Hello! I’m heading out to the Windy City for my journalism convention. I can’t wait! I’m signed up for video training, so expect some more webisodes to come! I got my hair professionally done but painted my nails at home. Nixing the manicure/pedicure saved me about $40. It was time for my 7-week relaxer so that expense was in my budget.
I was all ready to wear a shirt in my closet to a party Thursday night, but my friend, Greg, made it clear that I’ve been seen in that shirt a few too many times. I tried to convince him to let me wear a black dress I have in my closet and he hated that, too. I think Facebook is bad for Frugalistas. You take photos of your life, post them online, then everyone sees your hottest gear! Meh. So I found a cute dress for $40 at TJ Maxx. I wasn’t super happy about the expense, but the dress is adorable. It’s magenta! It’s a good thing Greg got me into VIP at the party!
To save money while I’m at the convention, I’m staying with my family. Staying at home will save me about $300. I’m going to take the Metra train to the convention center. I really miss public transportation. I packed one suitcase. The airline allows one piece of luggage to be checked in for free. Frugalista for life!
For readers who travel to conventions, how do you manage your expenses?
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It’s going to be hard, Nat. I was lucky enough to have the company pay for my registration for the convention, but that of course, is the smallest expense. Hotels and feeding yourself costs a lot more. I thought I had that worked out because I’d stashed some money aside to pay for everything, but then I needed car repairs last month, so there that went. Now I have to dip into savings to take care of it. The good thing is, I can afford to go without charging anything. The bad thing is, who wants to deplete what they’ve saved? Not me.
Silver lining: it’s all a tax write off.
Good thing it’s in Chicago. I haven’t traveled to any professional events unless they were covered by my company. And I volunteer for local stuff to avoid the fees.
As much as I hate to care what others think and realize I’m not going to appear in US Weekly, I’ve put a few dresses into semi-retirement after a few too many photos. We’re only human.
The conferences that I attended were all within a reasonable distance so I didn’t have to worry about hotel costs etc.
I hope you have the best time at your conference soak it all up.
Whenever I’m away from home it just means spending more money. ACK! I try to find a someone to share a hotel room with and buddy up for cabs and transportation. (and beg rides off folks who’ve rented cars) I think lots or Root Writers are attending.. have fun!