Toronto ComiCon ran this past weekend in the Big Smoke. 
As always, it drew thousands of fans of fantasy literature, comics, television and movies, who descended on the event with unrivalled excitement and passion. Many attendees spent considerable time and money outfitting themselves with intricate costumes depicting their favourite fictional characters.
Why do people do this? Why do adults – people from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds, male and female – dress up as fictional characters in outrageous costumes and congregate at events around the country like ComiCon?
There are many reasons, but I believe one that holds true in many cases is this: we each want to associate ourselves with a great idea, an inspiring vision, a noble story, and we want to be a hero in someone’s life and make a real difference.
Perhaps this is part of what led me to become a Money Coach with Money Coaches Canada (MCC). The co-founders of MCC, Karin Mizgala and Sheila Walkington, have a bold vision of what unbiased financial advice in Canada should be, and you can hear their passion for their mission whenever they speak. I was reminded of this at the recent Toronto launch of their book Unstuck: How to Get Out of Your Money Rut And Start Living the Life You Want. The attendees could clearly see that this book was a labour of love for Karin and Sheila… but it is just one chapter in the Money Coaches Canada saga.
Deep down, there is a call for each of us to be heroic in our own way. During my first Money Monday presentation, I got a taste of what it was like to be a financial advice “hero”. I could see foggy money concepts become clear, and a sense of excitement grow among the participants as they envisioned new possibilities for realizing their financial goals.
A young wife and mother was one of the attendees. While her husband stayed home to take care of their toddler, she came to learn about RRSPs and TFSAs and how best to use them to help her family. She scribbled a ton of notes during the discussion! Later, I heard from her husband that she came home and talked his ear off! (Sorry buddy… maybe next time you should join us too!)
Bringing financial empowerment to the people in my community was something I’ll never forget. I’m really looking forward to the next Money Monday, and I’d LOVE to see you there!
Perhaps I’ll even wear a costume? What do you think?
Noel D’Souza is a Money Coach and Financial Planner with a passion for helping Canadians get the most out of their money… and their life!
