Think Smart with TMFG

As global economic dynamics continue to shift, understanding Canada’s role on the world stage is more important than ever.

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of CI Assante Wealth Management, discuss Mark Carney’s impactful speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos and why it captured global attention.

They break down how the traditional rules-based global order is changing, why trust and cooperation matter in economic systems, and what happens when countries stop playing by shared rules. The conversation highlights the growing role of “middle powers” like Canada and explains why Canada’s reputation as an honest trading partner, its educated workforce, and its diversity position it well in an evolving global landscape.

From an investment perspective, Mike and Carlo reinforce: global diversification remains essential. Rather than trying to predict which countries will succeed, a broadly diversified portfolio helps investors stay resilient through uncertainty.

The key takeaway? While global power is shifting, disciplined, diversified investing remains a strong foundation for long-term financial success.

Question for our listeners: Does your investment strategy reflect today’s changing global landscape?

📌 If you’d like help reviewing your portfolio, book a meeting with our team here: Schedule your meeting here.

🎧 Click here to listen on YouTube.

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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s a good reminder that retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re part of a couple, planning on your own, or navigating a life change, your strategy matters.

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at CI Assante Wealth Management, discuss how retirement planning changes depending on your personal situation.

They explain why it’s a mistake to assume that income and expenses automatically scale down when someone is on their own. While couples often benefit from shared costs, income splitting, and built-in support systems, individuals planning independently, or those who may face changes later in life, need to think differently about taxes, cash flow, and long-term security.

Mike and Carlo walk through Canadian income and tax considerations, including how pension income splitting and Old Age Security (OAS) treatment can significantly affect after-tax income. They also discuss why many everyday expenses, such as housing, utilities, and travel, don’t decrease as much as people expect, regardless of household size.

Beyond the numbers, the conversation highlights real-life planning considerations: having support systems in place, preparing for healthcare needs, simplifying finances, and building flexibility into your plan. Whether you’re planning as a couple or on your own, understanding these differences can help you stay prepared for whatever life brings.

The key takeaway? A strong retirement plan adapts as your life evolves, and thinking ahead makes all the difference.

Question for our Listeners: Does your current plan account for both financial and lifestyle considerations?

📌 If you’d like help reviewing your retirement plan or adjusting your strategy, you can book a meeting with our team here: Schedule your meeting here.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of CI Assante Wealth Management, address a key question many Canadians are facing: If you receive a lump sum of money, is it smarter to pay down your mortgage or invest it?

The advisors explore the advantages of paying down debt, particularly in a higher interest rate environment. Paying off mortgage principal provides a guaranteed return equal to the interest you would otherwise pay, reduces financial stress, and improves cash flow, especially important as people approach retirement. They emphasize that retiring with minimal or no debt frees up income for living expenses without ongoing interest obligations.

They also discuss the benefits of investing the money, especially through tax-efficient accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs. Investing can produce returns that exceed mortgage interest over time, but returns are not guaranteed and depend on market performance and tax treatment. Mike and Carlo explain how different accounts and investment choices affect your after-tax outcome and why balancing risk and reward matters.

Finally, they recommend a hybrid strategy for many households, allocating some funds to reduce mortgage debt while investing the rest. This helps preserve liquidity, reduce long-term interest costs, and maintain growth potential. They also highlight concerning trends in Canadian household debt and caution against relying on your home as a financial plan.

Questions for our Listeners:

• If you received a significant lump sum of money, how would you balance paying down debt versus investing?

• Would a hybrid approach give you more confidence in your financial plan?

📌 For a deeper dive into this topic, read the article by advisor Gabriel Zitoli that expands on the insights discussed in today’s episode:

Invest or Pay Down Your Mortgage? Our Key Insights for Canadian Homeowners to Build Wealth Smarter by Gabriel Zitoli

If you’d like help reviewing your situation, goals, or strategy, you can book a meeting with our team here: Schedule your meeting here.

Click here to watch the full podcast episode on YouTube.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of CI Assante Wealth Management, focus on what has been happening in Venezuela and why global political headlines, especially those tied to oil, matter to Canadians and their investments.

The conversation examines Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, the impact of long-standing government corruption, and why recent U.S. involvement has garnered global attention. Along the way, the discussion explains why oil quality and refining costs play an important role in global energy markets, not just the size of the reserves.

Closer to home, the episode explores how these developments can affect Canada. Because Canadian oil is similar to Venezuela’s, changes in global supply and access can impact Canadian energy companies, market performance, and the broader economy.

At the same time, the episode reinforces an important investing principle: reacting to geopolitical headlines often does more harm than good. Political events are unpredictable, and short-term market moves rarely justify changing a long-term plan. Staying diversified and focused on long-term goals remains key during periods of uncertainty.

Questions for our Listeners:
Given the importance of energy to Canada, do you think global oil politics affect Canadian investors more than we tend to realize?

If you’d like to review your portfolio, discuss your long-term goals, or make sure your investment strategy still fits your situation, you can book a meeting with our team here: Schedule your meeting here.

Click here to watch the full podcast episode on YouTube.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, discuss when it makes sense for Canadian business owners to incorporate and what factors should drive that decision. They explain why there is no single income level that automatically signals incorporation, and why future growth, cash flow needs, and long-term goals matter more than a fixed dollar threshold.

They walk through 5 key considerations for growing businesses, including tax-efficient compensation strategies using salary versus dividends, managing risk through proper corporate structuring, and protecting the business with insurance. The discussion also covers investing excess cash inside a corporation, how Capital Dividend Accounts work, and how passive income can impact the small business deduction.

Finally, they emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate records, maximizing legitimate deductions, and planning for long-term corporate wealth and eventual exit strategies. Whether transitioning a business to family, selling it, or winding it down, they emphasize that early planning and professional advice are essential to building value and avoiding costly mistakes.

If you would like guidance on corporate planning or are considering incorporation for your situation, please schedule a meeting here: Schedule your meeting here.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, discuss common estate planning mistakes and practical strategies for Canadians. They explore why having a properly structured will, appointing executors, and setting up powers of attorney are critical for a smooth estate transfer and for protecting your family.

They also highlight the risks of dying without a will, including the government dictating how assets are distributed, potential family disputes, and delays caused by non-liquid assets, like cottages or other properties. They emphasize the importance of beneficiary designations, insurance strategies, and ensuring liquidity in your estate to manage taxes and unexpected costs efficiently.

Ultimately, they stress the importance of documenting decisions and communicating with family members to prevent ambiguity, safeguard relationships, and alleviate stress for loved ones. They explain that a will and a power of attorney are separate tools, each with specific roles, and that acting while in full capacity is essential to avoid future complications. Careful estate planning is not just about money; it’s about protecting your family, preserving your legacy, and ensuring peace of mind.

If you would like guidance on creating an estate plan tailored to your specific situation, please request a meeting here: Schedule your meeting here.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, explore practical strategies for Canadians approaching retirement. They highlight the challenges many retirees face, including navigating pensions and government benefits, as well as planning for unexpected expenses.

Mike and Carlo discuss the decline of traditional defined benefit plans and emphasize the importance of supplementing public pensions, such as CPP and Old Age Security, with personal savings and tax-advantaged accounts, including RRSPs and TFSAs. They also explain how timing decisions, like deferring CPP or OAS, can significantly boost retirement income, and how sharing benefits with a spouse can help manage household taxes.

Unexpected costs are a common source of stress for retirees, including everything from home maintenance and condo assessments to healthcare expenses, such as dental work. Finally, they address the misconception that retirees should drastically reduce their equity exposure. Since inflation affects retirement expenses, maintaining growth-oriented investments is crucial to ensure your portfolio keeps pace over a long retirement horizon.

Ultimately, they emphasize that retirement planning is dynamic: your plan should evolve in response to life changes, while keeping you prepared for unforeseen expenses, thereby helping you retire with confidence and peace of mind.

If you want guidance on creating a retirement plan tailored to your goals, request a meeting here: Schedule your meeting here!

Read the article: "In Your 50s and Thinking About Retirement, What to Know” by Financial Advisor Ingrid Kucera at TMFG, and learn how to turn your retirement savings into a dependable income strategy that supports your long-term goals with confidence.

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In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, dive into practical strategies for Canadians who want to invest smarter without getting caught up in market hype. They emphasize that long-term success isn’t about chasing the latest hot stock or sector; it’s about having a clear, goal-based financial plan that guides every decision.

They break down why diversification across sectors, asset classes, and geographic regions is essential, and how regular portfolio rebalancing helps you stay on track and maintain your risk tolerance. Mike and Carlo also discuss common investor pitfalls, from fear of missing out to reacting emotionally to short-term market swings and explain how a disciplined plan helps you stay focused during volatile times.

Finally, they share insights from research showing that investors who adhere to written, goal-based plans are significantly more likely to achieve their long-term objectives.

For more in-depth guidance on how investor behaviour impacts wealth, check out Tyler Robertson’s Financial Advisor at TMFG, article on our website: Stay Out of Your Own Way To Be a Successful Investor

If you want help creating a plan that aligns with your goals and keeps you on track through market fluctuations, request a meeting here: https://tmfg.ca/schedule/

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Linkedin: The McClelland Financial Group

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This Think Smart with TMFG episode, hosted by Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors of The McClelland Financial Group at Assante Capital Management, explores why retirement feels more challenging today and how inflation is affecting Canadians’ long-term financial plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Inflation is making retirement more expensive, and many retirees are having to adjust their plans because everyday costs continue to rise.

• People now believe they need to save much more, close to $1 million, to feel comfortable in retirement.

• Government benefits help, but don’t keep up, which means planning, the right investment mix, and smart withdrawal strategies are more important than ever.

In today’s economy, rising costs are a constant reality, not a temporary hurdle. The key to a successful retirement is preparing for the uncertainties of inflation and ensuring your plan can adapt as life changes.

This Think Smart with TMFG episode, hosted by Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, explores how rising tariffs and trade tensions are reshaping Canada’s economy and global markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Canada sends 75% of its exports to the U.S., making it vulnerable to trade disruptions.

• Emerging markets, such as China and India, are becoming major economic players and presenting new opportunities for investors.

• A balanced portfolio with a home bias helps reduce currency risk and stay tax-efficient.

This episode highlights why TMFG encourages diversification in both trade and investing to remain resilient in a changing global economy.