One Frugal Girl, Barnaby King
- Volume 19 – Educator FI, Financial Pilgrimage, Alberto, Hailey
- Volume 20 – Daniella, Debt Ascent, Tawnya, Dollar Revolution
- Volume 21 – Brian, Matthew, Bettysonly
So Tell Me…How are you winning with money lately? Drop a comment or fill out this survey.
I loved enjoying it from afar, through y’all, this year!
I got really lucky winning a big cash prize one year but that’s not replicable 😉
I have finally decided that I would like to go next year but because our costs keep creeping up right now and stressing me out (SEAMUS!) this is my compromise: between now and the end of January, I have to earn enough from my creative endeavors to pay for the ticket and the trip. I’m sharing the shareable ones on the blog in an honest effort to make it happen. 🙂