Okay, so I didn’t plan to write about our experience at EconoMe. But, honestly we just had one of the best weekends ever attending this conference.
So I’m interrupting our regular programming to reflect on why this was the best weekend ever, and encourage you to find your community.
What is EconoMe?
First, you may be wondering, what is EconoMe?
Basically it’s a 2.5 day conference in Cincinnati, Ohio that brings together those pursuing financial independence (FI) for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun. Over the span of a weekend there are mainstage speakers, breakout sessions, speed friendshipping, opportunities to hang out in a more casual settings in the evenings, etc., etc.
If you are interested in learning more about personal finance or pursuing financial independence, this is a great place to start!
Best Weekend Ever
Okay, we established I’m a nerd because I proclaimed a personal finance conference was my best weekend ever. But, you’re probably still wondering why it was the best weekend ever!
One word: community!
It was truly incredible to be surrounded by “our people” at the conference. A community with shared common interests, stories, and values.
We came out of the weekend inspired, energized, and with a strong sense of belonging from spending so much quality time with others who share a desire to create their best life ever. It was amazing!
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to make friends as adults. But at EconoMe we found it easy to sit down and ask the person next to us about their story knowing we were united by similar goals (and challenges) along the journey to FI. We met new people who just discovered the concept of financial independence. We also reconnected with others who we had met at local FI meetups and gatherings. It was a FI-friend-a-palooza!
Beyond meeting and reconnecting with others… The opportunity to share our journey with others and contribute to the larger was conversation was hugely affirming that we are on the right path given our values and desire to create our best life.
What Can you Learn?
I won’t lie, this introvert took most of the week recovering my energy and processing my emotions following the conference. We were sad saying goodbye to our some new friends, including The Fioneers and That Science Couple. So once everyone left, we had to come down from the adrenaline high of an amazing weekend.
What can you learn from our experience?
Find your community! We all need to connect with others, and learn from one another. It’s so much easier to do that when you find your community.
It’s really simple too. How? Search social media and Google for your interest to discover conferences and groups you may want to join.
I’ve come to realize there is a Facebook group for just about anything! We are in RV specific Facebook groups, local and broad FI groups, cruise groups, truck groups, dog groups, etc. You name it, there is most likely a group for it. There are even Facebook groups for Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill owners! Honestly, we feel groups are about the only beneficial part of social media at this point.
Can’t find a group? If you have a niche interest, maybe you should create a group so people can join and connect!
Once you find a group or even one other person who shares your interest, be sure to ask them how they are connecting to others and what events they attend. There may be something occurring in your own backyard that you don’t even know about.
Find your community and lean in! You won’t regret it.
This was a bit short and sweet. We’ll resume our Zion National Park content next week, where I’ll share our experience hiking The Narrows.
Related blog posts:
- A Year of Bold Moves
- Who is FI Venturers, Part I and Part II
- Don’t Let All-Or-Nothing Thinking Sabotage Your Life
EconoMe was such a great event, and I’m so glad I was able to connect with you two there! I totally agree – the discussions are connections were the highlight of the weekend. It’s energizing to be able to meet so many FI people all at one event. Diania also made it very welcoming right off the bat, sharing ways to kickstart conversations. I met a lot of really cool people at the event, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them. Hope to see you there again next year! (I’m buying my discounted ticket today) 🙂
Completely agree! We already bought our discount tickets as well, so we’ll see you there!
It was so nice meeting you and your wife at the EconoMe event. You summed this event up perfectly! I joined quite a few Facebook groups post-conference. I am working hard on reaching out to those I met at the conference and growing those connections. My husband and I also bought tickets to next year’s event so hope to see you both there as well.
It was so nice to meet you as well. The FB groups are great to feel connected to the community! We also bought tickets for next year, so we’ll see you there!