Think Smart with TMFG

Episode 29: Becoming A Great A Client Takes A Little More You Might Expect

Becoming a good client requires a great advisor. The importance of having sound advice and taking it. Savers vs. spenders and what it can mean to the future of your plan. The importance of goal setting and finally muffins are they really where it's at?

Episode 33: Technology: Making Us Way Better At What We Do!

Technology has had a huge impact on financial services. Market efficiencies are translating to enormous benefits for clients. Listen here today for more insights in part 2 of our debrief of DFA's Charlotte, NC conference.

Episode 85: The Sexy Secrets of Private Equity

What is Private Equity Investing? How do you gain exposure to this type of investment? Is it a good idea?

Today on Think Smart we discuss some of the lesser-known details of venture capital and labour-sponsored funds. How volatility and illiquidity can be hidden aspects of these big risk investments.

This and more today on Think Smart!

Episode 251: Retirement is Shorter Than You Think

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your hosts, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management Ltd., dive into the issue of how long retirement could last depending on the age you retire, referencing a study by Visual Capitalist. They discuss the variances in life expectancy between men and women and how retirement age impacts these figures.

They emphasize that it's not enough to plan for retirement financially. Staying physically and mentally active, maintaining good health and diet, having a vibrant social life, and managing stress are all important factors in ensuring that retirement years are indeed golden.

Our hosts also discuss different activities that retirees could consider to make their retirement life fulfilled and enjoyable. Embracing hobbies and interests you didn't have time for while working, exploring new places, volunteering, and even planning the financial aspects of your life are a few of the things they suggest.

The uncertainty of retirement length requires proper planning and optimizing life in a way that ensures enjoyable, healthy, and longer retirement years. Listen to this episode of Think Smart with TMFG to get insights on how to live a fulfilling life post-retirement.

Episode 250: Essential Steps for Successful Retirement Planning

Welcome to 'Think Smart with TMFG,' your definitive guide to Canadian Retirement Planning. Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management Ltd. offer their expert perspective on constructing a calculated retirement strategy. The financial duo shed light on the elements of a solid retirement structure, focusing on crafting a financial plan for a future free of worries.

Our hosts share their extensive financial planning expertise, detailing a roadmap to retirement readiness. Covering everything from considering yearly expenses and budgeting for desires like travel to adjusting lifestyle according to retirement revenue, Rob and Mike offer comprehensive guidance for the listeners.

Rob and Mike explore a wide range of income sources - from RRSPs, Work Pensions, CPP, OAS and registered disability savings plans - to consider in your retirement plans. They underline the necessity of having realistic expectations regarding retirement and withdrawal rates to master financial maneuvers.

Episode 249: Expected Rate of Returns in Retirement

In this episode from "Think Smart with TMFG", Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon with Assante Capital Management Ltd. provide an insightful discussion on the critical role of rate of return expectations in retirement planning. Backed by an intriguing study from Visual Capitalist, they highlight the gap between clients' expected returns and those projected by their advisors.

Their conversation takes a global sweep as they dissect rates of return in major markets like the S&P 500, illuminating the disparity in investor vs advisor expectations across different countries.

Rob and Mike shed light on factors such as risk tolerance, time horizons, market conditions, the role of advisors, investment knowledge, and emotional biases. 

Lastly, they share advice on bridging this gap, emphasizing the value of realistic expectations, proper data understanding, and the role of seasoned financial advisors. This episode upholds the importance of aligning investor and advisor expectations for a smoother and more successful path to retirement.

Episode 248: All-In on U.S. Stocks – Wise Move or Risky Strategy?

In the latest episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management delve deep into a daring investment strategy: putting 100% of your assets into U.S. stocks. Highlighting an intriguing article by Nick Maguli, our hosts explore the dominance of U.S. corporate giants such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft and weigh the pros and cons of dedicating your entire portfolio to the S&P 500 index.

Renowned investors like Jack Bogle, Warren Buffett, and JL Collins have recommended this strategy to younger investors– but do U.S. stocks carry the potential to continuously outperform the market? Based on an evidence-based approach, Rob and Mike scrutinize data from the past five decades to provide clear-cut insights. Focusing on U.S. stocks' performance against cash deposits, bonds, and international stocks, they spark a riveting conversation about the feasibility of this investment strategy.

Episode 247: 2023's Most Valuable Companies

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, host Rob McClelland and Mike Connon, Senior Financial Advisors of Assante Capital Management Ltd., delve into the world's most valuable companies in 2023. They offer insights into the various sectors these companies represent and the increasing prominence of American companies on this list.

In this episode, you will also understand the dynamics of the world's corporate movers and shakers, examining some renowned names like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon alongside the relatively new yet powerful players such as Meta and Tesla. Discover the amazing influence of the technology sector, as 30% of the top 10 companies belong in this arena, as well as the astonishing rise of Nvidia in Information Technology. Also, learn why size does not always guarantee success and how these companies play a crucial role in diversifying an investment portfolio.

Finally, get a peek into the future of these companies, taking into account the most recent market conditions and changing consumer behaviour and offering fascinating financial insights. Tune in to learn how to invest smartly, diversify your portfolio, and make sense of the latest global business trends with Think Smart with TMFG.

Episode 246: Financial Planning Tightwads and Spendthrifts Which Way Works Better?

Today Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon discuss financial planning and spending in relationships. This insightful episode of Think Smart with TMFG, delves into the financial dynamics in relationships, pitting 'tightwads' against 'spendthrifts.' Guided by Scott Rick's book, "Tightwads and Spendthrifts," they dive into the financial habits of couples, exploring the balance between saving and spending, and how couples can manage their finances harmoniously.

From Rob's reluctance to drop a dime on razors to Mike's affinity for luxury vacations, the episode offers an honest discussion of personal financial habits. They tackle the nitty-gritty of thrifting, forced savings, and wise spending.

Moreover, they unravel the common financial setups in relationships and share expert advice from years of advising couples. They weigh the pros and cons of managing finances independently, somewhat jointly, or entirely together. Plus, learn which combination of financial practices usually works best for couples, from our host's hefty 25+ years of professional financial experience.

Financial responsibility isn't just for adults, and in this episode, we underline the importance of teaching this to children as well. Learn how to gradually introduce kids to the cycle of earning, saving, and spending, as shared through the anecdotes of our hosts.

They don't just stop at daily spends and savings - the episode also touches upon crucial subjects like estate planning and tax-free savings. We discuss when separate accounts could be useful, like in the case of receiving inheritances or navigating finances in second marriages.

Finally, they stress benefits of shared financial accountability and planning.

Understand the importance of financial literacy and realize your potential to live a successful life. Jump into this episode for insights that will enrich the financial health of your romantic relationship!

Episode 245: TFSA -Best Investment Vehicle For Canadian Retirement Planning

In this insightful episode of "Think Smart with TMFG", Rob McClelland and Mike Connon, veteran financial advisors, meticulously explore the benefits, functions, and strategies associated with the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). Initially introduced in 2009, TFSA is presented as an excellent investment tool especially beneficial for retirement savings for Canadians.

The seasoned hosts delve into core features of Tax-Free Savings Accounts — outlining their distinct aspects compared to conventional savings accounts, explaining the tax-free growth feature, and showing the multitude of investment opportunities it provides. They also shed light on its comprehensive advantages such as yearly fund additions based on new limits, option to replace withdrawn funds, and potential to amass substantial savings.

The discussion goes on to examine the key differences between TFSA and other savings accounts like RRSP and the newly introduced first home savings account. They caution listeners about excess contributions and highlight the convenience of having multiple TFSAs but with meticulous contribution tracking.

The topic of posthumous handling of a TFSA is also broached, stressing the benefits of nominating a spouse or child as a successor annuitant or beneficiary. Additionally, the episode delves into unique strategies to boost tax-free growth, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking to leverage a Tax-Free Savings Account in Canada fully.

Detailed case studies illustrate the use of TFSA for managing cash flows, avoiding OAS clawbacks, and facilitating non-taxable gifts. Unique advantages of TFSA are discussed, such as designating beneficiaries, including charities, without rewriting your will, functioning as an income source during high-tax years, and its usefulness in buying non-primary real estate property.

The hosts round off by touching upon other practical uses of TFSA like short-term goal planning, creating passive income, and saving for educational expenses. Gain an in-depth understanding of TFSAs and how to tailor it for your specific financial needs in this comprehensive episode.