Swipe Your Badge, Not Your Credit Card: How to Con Without the Post-Con Guilt

So, July’s on the horizon, and Anime Midwest 2025 is fast approaching—July 4 to 6 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. Maybe you haven’t snagged your badge yet, or you’re just starting to think about which cosplay you’ll rock, what snacks to pack, and whether you remembered to charge your phone (and your social battery). But before you dive headfirst into all the hype, there’s one thing you need to get straight: your budget.

Because here’s the cold, unvarnished truth no one warns you about until you’re clutching a $90 plushie of “That One Guy” while eyeing your bank app with regret—conventions are a delightful money pit. They’re thrilling, they’re overflowing with must-haves, and if you’re not careful, they can turn your wallet into Swiss cheese.

This guide is your financial survival kit, your secret weapon to making sure you get the full Anime Midwest experience without facing a post-con burnout—or worse, a credit card hangover. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to plan smart, spend wisely, and maybe even snag those tickets before they sell out.

First Rule of Con Club: Make a Budget, Then Actually Use It

The most common phrase at a con? “It’s only $15.” You’ll say it about 20 times. That’s $300. Congratulations, you just outsmarted yourself.

Before you even get to the convention center, map out your con spending into 3 core zones:

• Food & Drinks – Will you eat at the hotel? At ConSweet? (Yes, free ramen and soda exist—more on that later.) Or are you UberEats-ing every meal? Budget accordingly.

• Merch & Artist Alley – This is where most of your money wants to go. We’ll talk strategy soon.

• Emergency/Impulse Buys – This includes emotional purchases like the aforementioned plushie or getting a tattoo on-site (yes, that’s possible).

A good starting point? Set a total budget, then divide it by the number of con days. That’s your daily allowance. Use envelopes, a spending tracker app, or the old-school “cash in a Ziploc bag” method. Once that day’s money’s gone, it’s GONE.

Use Cash Like a Smart Goblin

This might sound archaic, but using actual cash is one of the best ways to control spending. Most vendors accept cards, but swiping your debit feels way less painful than handing over a crisp $20. Make yourself feel the cost, and suddenly that fourth Blind Box won’t look quite so tempting.

Here’s how to do it:
Withdraw the exact amount you plan to spend (plus a little buffer for emergencies), divide it up by day, and stash each day's money in a separate envelope. Label them. Guard them like a dragon hoards treasure.

If you're worried about emergencies, keep a credit card tucked deep in your bag—not in your wallet. This makes using it a deliberate act, not an “oops” swipe.

The Exhibit Hall: Where Budgets Go to Die

Anime Midwest’s Exhibit Hall is a sensory overload of neon colors, glitter, hard-to-find imports, and the overwhelming scent of vinyl and impulse regret. Vendors here sell everything: DVDs, costumes, manga, imported snacks, plushies, keychains, art prints, props, and cosplay gear.

Here’s how not to go bankrupt in there:

1. Do a walkthrough first. Don’t buy anything in the first 30 minutes. Circle the hall, note prices, and then compare before you commit.

2. Beware of emotional buys. “If I don’t get this now, it’ll be gone!” Yes, maybe. But do you need that $50 dakimakura of a character you didn’t even like six months ago?

3. Set a limit for big-ticket items. Want a statue or rare figure? Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you fall in love.

Artist Alley: Where You CAN Support Creators Without Bankruptcy

Tucked near the Exhibit Hall, Artist Alley is the soul of the con. Independent artists sell prints, stickers, zines, keychains, pins, and hand-drawn commissions. Here’s where supporting fandom can also be smart spending.

Pro tips:

• Talk to the artists! Many have bundle deals or discounts for multiple prints.

• Commissions are a great souvenir. They’re one-of-a-kind, support real people, and feel more “worth it” than mass-produced stuff.

• Don’t haggle. This isn’t a flea market. Be respectful.

Still on a tight budget? Stick to postcards, stickers, or mini prints. They’re cheap, adorable, and easy to take home without crushing your suitcase (or soul).

Real Talk: What’s Actually Worth Paying For?

Let’s walk through some of the events and experiences at Anime Midwest 2025 that you should definitely consider budgeting for—and some you can enjoy without spending extra. Knowing where to save and where to splurge means you get the most fun without waking up broke on Monday.

Tabletop & Video Gaming

If you want hours of entertainment that won’t cost you a dime once you’re inside, the Tabletop Gaming Room and Video Game Lounge are your best bets. They’re packed with everything from classic consoles and tournament setups to piles of board games. Whether you’re into competitive matches or just casual play, you can easily lose track of time here—and maybe even make a new gaming buddy or two. Plus, these spaces sometimes feature demos of new or indie games you’ve never heard of before, which is like discovering hidden treasure for zero extra cost.

Sugoi Tattoos Booth

Yes, you read that right—anime-themed tattoos at the con, done professionally with all the proper sanitation and safety. If you’re thinking about making a permanent mark of your fandom, this is your chance. But here’s the reality check: tattoos aren’t impulse buys. Don’t let a short line or a last-minute thrill convince you to jump in without thinking it through. Budget ahead and make sure it’s something you really want because, trust me, “I got this because the line was short” is not the best tattoo story.

Karaoke Krypt

One of the con’s most underrated and beloved spaces, the Karaoke Krypt lets you belt out your favorite anime openings or J-pop hits with zero pressure and zero extra fees. It’s included with your badge and all you need is some guts (and maybe a friend or two for duets when you forget the lyrics mid-song). The vibe here is all about fun, not talent, so if you’re up for some silly, unforgettable moments, this is the place to be.

Concerts, Dances & Stage Shows

Skip the pricey after-parties because the real action is happening here—and it’s already included in your badge. Anime Midwest brings in amazing musical guests, DJs, and even live burlesque shows (18+ only, with ID). From electronic dance music raves to performances by groups like the Forbidden Fandom Dames, there’s something for everyone ready to dance or just soak up the atmosphere. Since you already paid, why not go all in and make some memories?

Fantasy Ball

Think cosplay meets prom night in the most magical way possible. The Fantasy Ball is a highlight for many attendees and it’s totally free to join. Formalwear is encouraged but don’t sweat it—you don’t need a fancy new dress or tux. Many folks get creative by dressing up something they already own or cosplay a character in formal attire. Bonus points if you participate in the Date Auction beforehand—it’s ridiculous, fun, and a little bit charming. This is one of those can’t-miss, budget-friendly experiences.

Maid Café

Want to step into a slice of Japanese pop culture? The Royale Maid Café offers a charming, interactive experience where you’re served by maids or butlers in character. Tickets cost a little extra and tend to sell out fast, so if this sounds like your jam, plan ahead and buy early. It’s not a must-have, but it’s a neat splurge if you want to add something unique to your weekend.

Arcade Room

A flashing, button-mashing paradise that’s free to enjoy once you’re inside. The Arcade Room features rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution and Taiko no Tatsujin, while the Pachinko Area offers a taste of retro Japanese fun. Bring some friends, challenge your rivals, and get lost in the arcade vibe—all without spending an extra cent.

Special Guests & Autographs

Meeting voice actors, musicians, and other stars is a huge draw—and some autograph sessions are actually free, which is a total rarity. However, others charge fees that vary quite a bit. Before the con, do some homework on who you really want to meet and what their signing fees are. It’s smarter to prioritize one autograph that means a lot to you than blow your budget trying to collect a pile of signatures you won’t care about later.

Fan-Run Panels: Free Fun with a Surprise Twist

One of the coolest things about Anime Midwest is how much of the experience is shaped by fans just like you. The fan-run panels are a prime example—these sessions aren’t just about anime or typical nerd culture. They’re a wild, wonderfully diverse mix of ideas, insights, and passions brought to life by fellow attendees who want to share something meaningful.

You might wander into a panel where someone’s breaking down how to plan your own event—perfect if you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own con or community gathering. Or maybe you’ll find yourself learning about the tourist traps to watch out for on your next trip to Japan, helping you dodge the typical pitfalls that catch first-timers off guard.

Some panels could dive into cutting-edge topics like how AI and virtual reality are changing the way classrooms work, giving a sneak peek at how tech meets education. Others might explore the entrepreneurial side of things, with discussions about launching startups or using digital marketing to build a brand, tailored for the nerdy business-minded among us.

But it doesn’t stop there. If you’ve ever felt cramped in your living space, there could be a session on designing minimalist areas—even if your “space” right now is just a corner of a con hotel floor. Or you might stumble upon a talk about indoor gardening, which could spark ideas for apartment-friendly green thumbs.

Healthy living and lifestyle changes also pop up unexpectedly. Some fan panels might explore going vegan, navigating a world full of ramen and rich flavors while sticking to your goals. And if adulting feels like a mess sometimes, there might be real, no-nonsense advice about fixing your credit score—yes, some panels get pretty practical.

Finally, because we all need a mental reset, you could find sessions on meditation and mental wellness specifically geared toward high-stress, high-energy nerds who want to recharge without unplugging completely.

These fan-run panels are free, often surprisingly insightful, and a fantastic way to discover fresh perspectives that go well beyond the usual anime talk. If you’ve never given them a chance, make it a point to pop into a few—you never know what hidden gems you’ll find.

Ticket Info: Don’t Sleep on Early Bird Deals

Badge prices tend to creep up the longer you wait, so it pays to lock yours in early. Right now, a full 3-day pass goes for $65, but that jumps to $70 after June 20. If you’re planning to attend just one day, one-day passes are priced at $40 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, and $40 for Sunday. For those wanting the VIP treatment, platinum tickets with extra perks can reach $150. The bottom line? Snag your tickets early—because that’s money you’ll want to save for plushies, prints, or hey, five boba teas in a single day.

Con Survival Tips That’ll Save You Money and Sanity

First things first: bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle. Hotel prices for food and drinks are basically highway robbery, so having something on hand will save your wallet and keep you fueled between panels and cosplay shoots.

Speaking of free food, don’t forget about the ConSweet! Free ramen and soda? Yes, please. That’s basically your lunch sorted without spending a dime—more money left for merch or boba tea runs.

Now, shoes. Pack the comfiest kicks you own because you’ll be walking a lot. Trust me, emergency Crocs might sound like a funny fallback, but they’re not exactly the style statement or support you want when you’re on your feet all day.

To keep your spending in check, set spending alarms on your phone. Schedule reminders like, “Hey, you’ve spent $85 today. Chill out!” It’s a great way to avoid waking up Monday with sticker shock from impulse buys.

Finally, if you’re coming with friends, split meals and rooms. Sharing a hotel room and ordering food together can slice your costs in half (or more), making that weekend of fun way more affordable.

Stick to these tips, and you’ll save money—and your sanity—while making the most of Anime Midwest!

You Deserve the Experience, Not the Guilt

Cons are magical. They’re loud and weird and exhausting and amazing. But when you’re stressed about money, it’s hard to enjoy yourself. So plan ahead. Spend smart. Use the tools in this guide and treat your budget like part of the adventure.

You don’t need to spend big to have a big time at Anime Midwest 2025. All you really need is a badge, a little prep, and the wisdom to walk away from that $120 wall scroll you’ll regret by Tuesday.

Unless it’s That One Guy. Then… okay. Maybe.