For weeks, today has been on my calendar as the day I was going to dive into the FinCon 21 schedule in order to prepare my annual look at the panels and presentations I was most looking forward to. Ironically, today also ended up being the day I canceled my trip to FinCon 21. Well, more accurately, I just nixed traveling to Austin and will be checking out this year’s virtual offering instead — which I hear will build on what the fill-in FinCon X delivered last year and really bring as much of the in-person aspects of FinCon online as possible.
The good news is that (aside from getting my Hilton points refunded), the move to virtual means that overlapping panels will be less of an issue for me this time around, leading to fewer heartbreaking hard choices! #SilverLinings. As a result, I’ve also taken the liberty of putting these sessions in an order that’s only particular to how I thought my article would flow, paying no mind to scheduling order or bothering to rank them. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what presentations I’m most looking forward to consuming from afar.
My Most Anticipated #FinCon21 Presentations
Life After FI
It wasn’t until my first FinCon in 2018 that I was truly introduced to the meaning of financial independence. Since then, I’ve flirted with the idea of FI while not officially counting myself among those pursuing such a goal. Regardless, I’m also intrigued to hear about how others have achieved FIRE and what they’re doing with themselves since. Thus, I’m sure I’ll love this panel.
From Zero to $10,000 Per Month Freelancing
Despite being a freelancer for the past several years, I haven’t made this track a priority at past FinCons. Yet, my interest in this specific panel mostly comes from its host: Lee Huffman. I’ve seen this dude’s name everywhere! Therefore, I feel I could learn a thing or two from him on the subject of freelancing.
When Money Isn’t Enough
Reading the write-up of this session, it seems unlike any other I’ve previously experienced at FinCon — and that’s not a bad thing. Led by Lauren Greutman, this promises to be an “emotionally driven talk” about her personal financial rise and fall. Color me intrigued, for sure.
Young Investors May Know More Than You Think
Thanks to free trading apps and other tools, it seems that the average age of investors is falling. Of course, these less-experienced traders are often painted as fools playing a dangerous game — whether that means dumping money into “meme stocks” or cryptocurrencies that started as jokes. But, this panel will apparently take a closer look at the recent influx in investment enthusiasm and some of these trends.
Crypto and Content
Speaking of cryptocurrencies, this presentation is seemingly more about covering new and complex topics on the Internet than it is about blockchain technology itself. Nevertheless, cryptocurrency will be the main example alongside other (sometimes head-scratching) trends like NTFs. Considering that I do occasionally write about crypto and other often confusing concepts, I’m interested to see what this panel — which includes such all-stars as Eric Rosenberg and Paula Pant — will have to say on the matter and get some ideas for how I can better discuss these emerging and risky investments.
Marketing Your Brand
One of the things I’ve learned over the years — be it through blogging, having a YouTube channel, or trying to sell a book — is that I pretty much suck at marketing. While the concept of these projects makes sense in my head, conveying just what they’re about to others has proven to be a challenge to me. That’s why I’m excited to hear what the duo behind the Stacking Benjamins podcast have to share about marketing and messaging.
Stacks on Stacks: Alternative Ways to Monetize YouTube and Social Media
If I’m being completely honest, I’m going into this presentation assuming that I already know the majority of what is going to be discussed. Given this uncharacteristic cockiness, I also fully anticipate being proven completely wrong. Plus, the panel includes some speakers I’ve previously garnered insight from at past FinCon events such as Sarah Wilson (AKA Budget Girl). Thus, I’m excited to see what’s said — and hopefully I’ll learn more than I expect.
How to Earn a Full-Time Living with Your Blog, Podcast, or YouTube Channel (Without Affiliates, Ads, or Building a Huge Audience)
Presumably, the full title of this session also includes “or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” While the name of this one may be a bit wordy, the parenthetical is key to what interests me about this particular presentation. In contrast to the “Stacks on Stacks” panel, I have zero idea where this one could go and I’m very interested to find out.
Big Ideas Talk: Julien & Kiersten Saunders
At past FinCon’s that I’ve attended, the Big Ideas Talks have often ranked among my favorites. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this session featuring Julien and Kiersten Saunders of the ever-popular Rich & Regular made my most anticipated list. Although the topics of these talks aren’t usually disclosed ahead of time, I’m confident it will be worth watching.
Big Ideas Talk: Jamila Souffrant
With another Big Ideas Talk planned for the weekend, this one from Jamila Souffrant is also on my “must-watch” list. And, once again, I have no idea what exactly this session will be about. But, hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?
Additional breakout sessions
Finally, I’m going to go ahead and cheat with my last pick as there are several prerecorded breakout sessions that caught my attention. Divvied up my “tracks,” I’m most interested in the Video and Blogging compilations. Consider this the icing on the cake that FinCon 2021 will surely be.
As disappointed as I am that I will be missing an in-person FinCon for the second year in a row, I’m still bullish on what the virtual experience will have to offer. To that point, that schedule of sessions has plenty of presentations that I believe I’ll either be able to learn from or will have other takeaways from. So, even if I’ll be staying in my pajamas the whole time, I’m still very much looking forward to September 22nd.