Welcome to this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG! Join Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Asante Capital Management as they break down the key differences between fee-based and fee-for-service advisors, helping you figure out which model best supports your financial goals. Are you overpaying for financial advice? And how much does your advisor’s fee structure really affect how well your financial plan gets implemented?

Rob and Mike dive deep into the real costs, levels of accountability, and execution challenges that come with different types of financial planning. Learn why implementation can be one of the toughest parts—and how choosing the right advisor can make all the difference in keeping your investments, retirement, and estate planning on track.

Tune in, and don’t miss this chance to cut through the noise and get smarter about your financial future!

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management explore the growing conversation around tariffs and their impact on the economy. With trade tensions rising and new tariffs making headlines, they break down what this means for consumers, businesses, and investors alike. Tune in as they discuss how shifting global trade policies could influence markets and offer tips on staying financially resilient in an uncertain economic climate.

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management discuss the true purpose of money: spending it wisely. They explore the concept that money isn’t just for saving, but for investing in experiences and things that add value to your life. Tune in to hear their insights on how to create a balanced approach to managing your finances, and why understanding the role of money in your life can lead to more fulfillment and financial freedom!

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management explain why you should stop buying individual stocks. They break down the risks and common misconceptions about stock picking, and share smarter investment strategies to build long-term wealth. Tune in to learn why diversifying your portfolio and avoiding individual stocks could be a game-changer for your financial future!

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management walk you through the common mistakes Canadians often make when filing their tax returns. From missed deductions to misunderstood tax credits, these errors can cost you more than you think. Tune in to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your tax return is as smooth as possible!

Join Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management in this special 300th episode of Think Smart with TMFG. They delve into the ten reasons why Canadian banks might not have your best interests at heart. From high fees and lack of transparency to conflicts of interest and unfair lending practices, this episode sheds light on the practices that might affect you as a banking customer. Listen in to explore how corporate greed and limited competition shape the financial landscape in Canada. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the potential disconnect between profit-making and client service in the banking sector.

Welcome to "Think Smart with TMFG," where hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon delve into the latest developments in the Canadian stock market. This episode explores the transformation of Canadian corporations over the past 30 years, comparing their evolution to their US counterparts. With an eye on the future, the hosts discuss the importance of global diversification, revealing why a Canadian-only investment portfolio no longer suffices. Tune in to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian investors in an increasingly interconnected world.

Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant topics for everyday Canadians. Hosted by Carlo Cansino and John Iaconetti from Asante Capital Management, this episode delves into the intricacies of withholding tax, source tax deductions, and taxes payable.

As tax refunds start rolling in, many clients express excitement over receiving a large sum. But should you be thrilled about it? Carlo and John explain why a large tax refund may indicate excessive tax payments throughout the year. They discuss the importance of managing your tax payments to minimize the amount owed or refunded when you file your taxes.

Learn about the differences between taxes deducted from your paycheck, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) payments. Discover strategies to keep more money in your hands throughout the year instead of giving it to the government upfront.

Join the conversation and find out how optimizing your tax situation can benefit your financial health, especially in retirement. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insightful content.

Until next time, this is John Iaconetti and Carlo Cancino signing off from Think Smart with TMFG.

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, we have an in-depth conversation about trying to beat the stock market. Your hosts, Rob McClelland and Mike Connan, both seasoned financial advisors, debunk the myth of outperforming the market consistently and elaborate on the importance of having a financial plan and behavioral discipline in place. Learn from the wisdom of investment gurus like Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham. They underscore the perils of putting all investment eggs in one basket and explain why chasing the best-performing stocks could be a dangerous game.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the Universal Select Managers strategy that promised high returns but ended up a failure, emphasizing that a sound strategy isn't about shooting the lights out with every pick. The hosts highlight the risks of over-concentration in a portfolio, especially in volatile markets, using the experience of Nortel in Canada as a reference case. Throughout the episode, they stress the significance of diversified investment and question the rationale of people rushing to invest in today's hot stocks.

Taking insights from Chat, the hosts present ten tested strategies to beat the market, along with ten ways to ensure you won't. This episode offers a wealth of financial wisdom from the best of the investing world, combining lessons from the past with contemporary knowledge. By the end, you'll come to understand why trying to beat the market might not be necessary at all, and how discipline, strategy, and diversification are three pillars of successful long-term investment.

Your host, senior financial advisor Rob McClelland, and Mike Connon delve into the future of real estate on this episode. They analyze the Canadian Government's efforts to make housing more affordable by increasing supply and hypothesize an oversupply of housing in the future.

Investment in real estate and rental rates in Toronto, as compared globally, are also examined. Intricate calculations are presented to provide listeners with a clear understanding of the return on such investments. Unlike other markets where return rates are considerably higher, the GTA shows a relatively low return rate of between one and one and a half percent.

The hosts explore capital gain changes and how these impact real estate investments, presenting a comprehensive analysis of the current situation. Topics, including real estate fees, land transfer tax, and taxation on sale proceeds, are discussed, providing insights into the financial implications of selling a property.

A surprising revelation is the subject of HST on new home purchases, further adding to the increasing costs of real estate investing. The podcast ends with an overview of the challenges within the housing industry and possible solutions, encouraging listeners to consider the potential unknowns before plunging into this market.

Stay informed about what's new and relevant to everyday Canadians. Join Rob and Mike weekly on Think Smart with TMFG for a lowdown on financial matters that impact your life. Subscribe now!