My Trip To The Mile High City — Part 1
Posted by michelle on Sep 11, 2012 in Site News | 38 comments
This past Wednesday night, it was T minus 12 hours to The Financial Blogger Conference in Denver, and I hadn’t even started packing. I knew I needed a pair of jeans, shoes, maybe a jacket for the mountain air, and a toothbrush, but I hadn’t taken my planning much beyond that. I’ve always been like this; a self-proclaimed, hopeless procrastinator. It’s not that I was extremely busy, or even too lazy really, to pack beforehand. It’s just that I simply work better under pressure. No matter what the task at hand may be, rest assured that I will be sweating bullets trying to get it all done in a ridiculously pinched time frame. That Wednesday evening was no exception.
Instead of packing, I played on Twitter, painted my toenails (important-ish), and helped my husband drink some wine. Hey, someone has to do the dirty work. I decided that relaxing with my husband was far more vital to my sanity than knowing that I didn’t forget to pack my boarding pass. At one point, Jefferson asked me if I thought I should probably think about packing. I lied to my sweet husband, since I know it drives him crazy that I’m like this, and told him that all my things were ready to go. Naturally, I had planned to not shove them into my bag yet, so they wouldn’t wrinkle. This seemed to mollify his anxiousness temporarily, as he smiled at his clever wife–psst, that’s me. He hadn’t even thought of that! I went to bed that night knowing damn well I would have to hustle in the morning, but also knowing damn well that at that very moment, my pillow felt better than anything else in the world. I slept like a baby.
For those who aren’t as geeky as me, you may think it’s a little crazy to go to a blogging conference. Obviously, these things aren’t free. When I told my friends and family that I was considering attending the conference, I got the same reaction over and over; they asked how much it was going to cost of course.
Fincon12 Denver
- 3 1/2 days of presentations by some of the most successful bloggers in the business = $150 ticket
- flight from St. Louis, MO to Denver, CO = $249 roundtrip
- hotel stay (assuming I’d have a roommate at that time) = $150 + tax
- food (breakfast and lunch would be provided) = ~$50
- drinks (some drink tickets were provided) = ~$30
- cab rides = $60 to and from the airport + any additional excursions = ~$150
Total = almost $800
That was my original estimate at least. After telling those that know me best how much it would likely cost, I got the same reaction over and over. They laughed and wanted to know if I had even made a dime from my blog yet. My response shocked them…and then made them consider starting a blog themselves. Also, I had heard that going to a conference would more than pay for itself if I factored the relationships I would likely strengthen and of course all the priceless advice and ideas with which I would walk away and be able to implement on my own blog. There were so many amazing writers and talented business owners speaking. I couldn’t wait for my friends’ blessings. I booked my flight, bought my ticket, and asked around about sharing a room with another female since Jeff wouldn’t be coming with me for the trip.
Right away, a friend of mine offered to share her room at the Hyatt with me–great! Everything was going swimmingly. Then, just three weeks before my trip, I got an email from my planned roommate. She had received a promotion at her job and therefore wouldn’t be able to go to the conference. She wanted to know if I wanted her to cancel the room or not. My heart sank. What was I going to do? I had already budgeted for a roommate and didn’t really want to spend an additional $150 + tax, even though it guaranteed I’d have the bathroom to myself. I couldn’t even look on the bright side. This is why I don’t like planning things in advance. If I would have procrastinated from the beginning, I wouldn’t have been so disappointed when things weren’t going to go exactly as I had thought/hoped.
The very next morning, I started looking for another roommate. Maybe there was someone else in the same lousy predicament. After tweeting and emailing a few girls, I got a couple of responses that both shocked me and restored my faith in humanity at once. Two different girls who already had roommates offered to let me share their double bed. It would be snug for sure. I was so touched by their generosity. In either case, this would also mean 3 girls sharing a bathroom each morning as well. Then, another couple of girls sharing a room offered to bring an air mattress for me. Again, I was so touched and surprised by their kindness. Before fully committing to any, a few minutes later, I got an email from my friend at Frugal Portland. She said that she was staying with her cousin who lives in town, and asked if I would want to stay with her, of course after making sure it would be alright with her cousin. Since I was alone at the time, I can’t be certain that this happened, but if it’s possible — I’m almost sure I audibly smiled at my computer screen upon reading this. This also meant that I would be saving all of my budgeted hotel money!
Make It So
After chatting and emailing a few times and sending her a picture of me so she at least knew I didn’t look like a weirdo, it was set. I would be staying in a house with people I had never met before. Usually, I’m not a super trusting person, but for some reason, I just knew everything would be alright. My mom insisted I come over the night before and pick up a lock for my luggage. I didn’t tell my mom before leaving for Denver that I would be staying with a friend of a friend…that I had never met before. She still thought I was staying at the hotel, and was worried about someone stealing my luggage. I knew that she would worry herself sick about my well-being, not just my valuables, if she knew I wasn’t even going to be at the hotel, so I didn’t tell her. My sister knew I would be staying at someone’s house, and she gave me an earful about how stupid I was to trust someone I didn’t know. Maybe she’s right. For the most part, it is completely idiotic for a female to trust people so readily and stay with strangers. I decided to trust my instincts though, and feel it out again once I had arrived. Immediately, upon meeting Kathleen, she hugged me and welcomed me to Denver, even offering to help me with my bags. I could tell instantly that she was a warm, kind person, and that I had nothing to worry about.
After meeting her cousin, her cousin’s baby (only a few months younger than my daughter), her good friend, and her baby, I knew I was going to be alright! They even had two big fluffy dogs, which looked and acted an awful lot like Labradoodles, the breed I’ve been trying to convince my husband would be a perfect fit for our family. Labradoodles can weigh as much as 150 lbs, but the family I was staying with had two Wheatens, which while just as fluffy and affable, are usually more around 30-35 lbs, a much more appropriate size for a house with young children. After saying our hellos, all 4 of us adults and 2 babies squeezed into a Jeep and went out to lunch on the famous 16th Street, an adorable part of the city blocked off just for pedestrians, where you can grab a bite to eat, catch a show, shop, and see live performers all up and down the way. After lunch, Kathleen and I would head to the hotel to check in and grab our lanyards.
To Be Continued…
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The conference sounds expensive on paper but I’m sure it was worth it in the end. Also I’m assuming it can be written off as a business expense? Anyway, looking forward to hearing about the rest of your experience at #FinCon!
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..5 Ways to Improve an Apartment
You know, I’m really not sure what can be written off and what can’t. I know that this year, taxes will be a little bit more complicated. I might even try to talk Jeff into paying someone to help us (we have never sought out for assistance with our taxes before!)
I recommend you do hire someone to help with taxes your first year running your blog. That first year can be quite intimidating not knowing what can be claimed and what can’t. For the conference you’d definitely be able to write off the conference ticket, but i’d suspect you could also write off a lot of the other expenses.
Modest Money recently posted..Guilt Induced Frugality
Thanks guys! I think you’re right, Jeremy, in that we should hire someone this first year at least. It’s not like we’re rolling in it…but it’s still just different.
definitely hire an accountant. Your airfare, hotel and transportation can be written off at 100% and food/drinks can be written off at 50%.
Sean @ One Smart Dollar recently posted..Payday Loans Are an Option But Should Be Avoided if Possible
I agree with DC, even though it sounds expensive, I’m still a little upset that I didn’t go. What a mistake I made!
Michelle recently posted..How to Make Money in College
You can still get the virtual ticket and watch the presentations! Of course, I’m almost positive that’s not the part you miss. Meeting the bloggers you “know” only through their writing is pretty cool! Next year, Michelle!
You are very trusting although I am sure Kathleen and her cousin were very nice people. 99% of the world are good and the 1% (not the monetary 1%) ruin it for the rest! I am waiting for part 2 already!
Lance@MoneyLife&More recently posted..What the One Percent Buy at Disney World
They were so nice! I feel like I am a good judge of character, so I really wasn’t that worried. Before meeting them, I was more worried about the fact that my rude cab driver insisted on driving with all 4 windows down and that my hair would be a mess when I first met them! I wasn’t even thinking about the fact that they might be crazy people…lol.
It’s pretty crazy to meet bloggers for the first time; you just don’t know what you’re going to get (despite the fact that we read their work each day and think we “know” them). I would have been a little nervous staying with somebody’s family but that’s AWESOME that it worked out.
I look forward to reading more of the details!
Jason @ WorkSaveLive recently posted..Recipe: Portabella Mushroom Sandwich
You, a 6’5″ man, would have been worried about staying with strangers? Okay, maybe I am a little too trusting! And yes, meeting bloggers for the first time is kind of crazy, especially when they don’t have any pictures of themselves online! Most of the bloggers I met looked exactly how I imagined, but not all….stay tuned!
I’m so glad it worked out for you. I’m sure that it was a blast, and I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip. I’m also sure that it was worth the price of admission for all you learned and everybody you met. I really hope that we get to go next year!
As far as DC’s point goes, I think that you can pretty much write off the whole trip. You were on a business trip, therefore all of the expenses are business related. Our work sends us on one trip every year, in part, to lower their tax obligation while gaining some CEU’s for us. I’m not a tax advisor, though, so you’ll definitely want to check on that.
Greg@ClubThrifty recently posted..Do’s and Don’ts For Saving on Travel
I do hope the price of admission is worth it! I know I’m glad I went, regardless. I think you’re right about the business expenses, but I’m not entirely confident, so yeah…getting some help this year is the best option for us.
Sounds like things worked out for the best then! Can’t wait to hear your report on the conference, it all sounds so interesting. Also, wheatons are lovely dogs, they’re prone to skin allergies though. As the proud owner of a 35lb dog, I can vouch that they are a much better size for a household with small children. I have 13 nieces and nephews so that was a must for me as well!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life recently posted..For Renters: Save Money on Utilities This Fall
It definitely worked out. Kathleen’s cousin and her little family were so sweet! I loved the dogs! They were playful, yet gentle, and apparently good guard dogs, though they never once barked at me. They said strange men always make them bark. Good to know!
It does sound like it could be written off as a business expense. And I’m so JEALOUS. I really wanted to go but had no money (okay I did but didn’t) and no vacation time really at work. And next year I’m using my vacation time for my honeymoon so I won’t get to go again! (Unless something weird happens) I’m glad you got to go and had a lot of fun!
bogofdebt recently posted..MY Pack Rat Tendencies Are Saving Me Money
You should definitely purchase the “virtual ticket” if you haven’t already and it’s not too late. I learned so much! So glad I went.
Oh I so happy for you. I would have stayed with you if I went…isn’t that crazy I’ve never met you and yet I would say that? It just goes to show how much we connect with oths through our writing. I’m so excited to get all the details from the conference.
Crystal recently posted..Unsent letters to parent volunteers
Crystal, I know it’s odd. I really feel like I can get a good feel for people through their words. I wasn’t wrong about anyone! Everyone’s character was the same as I suspected, but some people looked completely different than I had imagined too!
I love reading everyone’s FinCon recaps. I think you’re the first one I’ve read that’s broken down the expenses, like a responsible personal finance blogger
Stephanie @ Empowered Dollar recently posted..Confessions of a Recovering Cheapskate
Oh yes, you know me! Nice meeting you, Stephanie! You were all over the place in those green backdrop pics! lol
Sounds like everything worked out and that you had a lot of fun. I’m excited to read the following post on how the rest of the trip was for you!
Shannon-ReadyForZero recently posted..How to Apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Everything worked out as far as where to stay, definitely! Kathleen is a very nice person and I’m really glad I can say I have a friend in Portland now!
There’s absolutely a difference between being a bit strange and being a weirdo, and it’s easy to tell where the line is! Gender matters, too, b/c I would absolutely not have invited Jeff in a similar situation!
Kathleen @ Frugal Portland recently posted..Do these jeans make my butt look too expensive? And other Fincon worries
I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t have trusted a man at all! No matter how nice he seemed! That’s just asking for trouble, or awkwardness at least.
Hey, crazy lady! You’re even funnier in person than you are online.
On the conversation above….not only would I hire an accountant, but make sure it’s an accountant who will take the time to explain stuff. My first experience with an accountant was awful. He was great, but I still had no clue what I could/couldn’t legally write off afterward. I needed some training wheels.
AverageJoe recently posted..5 Must-Know Privacy Lessons I Learned From 9-11
Thanks Joe! I enjoyed meeting you and putting a face to your writing. I agree with the accountant part, but I might have to talk Jeff into it. He’s one of those smart people, you see…that thinks he can figure out anything!
I am really sorry for canceling on you! I felt really bad and sad and depressed. And work was killing me. Overall it was good that I didn’t go but it was bad too. Thursday night I was sitting at work, late, really late and suddenly I realized that I could’ve been in Denver. I almost cried. Next year for sure, no matter what. I am really happy that Frugal Portland helped you out. It made me feel a little better.
Aloysa @ My Broken Coin recently posted..How I Spent $300 on Wicked Parents, a Sick Child and a Slurpie
Oh Aloysa, don’t apologize! I was never mad at you! I know that you wanted to come and that you were disappointed as well. My reasons for being upset were very childish really. You and I had similarly-timed flights in and we had discussed sharing a cab too, so I just kept thinking that even if I was nervous about meeting lots of people at once, at least I wouldn’t have to worry about doing it alone! I am so glad that Kathleen was able to help me out for sure! She’s so nice and her cousin and her family were so gracious. It was nice having a real house to stay at and Denver locals that were cool enough to take us around town as well! Don’t feel bad for a second. I still wish we could have met….some day! If not before, DEFINITELY we are meeting at the next fincon!
I’d love to go to FinCon. I’m hoping that the next location is a little closer to the East Coast.
My wife and I are also procrastinators, but we’ve learned to work with it. I’ve found that we are far happier and more productive since we’ve simply accepted it and stopped trying to be what we are not
JP @ My Family Finances recently posted..Your Net Worth Is Lying to You; Don’t Let Your Family Be Fooled!
Where are you from, JP? We were in Virginia Beach a couple years ago and it’s so beautiful. As for procrastinating, do what works for you! Don’t conform. Whenever I’ve tried to not wait to the last minute, I always forget a bunch of things or just don’t do as good of a job at whatever I’m attempting. Is it possible that I actually need a little fire lit under me in order to make it all work?
What’s funny is I was just about to email you guys to see how this went, and then I saw you had a post about it! I’ll check back for the rest.
My Money Design recently posted..Social Security Spousal Benefits – Hook Me Up Elderly Sugar Momma!
Stay tuned! I may or may not post the rest tomorrow if I have time. By “have time,” naturally I mean “don’t pass out before 10.” My kids have been glued to me since I got back!
Wow, lucky you! Skipping out on having to pay a lot of money for a hotel room and squeezing in some extra cash to relay to the food/drink portion of your travel budget. I think often times we’re all a little to close minded when it comes to the kindness that others can posses. I’m guilty of it as well. I’m glad it all worked out for you though, Denver is a great city and it’s the perfect time of year to be there for a visit. I’m sure your enjoying yourself!
Kelly@Financial-Lessons recently posted..iPhone and Droid Apps for Your Small Business
It is scary as a woman to trust our instincts sometimes, but I’m so glad I did. Denver was absolutely gorgeous. The skies were so clear. I do wish the mountains were less foggy so I could get a better picture. My fantastical brain was picturing a super urban area with more visible mountains in the background, when in reality–you have to drive a bit out of the city to see them OR go up the the 38th floor of the Hyatt late at night! Gorgeous city, though.
That’s so great! People really can be kind…especially in this little blogging community.
Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures!
femmefrugality recently posted..Frugal Cooking 207
I think this little pf blogging community is one of the nicest groups of people ever! So, are you coming next year, FF? Have we convinced you?!
It was expensive, but it was definitely worth it to meet so many people face to face. It’s an investment and our blog can only improve from all the things we learned from FinCon. Great to meet you.
Joe @ Retire By 40 recently posted..Growing Your Income Is Essential For Early Retirement