“Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in t “Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in the south. Love this humidity for us. 🔥🤪 Had to snap a pic before we left yesterday because I knew I would be a mess by the time we got there. What’s the weather like where you are?

I am deeply obsessed with this dress. The cutouts are flattering and not too much and it really highlights your curves. You can also wear a real bra or a nursing bra with it and in the summer that is just ideal.

I’m wearing a L and it is roomy but still flattering. This dress is also on major sale today for $21! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3IA9s

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #oldnavystyle #oldnavy #shopltk #ltkunder50 #spottedinoldnavy
There are some new faces around here so first of a There are some new faces around here so first of all, hello! Thank you so much for being here. 👋🏻 Please say “hello” in the comments and let me know your favorite beverage. You’ll learn quickly that I drink a LOT of Diet Coke. 🥤

I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce myself. So here are a few quick facts about me!

1. I live just outside of Atlanta. I have bopped all over the Atlanta area and lived and worked on all sides of the city before happily settling down back in my hometown. I NEVER thought I would live in the same zip code where I grew up, but I love that this is where we have decided to put down roots and start our family.
2. Speaking of family, I met my husband, Stephen, in college. He was my blind date to a sorority party. (I’m a ZTA 🍓👑) We got married in October of 2016 and had our first baby (Benjamin) in March 2021! 
3. I also have two adorable pets, Molly and Mimosa. 🐶🐱 Mimosa was featured in the Atlanta Humane Society calendar last year as Miss May! ✨
4. I primarily share midsize style for the in-between bodies on my blog, Instagram and LTK app! I have been between sizes 8-16 over the past few years, so I know a few things about dressing a midsize body. I just released my midsize style guide yesterday, and you can instantly download it from my blog! (Helengbailey.com) 
5. As a former certified event planner, I love to share holiday and party planning inspo on my platforms. Halloween is my favorite though, and I have already started shooting Halloween content. 🕷 This year is going to be the biggest and best year yet! In addition to party planning ideas, Ben and I are sharing more mom and son costume ideas, and Ben in a costume is just my favorite! 😍

Thank you so, so much for being here! I work hard on this little side hustle and can’t keep it going without you. I’m so grateful for your engagement, clicks, likes and comments. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out! I LOVE to hear from you! Happy Friday! 💕
I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at @theblogsocieties conference! I love this dress and think it would be perfect for a baby shower, garden party and is even work appropriate! It’s very flattering and will definitely be pulled out of my closet again and again!

Speaking of flattering, I am releasing my midsize style guide tomorrow morning to my newsletter subscribers! If you are midsize, don’t miss the release. The guide is full of tips and tricks for dressing midsize bodies, plus it has lots of summer items from my favorite midsize brands.

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HsPQ

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #tbscon #theblogsocieties #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right n This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right now! It is so flattering and I just can’t get enough. It is 30% off today with code SUNNY! 

What piece in your closet do you wear over and over? 

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HEEG 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #loveloft #loftimist #shopltk #ltksalealert
Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s not too far away and I get to visit often. I posted my Savannah Travel Guide on the blog today! ➡️ helengbailey.com.

My set is one of my new favorites! I love the color and the high-waisted fit. I’ve linked it in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for my daily ootds, outfit inspiration and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HByk

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
Made it to Savannah! ☀️ Obsessed with this s Made it to Savannah! ☀️ 

Obsessed with this set from @petalandpup that I wore to @theblogsocieties #tbscon welcome party last night! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3Hp33

I’m wearing a large and it runs true to size!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner #shopltk
Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. S Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. Swipe through for our list of pool or beach day essentials with your baby! ☀️ 

And enjoy the second pic of my boy living his best life. He is such a water baby! 🤣🤣

All of our baby pool essentials are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GXvf

Do you love the pool or beach more during the summer? 🏖 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #ltkkids
First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing this weekend?

Ben came home from school FULL of energy today so we decided this was a perfect afternoon for a first trip to the park! 🛝 He LOVED it! Here’s a big photo dump of my sweet boy. 

My overalls are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GJYV

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #shopltk #ltkunder50 #ltkfamily
Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀ Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀️

What are you doing for the long weekend? 💙

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger
  • SHOP
    • INSTAGRAM
    • AMAZON
    • GIFT GUIDES
  • ABOUT
    • FAQ
    • Disclaimer
  • BLOG
  • LET’S WORK TOGETHER
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Helen G. Bailey

  • WEAR
  • PRIMP
  • ENTERTAIN
  • DECORATE
  • DINE
  • FAMILY

Blogging, Travel · October 9, 2019

FinCon 2019 Recap


My trip to FinCon in Washington D.C. was sponsored by Upstart. All opinions are my own.

So if you’ve been following along, you know I was just at FinCon in Washington D.C.! Let me tell you, I still haven’t fully recovered from this trip because #old. FinCon was a whirlwind and such a blast! I learned so much from this trip. 

FinCon is a conference for people in finance media, including bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, and brands. In case you are confused why in the world I was there, I attended with Upstart, an online lending platform that knows you are more than your credit score. Upstart’s underwriting is powered by a machine learning model that uses over 1000 different attributes including education and work experience  to more accurately determine your risk as a borrower.

 

Upstart was founded by ex-Googlers and their mission is to enable effortless and affordable credit based on true risk. Upstart partners with banks to provide unsecured personal loans from $1,000-$50,000.* A personal loan from Upstart could help with anything from credit card debt consolidation, moving expenses, wedding deposits, or medical bills. 

I’m actually a borrower with Upstart. A few years ago, I applied for a personal loan to help consolidate my credit card debt. The application process was incredibly easy and I had the money in my account the next day. Check out my first FinCon post to learn more about my history and experience with Upstart. 

Upstart was a fabulous sponsor for this event. Keep reading to check out all the cool things they did at FinCon. 

FINCON RECAP

FinCon was nothing like the other blog conferences I have attended.  For starters, there were male attendees. I had never met a male blogger until this conference since I live in the lifestyle blogosphere. It’s so interesting to see how men and women tackle social media and blogging differently. Some of my favorite moments from FinCon came from talking strategies and tactics with other bloggers. Everyone was SO friendly at this conference and so willing to share their secrets to success.

Another major difference, obviously, was the content! I was a bit like a fish out of water when it came to the finance sessions. I stuck to the blogging and business sessions since these were full of fresh perspectives outside my niche. 

I am so happy I went and LOVE the finance blogging community. I’m so thankful for the connections I made and the opportunity to partner with Upstart. 

Buckle in folks, this is a long post. Let’s recap!

DAY 1:

 

I flew in to Washington D.C. on Tuesday morning. The conference didn’t start until Wednesday so everyone was still preparing and getting ready for kick-off. I briefly caught up with the Upstart team to say hello, then explored the area around my hotel a bit, ate lunch, and took a nap lol. Traveling makes me super sleepy and I was recovering from a cold, so that nap was essential. Also, is there anything better than zonking out in a hotel bed by yourself? Answer: absolutely not. It’s the best.

That night, a lot of FinCon attendees went to the Nationals baseball game! I didn’t know a SOUL going into this and I’m an introvert so I had to man-up a little for the first event. Like I said, everyone was SO nice so I worked myself up for no reason. It was really fun and really interesting to explore another stadium other than Suntrust Park. I met some great bloggers and really started to get excited for the conference to officially begin.

DAY 2:

Wednesday was the first official day of the conference. We kicked off the day with a little meeting with Upstart. I was so grateful to be an Upstart Premier Partner for this conference along with my new friend Brian from Debt Discipline. Upstart was a sponsor of FinCon 2019! They really sparkled at this conference, but more on that in a few.

After our meeting, Upstart hosted a brunch for some of the bloggers attending the event at Ted’s Bulletin. The bloggers in attendance were: The Finance Twins, The Money Mix, Arrest Your Debt, Money With a Purpose,and Ms. Fiology. This brunch was one of the highlights of the conference for me. It was fascinating to listen to everyone’s story of how they got into blogging, why they are passionate about their topics, and their different strategies for success. 

Following the brunch, we headed to check in to FinCon! The very first thing I did was head to the first-timers orientation. Your girl was a little deer in the headlights, so this was necessary. I clearly was not the only one feeling a little lost because this session was jam-packed. The speaker gave great tips for coming into FinCon with a plan and a strategy for what you wanted to achieve while you were there. 

After the orientation I went to explore FinCon Central, the expo part of the conference. Now this was the coolest part of FinCon! All of the sponsors were in one giant hall and displayed their brands in creative booths with some awesome swag. I got my face printed on a macaroon, played lots of games, and got to do a lot of networking. 

Now remember when I said Upstart really sparkled at this conference? They EXCELLED in the expo. They had an artist drawing digital caricatures like the one I posted before the conference. Upstart also did a giveaway of a North Face vest every day of the conference. Finally, they had a truck driving around Dupont Circle with a digital billboard on the back. Every day, they hosted a social media contest to give FinCon attendees the chance to have their caricature featured on the truck. The first day, Brian and I had our caricatures featured! I never saw the truck, but Brian got a glimpse. Here is his photo. All credit to Brian at Dept Discipline!

 

The first day of FinCon ended with a kick-off party at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. This was an amazing party complete with DJ, rooftop hangs, and a donut wall. Plus the museum exhibits were open so we got to do a little exploring.

While I was at the party, Hubbs made it to Washington! We went for a late night burger to catch up on the past two days.

DAY 3:

Despite my late night hangs, I was up bright and early for the keynote speaker. This year’s speaker was Ramit Sethi. Again, in case today is your first day here, I’m not a finance blogger but I did get a lot out of this talk! Ramit gave great advice to think about what you like to spend money on and then imagine what that would be like if you had 4x the money to spend on it. The talk encouraged the audience not to think linearly. I came out pretty inspired and challenged to get my finances in tip-top shape! 

On day 3, I attended two sessions for a special project I’m working on and I don’t want to spoil the surprise until everything is finalized. So for now, I’m just going to say I attended some awesome sessions on blogging and growing your brand. Stay tuned. Wink wink.

After I had wrapped with FinCon for the day, Stephen and I packed in an afternoon of sight-seeing.  By packed in, I mean we did the speedy version so we could see as much as we could. I hadn’t been to D.C. since high school, so I really wanted to sneak in some time for monuments and museums.

DAY 4:

I found one of two other non-finance bloggers at the conference! I met Valerie from Wellness & Wanderlust! We went to breakfast and then went back through the FinCon Central expo hall. Yes, it did take me three days to get through FinCon Central. It was that big. 

 

It was the last day of the expo so I really tackled it head-on this time. Before I had just been wandering around aimlessly, but this time I was motivated to get through it all so I spent a few hours visiting the booths.

One of my favorite events, The Plutus Awards, capped off Day 4. This event celebrated the bloggers, podcasters, and YouTubers who excelled this year. Several of the bloggers I met at the Upstart brunch were nominated so I definitely wanted to attend! 

The Plutus Awards were so much fun. This event gave me the opportunity to discover new blogs to check out in the finance space and helped put a face to the name of some I already followed. It was just a touching and hilarious night, and I really really enjoyed getting to experience this event.

Final Day:

The final day was a day to network, sightsee, and tie up any loose ends before we all headed home on Sunday. Stephen and I did another jam-packed afternoon of sight-seeing before the closing party that night. 

The closing party was red, white and blue themed and it was a great opportunity to say goodbye to all the new connections I made during the week. 

I’m so grateful for the opportunity Upstart gave me to attend FinCon. I loved getting to expand my network and meet so many cool and unique bloggers. I came back with a whole list of things I want to do and am really inspired right now for my both my blog and my business.

What’s the best conference you’ve ever attended?

**“The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart Platform will have an APR of 20% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Average APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved.”

In: Blogging, Travel

You’ll Also Love

The Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss at the Neshoba County Fair
the blog societies conferenceThe Blog Societies Conference Recap 2018
organize your blog business5 Ways to Organize Your Blog Business
Next Post >

Let’s Talk About Time Batching

hi, i’m helen

About Me
Welcome to Helengbailey.com, a digital lifestyle haven where I share the best in affordable style, beauty, food, DIY, family and home decor. As a former certified event planner, I also offer lots of tips and inspiration to plan the perfect party.

Search This Blog

join the hive

Reader Favorites

trending now

instagram

Follow @helengbailey

“Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in t “Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in the south. Love this humidity for us. 🔥🤪 Had to snap a pic before we left yesterday because I knew I would be a mess by the time we got there. What’s the weather like where you are?

I am deeply obsessed with this dress. The cutouts are flattering and not too much and it really highlights your curves. You can also wear a real bra or a nursing bra with it and in the summer that is just ideal.

I’m wearing a L and it is roomy but still flattering. This dress is also on major sale today for $21! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3IA9s

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #oldnavystyle #oldnavy #shopltk #ltkunder50 #spottedinoldnavy
There are some new faces around here so first of a There are some new faces around here so first of all, hello! Thank you so much for being here. 👋🏻 Please say “hello” in the comments and let me know your favorite beverage. You’ll learn quickly that I drink a LOT of Diet Coke. 🥤

I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce myself. So here are a few quick facts about me!

1. I live just outside of Atlanta. I have bopped all over the Atlanta area and lived and worked on all sides of the city before happily settling down back in my hometown. I NEVER thought I would live in the same zip code where I grew up, but I love that this is where we have decided to put down roots and start our family.
2. Speaking of family, I met my husband, Stephen, in college. He was my blind date to a sorority party. (I’m a ZTA 🍓👑) We got married in October of 2016 and had our first baby (Benjamin) in March 2021! 
3. I also have two adorable pets, Molly and Mimosa. 🐶🐱 Mimosa was featured in the Atlanta Humane Society calendar last year as Miss May! ✨
4. I primarily share midsize style for the in-between bodies on my blog, Instagram and LTK app! I have been between sizes 8-16 over the past few years, so I know a few things about dressing a midsize body. I just released my midsize style guide yesterday, and you can instantly download it from my blog! (Helengbailey.com) 
5. As a former certified event planner, I love to share holiday and party planning inspo on my platforms. Halloween is my favorite though, and I have already started shooting Halloween content. 🕷 This year is going to be the biggest and best year yet! In addition to party planning ideas, Ben and I are sharing more mom and son costume ideas, and Ben in a costume is just my favorite! 😍

Thank you so, so much for being here! I work hard on this little side hustle and can’t keep it going without you. I’m so grateful for your engagement, clicks, likes and comments. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out! I LOVE to hear from you! Happy Friday! 💕
I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at @theblogsocieties conference! I love this dress and think it would be perfect for a baby shower, garden party and is even work appropriate! It’s very flattering and will definitely be pulled out of my closet again and again!

Speaking of flattering, I am releasing my midsize style guide tomorrow morning to my newsletter subscribers! If you are midsize, don’t miss the release. The guide is full of tips and tricks for dressing midsize bodies, plus it has lots of summer items from my favorite midsize brands.

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HsPQ

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #tbscon #theblogsocieties #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right n This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right now! It is so flattering and I just can’t get enough. It is 30% off today with code SUNNY! 

What piece in your closet do you wear over and over? 

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HEEG 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #loveloft #loftimist #shopltk #ltksalealert
Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s not too far away and I get to visit often. I posted my Savannah Travel Guide on the blog today! ➡️ helengbailey.com.

My set is one of my new favorites! I love the color and the high-waisted fit. I’ve linked it in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for my daily ootds, outfit inspiration and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HByk

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
Made it to Savannah! ☀️ Obsessed with this s Made it to Savannah! ☀️ 

Obsessed with this set from @petalandpup that I wore to @theblogsocieties #tbscon welcome party last night! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3Hp33

I’m wearing a large and it runs true to size!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner #shopltk
Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. S Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. Swipe through for our list of pool or beach day essentials with your baby! ☀️ 

And enjoy the second pic of my boy living his best life. He is such a water baby! 🤣🤣

All of our baby pool essentials are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GXvf

Do you love the pool or beach more during the summer? 🏖 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #ltkkids
First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing this weekend?

Ben came home from school FULL of energy today so we decided this was a perfect afternoon for a first trip to the park! 🛝 He LOVED it! Here’s a big photo dump of my sweet boy. 

My overalls are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GJYV

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #shopltk #ltkunder50 #ltkfamily
Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀ Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀️

What are you doing for the long weekend? 💙

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger
Took this pic before my hair doubled in size and I Took this pic before my hair doubled in size and I rapped to Vanilla Ice. 🧊 

Had the best week in Tulum celebrating our friends! 🌴 And now I’m so happy to be reunited with our snuggly boy.

Dress linked in the @shop.ltk app! Direct link ➡️ https://liketk.it/3FnrN

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #weddingguestdress #beachweddingdress #tulumwedding #miabeachclub #shopltk #ltkwedding #ltkunder50 #weddingguestdresses

Work With Me

  • About
  • Let’s Work Together
  • FAQ
  • Disclaimer

join the hive

Shop My Favorites

Copyright © 2022 Helen G. Bailey · Theme by 17th Avenue