#FinCon18: The Story of Us
#FinCon18: The Story of Us
Defining ourselves is not easy. Especially in this community. Are we high income earners or are we frugal? Are we retire early or forever employed? Real estate or stock market or both? The story of us is complex. Who we are, why we came here, and where we are going. There are so many ways to slice and splice. Yet we all meandered here to this little corner of the universe for #FinCon18. We all quietly wake up every morning, pour a cup of coffee or tea, and delve into the blogosphere or podcastosphere to start our day.
This is both gratifying and disconcerting. I identify with a community that is so wide and varied that it sometimes staggers. We are all so different, yet the same.
The acronym, FIRE, only tells a small number of our stories.
The movie, however, may just change the conversation.
It may just tell the story of us.
Playing with FIRE
I was extremely excited about this project from the get go. I had heard that there was a FIRE documentary and knew that a lot of my favorite bloggers, podcasters, and thought leaders were being featured. My vague knowledge, however, in no way prepared for the flood of emotion I would feel from watching the above trailer at #FinCon18.
I cannot explain the power of hearing your own story amplified on the big screen. Of course, it is not my unique story. We, as a group, have a thousand (million) different pathways in which we arrived here.
But this is the story of us.
The retelling of our unique struggles and fears. Our hopes and dreams. Our triumphs and failures.
This is our coming out party.
Passion Matters
It’s 12am on my last night at #FinCon18. And the man bouncing up and down in front of me with endless vigor is Scott Rieckens. My eyes are half closed, my voice is all but gone, and yet I can’t help but be excited by his passion. After endless months of filming, editing, and promoting, there is no sign that his fount of energy has even begun to fade.
Scott’s passion to tell the story of us comes through in his every breath. His burst of vitality spurs my already tired body to eschew sleep and bask a few more moments in his joy.
There is nothing better than to bear witness to a passionate individual doing exactly what he is meant to do. Fulfilling his exact purpose.
Final Thoughts
I was thrilled with the idea of the movie before coming to #FinCon18. I was enthralled on the first night after seeing the official trailer. And I am sold hook, line, and sinker after meeting the man himself.
The story of us is extraordinary.
The movie will be no less so.
Completely agree. It was impressive how much energy he had that late at night. A sign of how passionate he is about the project and how much he believes it could help others.
It’s definitely a project worth supporting.
TPP
Definitely. I donated today.
Very cool concept and it sounds like it will be a success. It looks like I missed out on a ton of great moments by not attending this year. I hope I am able to go next year and not repeat the same mistake.
We all have different stories but we they seem to be all pointing to a common goal. Always interesting to see different paths converging, it allows a reader to pick a path that is most similar to their own and use it as an example.
You didn’t miss out. There is always next year and CampFi!
That clip was very cool! I didn’t retire early enough to really fit in with the FIRE movement. But I still felt a sense of belonging with those in the trailer. I felt those fears and doubts and that wonder and excitement when I left my 9 to 5 much earlier than I had ever imagined. I still feel it, and it was intense to see others on their journey.
I think it’s going to be a great movie.
I’m pumped for the release of the movie, and it was awesome to meet both Scott and Travis. I contributed to the Kickstarter for the film on the way home today, so I can expect more swag to be coming my way. I’ve already got the tee shirt and a few stickers with sayings like “Math that $h!t up” and “My other vehicle is a 401(k).”
Cheers!
I’m with you. I can’t wait to see it!
I am hopeful that the movie is going to bring this idea to a very wide audience. As you say, we are all different yet the common thread of how we “spend” that freedom comes to a similar thought — to be able to have the ability to self actualize. I appreciate you including the link — I’m in! And, it was wonderful to meet you in person.
You too! The movie should be great.
I brought home a ton of swag- perfect gifts for my kids. Plus enough T-shirts to last me a few years. I’ll just be a walking billboard for student debt refinancing. That documentary is exciting and I can’t wait for it to come out. If it does, look for Millionaire Doc in the contributor credits.
It’s going to be great.