Financial Independence Happy Hour

[Chantalle Mecham]

Hello all, I am finding a lack of groups to meet like minded people in both Financial Independence and REI topics - that don't cost money and isn't a sales pitch. Do those exist somewhere for the Chantilly/Centreville area? If not, I figured I'd start a happy hour for us locals! Would people be interesting in that?

[Brian Jarvis]

There was a group that occasionally met in Gainesville that was hosted by a Realtor there. I attended a couple of those and found them very useful, but they stopped doing them at the beginning of the pandemic and to my knowledge did not resume. I'd be totally up for a local meetup, especially since presumably this would be closer (I'm also in the Chantilly area).

[Tony Sepassi]

In the past I have looked into joining groups but like you said they ask for a fee to join or each visit you pay an entry. To me it’s seems like just another way to make $$$ then they try to upsell you with more BS so I stopped looking. 

If you organize one I would be interested and im sure others would be too. 

[Chantalle Mecham]

Yes! I've grown weary of being sold something, too! I'll look into getting it set up. And yeah Brian, I would look into doing a happy hour in Chantilly most likely.

[Samir Patel]

@Chantalle Mecham I'm also an investor in the area and would be happy to join!

I went to a free seminar hosted by @Omni Casey last week that was great. It was an in-depth discussion of RE Investing with some added networking to meet locals. Definitely recommend checking that out if you're interested.

[Omni Casey]

@Samir Patel Thank you.

Yes @Chantalle Mecham, we just started our in person meet ups again in Ashburn. We try to meet about once a month. Everything is always free. Nothing to sign up for. Just networking and financial freedom education. 

I’ll try to remember to promote it here before our next session.

If you end up starting something up as well I would love to attend. Always looking to network with more local investors.

[Russell Brazil]

I run a meetup in DC, that meets right by the Capitol building. However we paused for Covid, and are trying to get it back up and running, but Ive been crazy busy with how the market has been and my partner @Kevin Leahy has been equally busy being a new parent. Might try to look at a September re-launch.

[Chantalle Mecham]

Thanks for the feedback! I’d enjoy attending both meetups for sure. Until then I don’t mind getting something started in the next week or so! Look forward to meeting everyone. 

[Chantalle Mecham]

Hello all, I haven't forgotten y'all. I am thinking the first Tuesday of the month. So let's do Sept 7th, 6pm @ Lazy Dog in Chantilly. I'll be there probably grabbing some dinner and a drink on the patio.

PS if things get worse and we cannot meet, we can try do things virtually. Or wait until this wave passes. Will keep an eye for what the COVID status is next month.

[Justin Dyer]

My wife and I just started our journey. Moved out of our first home and just got the lease signed on it yesterday. I will try to make it on Tuesday. Will set a reminder now.

[Chantalle Mecham]

Hi all, officially created an event for this! Check it out: 

Financial Independence Happy Hour (NOVA) @ Lazy Dog, Chantilly (biggerpockets.com)

[Brian Jarvis]

I was looking forward to attending, but have had a conflict come up which I can't avoid, unfortunately. Hopefully these are a recurring thing and I can meet you all next time!

[Danny Lambert]

Bummer I was busy for this one. I'll keep my eyes pealed for your next get-together.

[Emily Smith]

@Chantalle Mecham Hi Chantalle! Any interest in doing another of these meetups sometime in January?

[Chantalle Mecham]

Hi @Emily Smith, thanks for asking! Yes we are planning another meeting and will place the advertisement soon. It will be a special event on the evening of January 12. 

[Danny Lambert]

Great, would you let me know the details? I'd love to attend.

[Justin Dyer]

I am interested in this one as well!