Think Smart with TMFG

They weren't always as perfect as we like to remember them, especially regarding financial products and advice.
Front-end fees of 5-9%, deferred sales charges, minimum commissions, management fees, and hidden fees; it could be a very hostile environment to navigate for the average investor.

Join us today on Think Smart as we look back at how things were and what has come along to replace them.

Today we look at the saving and spending habits of three groups; The Frugal Foodies, The Prudent Families and The Extravagant Travelers and what makes each successful in attaining their ideal retirement goals. Which type are you?

Join Us Today On Think Smart!

Where should you be getting advice? Generic advice can be very dangerous. There are so many factors to consider when you start to make decisions based on what you read or hear. Are AIs really sophisticated enough to solve all your financial and money concerns? You may not even be aware of the risk that is baked-in to the information you are considering.

No matter how or what happens, you just can't shake inflation. It's always right there by your side. But what can help in your ongoing lifetime battle with it is understanding it. How is inflation calculated? You might be surprised how that 3% is actually determined, how issues in the supply chain can affect the cost of goods and impact your future aspirations. Is there a way to keep up with it all, or are you well and truly doomed? 
We're here to tell you there are ways to beat inflation at its own game.

Listen to how today on ThinkSmart!

Everyone has predicted a correction for the housing market, but as prices continue to rise in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, will we ever see this happen? Real estate and real estate construction today make up a larger share of our economy than in any other country in the world.
When the pandemic hit, all predictions were that the housing market would suffer while it seems the exact opposite occurred. What is happening to make more individuals take the leap and become homeowners?

The world has changed significantly over the past year. We have begun to shine a light on those areas in the environment and society that had previously been ignored. Ethical Sustainability and (Corporate) Governance Investing or ESG investing has become a topic of interest for many investors. However, the path to these ethical decisions is not always at straight forward as we may think. It's not easy to decipher which companies to believe in, and many factors need to be taken into consideration. At the moment, there is no perfect system. So how do you begin to weigh the pros and cons of what companies should be in your portfolio?

Today on ThinkSmart, we discuss the exciting new world of ESG Investing.

 

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 Think Smart.

 

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.