AskTMFG The Podcast

In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino explains how the July 2026 Old Age Security recalculation could quietly reduce the monthly benefit of well-prepared Canadian retirees, often without any letter, phone call, or warning.

The conversation explores why OAS is recalculated quarterly rather than once a year, and why the "clawback" catches far more retirees off guard than just the very wealthy.

We also walk through the strategies still available before December 31st like drawing on the TFSA, pension income splitting, timing major purchases, and income sequencing, to help shape the next clawback cycle and protect your benefit.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUW85jh-ws0 

Question for our listeners: Did you know your OAS could be reduced based on income you earned a full year earlier?

👉 If you'd like to know whether you're at risk in the next clawback cycle, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis: https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

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LinkedIn: The McClelland Financial Group

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, financial advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle one of the most common retirement misconceptions Canadians hold: that reaching $1.5 million means you're financially set for retirement.

The conversation explores why $1.5 million may not be the safe number many people assume, how inflation silently cuts purchasing power in half over a 30-year retirement, and why the popular 4% withdrawal rule may no longer hold up in today's environment of longer lifespans and greater market volatility.

We also discuss the real cost of healthcare in Canada that most retirees underestimate, how sequence-of-returns risk can permanently derail a retirement portfolio if markets drop early, the tax drag that quietly erodes savings, especially from RRSP-heavy portfolios, and the four psychological traps that lead Canadians to overestimate their retirement readiness.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRgZBH6sjbE

Question for our listeners: If you retired tomorrow with $1.5 million, do you know exactly how long it would last and what risks could cut it short?

👉 If you'd like help building a retirement plan tailored to your goals, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis: https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Carlo Cansino reveals how one retirement income strategy saved a Canadian retiree more than $200,000 in taxes, with the exact same savings, investments, and lifestyle as the alternative plan.

The conversation explores why most retirees assume their tax bill in retirement is largely fixed, how withdrawing from the wrong account at the wrong time can cost tens of thousands in a single year, and why the biggest tax problems tend to build slowly and silently over decades.

Using a side-by-side comparison of two retirement plans for the same composite couple, Carlo walks through the six decisions that created the $200,000 gap: RRSP drawdown timing, CPP coordination, pension income splitting, TFSA preservation, gradual capital gains management, and donating appreciated securities instead of cash.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/1KvAttVjZHA 

Question for our listeners: Have you ever seen what a different retirement income strategy could save you in lifetime taxes?

👉 If you'd like help identifying tax savings opportunities in your own plan, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis: https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti reveal a truth that goes against conventional wisdom: Why delaying retirement past age 60 could actually be costing you.

The conversation explores why age 60 is such a critical inflection point, why the old advice to "just work longer and save more" often backfires, and why chasing magic numbers like $1 million can lead Canadians to delay retirement unnecessarily.

They also discuss the fears that keep people working, losing identity, social connection, and spousal age gaps, along with how TFSAs can accelerate retirement timelines by 5 to 10 years, and the personal costs of waiting: missed health, family time, and experiences that may never come back.

Whether you're approaching 60, dreaming of an earlier exit, or wondering whether you've already saved enough, this episode offers practical insights into retirement timing, tax-free income strategies, and building a retirement plan that balances financial confidence and life satisfaction.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/SVPYMpSPDIQ 

Question for our listeners:

👉 If you'd like help building a retirement plan tailored to your goals, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis: https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest transitions Canadians face in retirement: what to do after downsizing your family home.

The conversation explores why downsizing is a retirement planning event rather than just a real estate decision, how a tax-free lump sum can affect taxes, OAS clawbacks, and long-term flexibility, and why the biggest mistakes happen after the sale closes.

We also discuss the risks of making gifting or investment decisions too quickly, why downsizing doesn't always lower your cost of living, the dangers of waiting too long to act, and a smarter four-step framework for integrating the proceeds into your retirement plan.

Whether you're planning to downsize, sitting on proceeds from a recent sale, or weighing alternatives like a reverse mortgage, this episode offers practical insights into retirement income planning, tax strategy, and making your home equity work for you.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/HLBGOdmbiIc 

Question for our listeners:

👉 If you'd like help building a retirement plan tailored to your goals, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis: https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti tackle a question many Canadians ask after reaching a major financial milestone: What happens if you stop saving for retirement after accumulating $1 million?

The conversation explores the psychological shift that often occurs after reaching seven figures, why $1 million can create a false sense of financial security, and how stopping contributions too early may impact long-term retirement outcomes.

They also discuss the impact of inflation, market volatility, retirement timelines, withdrawal planning, and the common mistakes Canadians make when they view $1 million as a finish line rather than a milestone. 

Whether you're working toward your first million, approaching retirement, or wondering if you've already saved enough, this episode offers practical insights into retirement planning, wealth accumulation, investment growth, and building a sustainable retirement income strategy in Canada.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJfhgITbt04 

Question for our listeners:

If your retirement portfolio reached $1 million tomorrow, would you keep contributing, or would you feel comfortable taking your foot off the gas?

👉 If you'd like help building a retirement plan tailored to your goals, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis:

https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

Follow us on our social channels:

LinkedIn: The McClelland Financial Group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmfg.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themcclellandfinancialgroup_/

In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino discusses one of the most overlooked retirement planning risks for Canadian couples: what happens financially when a spouse passes away.

The conversation explores how retirement income can change after the loss of a spouse, including the impact on CPP survivor benefits, pensions, RRIF withdrawals, income splitting opportunities, and overall tax efficiency. Carlo and John explain why many surviving spouses are unprepared for the financial, administrative, and tax-related responsibilities that often arise during an already difficult period.

They also discuss common mistakes families make in the first year after a loss, the importance of proper beneficiary designations, tax-efficient asset transfers, estate coordination, and how a survivor plan can help reduce stress and avoid costly financial mistakes.

Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, or helping aging parents navigate their financial future, this episode offers practical insights into retirement, estate, and tax planning, as well as wealth transfer strategies for Canadian families.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/hPKv2mWq2mo  

Question for our listeners:

Have you and your spouse discussed what would happen financially if one of you passed away unexpectedly?

👉 If you'd like help building a retirement plan that protects both spouses and prepares for life's major transitions, we're offering a complimentary portfolio analysis:

https://tmfg.ca/portfolio-analysis/

Follow us on our social channels:

LinkedIn: The McClelland Financial Group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmfg.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themcclellandfinancialgroup_/

In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down one of the most common retirement questions Canadians ask: Is $850,000 enough to retire and never work again?

The conversation explores how CPP, OAS, withdrawal strategies, and spending habits can dramatically change what retirement actually looks like for Canadians.

Carlo and John also discuss the importance of diversification, inflation protection, dynamic withdrawal planning, and managing sequence of returns risk throughout retirement.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/cQ40QWoUcN0

Question for our listeners:

👉 If you’d like help building a retirement strategy tailored to your goals, we’re offering a complimentary portfolio analysis:

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino explains why taking only the minimum RRIF withdrawal may not always lead to the best long-term tax outcome.

The conversation explores how growing RRIF balances can eventually lead to larger mandatory withdrawals, higher taxable income, OAS clawbacks, and increased estate tax exposure later in retirement.

We also break down strategies retirees may use to create a more stable, tax-efficient retirement income structure, including proactive withdrawal planning, TFSA recycling, and spousal coordination.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWTsodgy6CI 

Question for our listeners:

👉 If you’d like help reviewing your own retirement income and withdrawal strategy, we’re offering a complimentary portfolio analysis:

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In this episode of the AskTMFG Podcast, Financial Advisors Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti break down how the decline of pension coverage in Canada has completely changed retirement planning for millions of Canadians.

They explain why having a pension can dramatically improve retirement security, and why not having one may require a very different savings and investment strategy.

The conversation explores how pensions help reduce sequence of returns risk, create more predictable retirement income, and improve long-term tax planning. 

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_TDPkF4claU 

Question for our listeners:

👉 If you’d like help building a retirement strategy tailored to your goals, we’re offering a complimentary portfolio analysis:

Follow us on our social channels: