#FinCon16: What My First FinCon Experience Taught Me #ReCap

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OMG!!! I just experienced my first FinCon, and it was fantastic!

Not only did I get a tremendous amount of information and resources to grow my business, learn how to help more people and obtain significant industry contacts, but I also met my long time Social Media Buddies in person and met more great new friends. It was “virtually” a Financial Family Reunion.

“FinCon is a peer conference for the money media community. At the annual event each Fall, attendees connect with others in the community, learn to create, promote, and profit from compelling online content, and discover new trends in personal finance and investing.” – FinConExpo.com

Before I share what my 1st FinCon Experience taught me, I must give a special S/O to Phillip Taylor, aka PTMoney, who invited me to FinCon for the last three years. Unfortunately, my schedule did not permit, but this year (2016), at the last minute, I made the decision to invest in myself and attend FinCon. Pretty much a “FinCon or Bust!” situation.

Thanks PT for not giving up on me. Love you to pieces.

Make sure you check out Phillip’s blog at www.PTMoney.com.

 

DISCLAIMER: Every FinCon Recap I’ve read has a disclaimer that the post may be long but worth the read. My disclaimer is no different. It is worth the read. #IJS 😉

The first day of FinCon was overwhelming, but the second day began to feel like HOME. Like I said … AMAZING! So much so, that I must share the 5 Things My 1st FinCon Experience Taught Me.

I HAVE A HOME

I sometimes feel like the odd man out. It’s like I am one of a few people that are shouting from the rooftops about Financial Freedom, Financial Resurrection, Money, Credit, Savings, Investing, Insurance in a world trying to avoid the conversation. As soon as I stepped to the FinCon Registration table … it felt … different.  So, I looked for a familiar face and found my #ATL #MoneyNerd sister, Rhonda Williams (All Cash Queen). Since we were both newbies, I felt a sense of comfort.

During breakfast, I was surprised to see so many people in attendance; over 1,200 to be exact. One of the things that made it feel like home was a huge sign that said “#MoneyNerdsUnite!”

Attending my first FinCon reminded me that there are thousands of people, like me. We wake up every day thinking about and working hard to educate the world about economic empowerment and how we can help people reach their financial goals and dreams. I have a home!

#WOMENSWEALTH ROCKS!!!

After a great first day at FinCon, I attended Fidelity’s Women and Money event hosted by Tonya Rapley MyFabFinance.com and Melanie Lockert DearDebt.com. It was a delicious dinner on a yacht filled with wonderful and brilliant women in the financial literacy industry. We connected, shared money tips for women, laughed and celebrated each other.

Check out the 5 Kick A$$ Biz Tips I Learned at the Women And Money Event at #FinCon16!  I absolutely love #5!

SHARING IS CARING!!!

The spirit of openness and collaboration was unbelievable. Everyone not only embraced each other, but we also shared our experience, techniques, resources and skills liberally with one another.

Just sitting in the open area waiting for the next session, I ran into my Instagram Buddy, Ash Exantus (IamAshCash.com) and we met some new friends.

Also, during my conversation with Ash, I booked him as my guest on my Twitter Chat #CashChat for that Friday. It was awesome, and we had a ball! I tried something new with him … VIDEO! Thanks Ash for helping me break my fear of Video! You should check out my YouTube Channel with my #MadamMoneyMinutes. You be so proud of me.

One of the most breath-taking sharing sessions I experienced was an impromptu lunch with Lynnette Khalfani-Cox (AskTheMoneyCoach.com), Talaat and Tai McNeely (HisAndHerMoney.com), Saundra Davis (SageFinancialSolutions.org), Wilson Muscadin, as well as Rich Jones and Marcus Garrett (PaychecksAndBalances.com). We connected, learned about each other, asked questions, shared helpful tips and established accountability partners. It was epic! The food was good too.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

When I decided that I wanted to get into the space of financial literacy, I found and began following Lynnette Khalfani-Cox‘s blog, AskTheMoneyCoach.com. She taught me that sharing and giving information is ok and a responsibility. That was ten years ago. Throughout the years, I followed Lynnette and watched her as she eloquently shared Money and Credit Tips on national TV Shows like Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, CNN and more.

Earlier this year my mother was watching the Wendy Williams Show and told me, “That is going to be you!” When I looked at the TV, it was Lynnette sharing her money tips. My mom then said, “You’re going to meet her one day.”  I just smiled, kissed her on her forehead and said, “I sure hope so.”

My mom passed away on April 18, 2016, and my first #FinCon16 gave me the opportunity to meet my financial idol in person. Not only did I meet her, but we enjoyed several meals and events with each other. She is so sweet, caring and giving, as well as a brilliant and savvy business owner. From a person that I admired from afar to a new friend and mentor in less than 24 hours. Only at FinCon!

Make sure to follow her blog and check out her numerous books here!

Look, mom; I finally met Lynnette! Dreams do come true!

MY BFFs (BEST FINANCIAL FRIENDS) ARE AMAZING!

For years I have “virtually” established and built friendships with some of the best Financial Experts across the country. This year I finally met my BFFs (Best Financial Friends) in person at #FinCon16.

After years of supporting each other’s Twitter chats, I finally met Mike Delgado of Experian (#CreditChat) and most of the Social Media Team!

I even had the wonderful experience of being interviewed on Experian‘s Podcast. We had so much fun!

During the interview, Kelly Kingman did an incredible sketch of everything I said. She is amazing. Check out what she did for me.

Another BFF that I reconnected with was Miss #MoneyChatLive Dorethia Kelly. We met once when she came to ATL for an event, but when we saw each other at FinCon, it was like we were together the day before. She is so great, and I love her book, #MoneyChat The Book!

 

Needless to say, my first FinCon experience rejuvenated my passion for helping people reach their Financial Goals. FinCon showed me that WE are strong in numbers, we are ready to save the world and more importantly … we have the best Parties EVER!!!

Can’t wait to see everyone and much at FinCon17 in Dallas, TX.

If you went to #FinCon16, what did you like best?

Here are a few more great pics from #FinCon16!