FinCon#17 Here I Come!
First, though, I’d like to share some moments from the last eight months, and some thank you’s.
Life Zemplified launched to the public in early February 2017, and here it is 8 1/2 months later. The first month or so I alternated between excitement and fear. I’ll never forget the nausea I felt after publishing my first post.
It took way too long for me to get to that moment because I kept letting fear get in the way. Eventually, I moved forward after spending time finding confidence and kicking my big but out of my way.
Nowadays, I’m still excited (and sometimes fearful) each time I publish a new post, but I’ve learned a great deal, and I hope to continue learning as I strive to write better and inspire more.
Since the site’s debut much has occurred and I want to thank all of you for helping make that happen.
So thank you, fans, friends, and family for reading, commenting, and sharing my posts!
Big thanks to Ty, from Get Rich Quick’ish for being the first blogger to feature one of my posts – Simplifying Brought Us Greater Health, Finances & Fun. Ty’s inclusion of my article in his Camp FIRE roundup made me feel all legit and shit.
Then, Steve, from Think Save Retire, included my post on how to stop procrastinating and get things done in a Friday Feast roundup and I was bouncing off the walls happy and having to pinch myself. Thanks again Steve!
The increased page views from Steve’s post (and maybe a few of my own) led me to be included in Money Mow’s – The 30 Fastest Growing Personal Finance Blogs Of 2017 – According To Data – Thanks, Carl!
Many thanks to all the additional bloggers who’ve featured a post or two from Life Zemplified: Make Smarter Decisions, Physician on Fire, The Wall Street Physician, Free Money Finance, Dads Dollars Debt, Mama Fish Saves, My Sons Father, The Boss MD, The Retirement Recipe, and Military Dollar.
Big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Groovy, at Freedom is Groovy, for allowing me to write my first guest post on their site. These two are not only groovy; they are kind, encouraging, helpful, and great virtual friends.
Thank you to other fellow bloggers who’ve allowed me to guest post, add my two cents to their collaborative posts, or share an interview: Zero Day Finance, Strong In Body, Strong In Mind, CYInnovations, Goalify, Run The Money, Living Healthier Ideas, and Minafi.
Links to all the articles and more can be found on the Published Elsewhere page.
Finally, a big thank you to Fritz, from The Retirement Manifesto. You see, Fritz and I are each other’s firsts. First bloggers to meet in person that is. Fritz and his wife Jackie, met with my mom and me as we were driving through their home state on a trip from Florida to Michigan. Thanks for the nice dinner, great conversation, and friendship Fritz!
Since meeting Fritz, I’ve been fortunate to meet two other bloggers in person – Kathryn, from Making Your Money Matter, and Andy, from Marriage, Kids and Money. Thanks to you two, for the money and blogging conversations and the laughs.
Also, to my husband, John, my mom, my children, and friends – thank you for all your support and encouragement.
Today, I am heading to FinCon#17: Where Money and Media Meet.
FinCon is an annual conference for money nerds the financial media community, and I am thrilled to be attending.
It’s in large part thanks to many of you as you helped me win my way there.
“CONGRATULATIONS Amy!
You are the social engagement, or “people’s choice” winner of CFSI and FinCon’s 2017 #FinHealthMatters Day blog post contest! We had over 70 blog entries — and you had the highest level of social engagement based on Twitter and Instagram.” ~ Center for Financial Services Innovation
So Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I’m honored you visit this site, read my words, comment, and share. I’m forever grateful. #FeelingBlessed.
Here’s my contest entry on eliminating debt for financial health in case you missed it. 😉
J. B. Madsen says
Congrats with your achievements!
You have managed to build a very impressive website with loads of great content.
So keep up the good work:-)
Amy says
Thank you, J.B., I appreciate the kind words and support!
Vicki@MakeSmarterDecisions says
SEE YOU SOON!! Can’t wait to catch up in person! You are an awesome member of this community!
Amy says
Wahoo! So looking forward to meeting you and your husband. Thanks, Vicki!
Matt @ Optimize Your Life says
Yay! Congrats on the success and see you in Dallas!
Amy says
I’ll be looking for you, Matt. Thanks!
Miss Mazuma says
Congrats on your Peoples Choice win!! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!! 🙂
Amy says
Thanks, Miss M. See you soon!
Andy Hill says
Our lunches have been awesome! Looking forward to seeing you in Dallas Amy!
Amy says
Kathryn and I will be looking for you, Andy!
Get Rich Quick'ish says
Thanks for the s/o Amy! Honored to be mentioned and completely bummed that FinCon wasn’t in my cards this year. I was looking forward to meeting you in person. Maybe next year! Have a great time!
Amy says
I’m bummed as well, Ty. Yes, I’ll hope for next year. Will do! 😉
Erik says
It’s been very fun to see your blog grow. Looking forward to seeing you this week!
Amy says
Same to you, Erik! Love seeing you progress on all your goals!
Ms. Frugal Asian Finance says
Happy blog anniversary! I hope you will have a great time at FinCon! ^.^
Amy says
Thank you, Mrs. FAF!
makingyourmoneymatter says
I love your take on combining personal finance with health and life too, it’s so needed! And, it’s been fun to meet in person those couple times for lunch. I’m sure we’ll see each other at FinCon ;).
Amy says
Great seeing you at FinCon, oh the memories! 😉 Thanks, Kathryn, I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in the future!
Mrs Groovy says
8 1/2 months? Seems like we “met” years ago. Mr. G and I are happy we’ve become friends with you even if just virtual for now. Have a wonderful time at FinCon and congrats on winning the contest! Hope we can meet up in person this year.
Amy says
I know right! So looking forward to meeting you in person, I hope it’s sooner than later.
Thanks, Mrs. G!
Laurie@ThreeYear says
Amy, that is so awesome! Congratulations on an incredible nine and a half months. I hope you’re having a wonderful time at FinCon! I’m so glad you pushed through the fear and tarted writing, because you have such a unique point of view in the PF world, with your perspective on health and wellness.
Amy says
Thanks, Laurie! FinCon was incredible. I hope you can join us next year. I truly appreciate the kind words!
Dave says
Good for you Amy. Have fun and be safe. You have a great blog. I always enjoy reading about how you blend personal finance, fitness, and most importantly food.
Amy says
Thank you, Dave! I had a great time and am now on vacation for another 9 days. Thanks for the kind words, I enjoy reading your blog as well!
Cubert says
MONEY NERD!!! JK. I hope you have a blast at FinCon, and look forward to more great work as we get closer to 2018.
Say, I had no idea there was some Michigan connection – both your and Fritz’s family are from there? I grew up near the thumb and our new Airbnb is near TC.
Amy says
🙂 Yes! Oh my gosh, such a blast. Joining us next year?
Yes, Michigan made! We used to do weekends at the top of the thumb when I was a kid. Well, now I know where to stay when I head up that way. Let me know when you visit; perhaps we can meet-up!
TheRetirementManifesto says
Amy, congrats on crushing it with your blog. I’m sincerely glad that we’ve become friends, and will treasure forever the fact that we were each others’ “firsts”! Great seeing you at FinCon! I look forward to what the future holds for you!
Amy says
Thanks, Fritz! I don’t know about crushing it yet, lol but the bit of success feels good. Glad we got to hang some at FinCon! Looking forward to both our futures!
ESI Money says
Just saw this. Haha! Didn’t see the Ritz mentioned… 😉
Amy says
Check out today’s post. 🙂