Think Smart with TMFG

It's hard to believe that we have hit the 100 podcast mark, but it's true. Our format has changed a lot over the years. We have tackled everything from macroeconomics to social issues and come all the way back to grassroots financial planning advice. What started as taking our daily in-person "Tim Horton's chats" public, has grown into a weekly podcast and a steady group of listeners. With the rollercoaster of a year we have had, we feel privileged to keep in touch with all our listeners and our loyal clients. In this episode, we take our cue from one of our most downloaded podcasts, "Lessons Learned from 2008 to Present" and discuss some of the important lessons we have learned over the year from market fluctuations to the benefits of rebalancing. Join us today on ThinkSmart!

Could it be that we are approaching a recovery? If you have been in the fortunate position to have had extra capital over the past few months, your savings may actually have increased. The unemployment rate is predicted to lower in the future and, GDP is on the rise.  We are beginning to see many positive signs on the horizon. Most importantly, we are starting to see social change,  raising awareness of inequalities and a movement to a more open and positive future to come.Join us today on ThinkSmart as we discuss the many directions the world is moving in and some of the things we have begun to noticed along the way.

What does volatility in the market actually mean, and how can you make it work to your advantage? The downside of volatility often gets negative press, but risk and return are often very closely related. Let's explore how this all works today on ThinkSmart.

The death of a client can be one of the hardest parts of an advisor's job. In many cases, this may be a relationship that has been forged over 20-30 years. It is a difficult time for everyone involved, and a financial advisor needs to be the voice of reason for the surviving family members. There is a lot riding on the next steps, and everything needs to be done correctly. Listen today to hear some of the elements that come into play when this part of a client’s financial journey comes into play.

Trying to predict the outcome of most things, if not based in science, is very nearly impossible, and even then, it can be impractical. Isn't it always way too apparent after the fact what we should have expected or, better, known? But seriously, do you think it's possible to predict some aspects of the market? Find out what we believe today on ThinkSmart.

What steps should you consider taking to ensure a smooth transition into retirement? How should you handle your accounts over the next few years? What are the tax benefits of changing tax brackets? How to cope with your debt. Consider how your future health might be affected. When should CPP be taken? Do both you and your partner have the same ideal retirement in mind?We answer these and many more questions today on ThinkSmart.

The first Bitcoin ETF was recently launched, and it's certainly become very hard to ignore it in the marketplace. However, there are two sides of this figurative coin; the financial perspective and the technological perspective. There is a severe lack of information and mystery around how it actually works.  While it may, in fact, really help in third-world commerce,  there is still a ton of volatility and uncertainty surrounding it.

Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of Bitcoin!

Does anyone know off the top of their head the difference between mutual funds and ETFs? For all intents and purposes, they are pretty similar. However, you may be surprised to know that there are a number of subtle distinctions that can make a difference to your pocketbook.Listen today to find out more!

Have you made your first million yet? It's not as hard as you might think. Believe it or not, there are some pretty straightforward steps you can take to get there. Listen today as Rob and Mike give you their personal accounts of how their very practical financial decisions worked out and how you might be in a position to do the same.

Signals of financial change: What types of change are we seeing, and what is the impact on your life?In many parts of the world where there previously had been none, a rising middle class is working towards a more desirable lifestyle and driving up costs. While at the same time, in the western world, our priorities are shifting from owning things to experiencing things.

From the minimum wage worker to the corporate executive, things are on the move.We are in a period of growth and the world is changing in so many new ways. Find out more here today on ThinkSmart.