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  • Welcome to another insightful episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management. This week, Rob and Mike dive into their new portfolio asset mixes and market expectations, debunking the myths around passive investment strategies.

    Discover how they utilize a detailed risk questionnaire to tailor portfolios to individual clients, and explore the seven different asset mixes they offer. Learn about the role of technology and AI in portfolio management, the importance of considering tax consequences, and the benefits of global portfolios.

    Rob and Mike also discuss the impact of equity percentages on returns, the importance of investment policy statements, and their meticulous rebalancing strategies. They provide valuable insights into financial planning, including the use of Monte Carlo analysis for retirement scenarios and the significance of portfolio x-rays.

    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to optimize your investments and achieve the highest return for your risk profile. Don't miss this opportunity to think smart about your financial future!

  • Welcome to another episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant topics for everyday Canadians. Hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management, this week's episode dives into the vital topic of trip and cancellation insurance.

    As we enter the fall travel season, Rob and Mike discuss the importance of having the right insurance coverage before embarking on your journey. From unexpected medical emergencies to the financial pitfalls of travel mishaps, they share real-life experiences and expert advice to ensure you're fully prepared.

    Discover the differences between trip cancellation and medical insurance, the limitations of credit card coverage, and the benefits of annual travel insurance plans. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended vacation, this episode provides invaluable insights to protect your travel investment and peace of mind.

    Don't miss out on this essential guide to safeguarding your travels. Tune in and travel safe with Think Smart and TMFG.

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  • Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant insights for everyday Canadians. Hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management, this episode dives deep into a topic many avoid—visiting a financial advisor.

    Rob and Mike draw parallels between avoiding the dentist and the hesitancy to seek financial advice. They explore common reasons people resist consulting financial advisors, including fear of judgment, lack of financial knowledge, perceived costs, and procrastination. Through engaging anecdotes and professional insights, they emphasize the importance of overcoming these barriers for better financial health.

    Tune in to understand why many Canadians hesitate to seek financial guidance and discover how a financial advisor can offer peace of mind, save time, and help secure your financial future.

  • Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant financial insights for Canadians. Join your hosts, Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management, as they delve into the pressing question: "Does Value Matter Anymore?"

    This week, Rob and Mike explore an insightful article by Richard Bernstein discussing the current state of value investing in today's market. Despite value investing's underperformance compared to growth investing over the past 20 years, they emphasize its long-term benefits and why it remains a cornerstone of their investment strategy.

    Using relatable analogies like grocery shopping at Walmart vs. Longo's, they break down the concept of value investing and its historical outperformance. They also touch on the human tendency to follow trends and how this impacts market behavior, particularly with high-flying tech stocks like Google, Apple, and Nvidia.

    Join Rob and Mike as they share personal stories and practical examples, from buying groceries and houses to choosing the right car, all to illustrate the enduring principles of value investing. Learn why patience and a focus on value can lead to sustainable long-term gains, even in a market enamored with growth.

    Tune in to understand why value investing is not just a strategy but a mindset that could be crucial for your financial future.

  • Welcome to another episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," your go-to podcast for newsworthy insights relevant to everyday Canadians. In this episode, Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management dive into a hot topic: Does the stock market really care about the upcoming election?

    Rob and Mike address common concerns such as market volatility, inflation, and interest rates in the context of election results. They emphasize that while elections can cause short-term fluctuations, they do not necessitate drastic changes to your investment strategy. Drawing from historical evidence, they illustrate how markets have performed under various U.S. presidents, debunking the myth that a new administration will drastically alter your financial future.

    They also highlight the limited power of the U.S. president compared to the Canadian prime minister and remind listeners that the fundamental need for goods and services remains constant, regardless of political changes. Rob and Mike conclude with practical advice.

    Join Rob and Mike for a data-driven discussion that reassures you that staying the course is often the best strategy.

    For more insights, visit tmfg.ca.

  • Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your weekly podcast on what's newsworthy and relevant to everyday Canadians. Join Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management as they delve into the looming bear market.

    In this episode, Rob and Mike draw intriguing parallels between real-life bear encounters and market downturns. Mike shares his experiences with black bears during canoe trips, highlighting the importance of preparation. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the recent market corrections and the factors triggering these changes, such as rising unemployment and Japan's interest rate adjustments.

    The discussion explores historical bear markets, drawing lessons from past financial crises and speculating on potential future triggers. Rob and Mike also outline the strategies employed by the McClellan Financial Group to navigate and mitigate the impact of bear markets, ensuring clients' financial plans remain robust.

    Tune in to learn how to stay prepared for market fluctuations and understand the broader economic forces at play.

  • Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management. In this episode, we delve into the growing trend of young Canadians choosing to manage their own investments, bypassing traditional financial advisors.

    We explore the factors driving this shift, such as the increased reliance on social media for financial advice and the impact of recent market conditions. We'll also discuss the potential pitfalls of DIY investing, including the challenge of distinguishing good advice from bad on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

    Rob and Mike highlight the importance of professional financial advice and the value it adds, from behavioral coaching to tax-smart planning. They also examine how robo-advisors are performing and why not all of them are created equal.

    Tune in to understand the nuances of this trend and how it could affect your financial future. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on achieving your best retirement ever!

  • Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant financial insights for everyday Canadians. Hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management, this episode dives into an important question: How much of your portfolio should be invested in the Canadian stock market?

    Rob and Mike explore a recent study by Vanguard that reveals Canadians are significantly overweight in domestic holdings. They break down the implications of having 50% of a portfolio in Canadian equities when Canada represents only 2.6% of the global stock market.

    The discussion covers the historical context, the impact of limited diversification, and the risks associated with being overly concentrated in Canadian stocks. They also compare the performance of Canadian equities against global markets over the past decade, emphasizing the benefits of a diversified portfolio.

    Learn what major pension plans are doing and get expert advice on balancing your portfolio with a reasonable allocation to Canadian stocks. Rob and Mike provide actionable insights on regular rebalancing and the importance of reflecting global diversity in your investments.

    Tune in to understand why diversification is considered the 'free lunch' of investing and how it can help reduce risk and potentially improve returns. Don’t miss out on this informative episode that could reshape your investment strategy!

  • In this episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," Rob and Mike delve into the enduring strength of the U.S. Dollar and the U.S. stock market, exploring why they remain premier choices for investment portfolios. They reflect on past economic crises, like the 2008 financial meltdown, and discuss the resilience and growth of the U.S. economy in contrast to other global markets.

    The episode examines the historical dominance of the U.S. stock market, its technological advancements, robust military, immigration appeal, and diverse economy. Rob and Mike also discuss the importance of a strong monetary policy and labor market in maintaining economic stability.

    As they compare the U.S. with other nations, they highlight the advantages of investing in U.S. equities and bonds, emphasizing the security and growth potential they offer. Tune in to understand why betting on the U.S. has historically been sound advice and how it continues to shape investment strategies today.

  • Welcome to this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy insights relevant to everyday Canadians. Hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management, this episode delves into the top three most common investment mistakes and how to avoid them.

    1. Timing the Market: Discover why trying to time the market can be costly, and learn about the evidence-based strategies that can help you stay invested for the long term.

    2. Focusing on Headlines: Understand the pitfalls of making investment decisions based on sensational headlines and why a globally diversified portfolio with low fees is smarter.

    3. Chasing Past Performance: Explore the dangers of investing in top-performing mutual funds based on past performance and why this strategy rarely pays off in the long run.

    Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you avoid these common investment mistakes and secure a successful financial future.

  • In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management delve into the intriguing world of private equity. Drawing insights from a recent Globe and Mail opinion piece by Mike Wahlberg, the duo explores the burgeoning interest in private equity investments among Canadians.

    The discussion highlights the key challenges of private equity, such as liquidity issues, and contrasts these with the potential advantages, including higher returns and operational independence from shareholder pressures. Real-life examples from Rob's own private equity experiences provide a grounded perspective on the risks and rewards involved.

    Whether you’re an individual investor or managing a pension plan, this episode offers valuable insights into when private equity might make sense—and when it might not. Tune in to understand why staying liquid could be the smarter move for your investment portfolio.

  • Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your weekly podcast on what's newsworthy and relevant to everyday Canadians. Join Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management as they discuss the recent interest rate cut of 0.25%.

    After an 18-month wait, the much-anticipated rate reduction is here. Rob and Mike explore why this small change has significant implications, from controlling inflation to its impact on the housing market, stock market, bond market, and the Canadian dollar.

    They discuss the government's difficult position in managing inflation and debt and the reaction of financial markets and offer insights on what investors and homeowners should consider during these volatile times.

    Tune in to understand the complexities of interest rate changes and how they affect the broader economy. Visit tmfg.ca to speak to a financial advisor.

  • Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for what's newsworthy and relevant to everyday Canadians. Join Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management as they delve into the top 10 investment mistakes.

    In this episode, Rob and Mike discuss the pitfalls of concentrated positions, timing the market, lack of diversification, and more. Using real-life examples and expert insights, they highlight the risks and offer practical advice to help you avoid these common financial missteps. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you make smarter investment decisions.

    Don't miss out on this essential guide to safeguarding your financial future. Tune in now!

  • Welcome to another episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," your weekly dose of relevant financial insights for everyday Canadians. In this episode, Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management discuss the theme "Resistance is the Enemy." They explore how resistance to change can hinder successful financial planning and investing.

    Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield's book, "The Daily Pressfield," they delve into the top ten resistances faced by their clients over the last decade. From increasing savings and letting go of old investments to consolidating accounts and keeping wills updated, Rob and Mike provide practical advice on overcoming these barriers. They also highlight the importance of regular account reviews, rebalancing portfolios, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage.

    Tune in to discover how pushing through resistance can lead to a more secure and prosperous financial future. Don't miss this insightful discussion that aims to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

    Join us on "Think Smart with TMFG" and start overcoming resistance today!

  • Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy insights relevant to Canadians. Join Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Asante Capital Management as they delve into the intriguing dynamics between the S&P 500 and the US economy.

    In this episode, Rob and Mike explore whether investing solely in the S&P 500 is wise. They discuss the index's evolution, composition, and growth to represent a significant portion of the global marketplace. The conversation sheds light on the concentration of wealth within the top 10 companies and the impact this has on the index's performance.

    The hosts also examine the disparity between the S&P 500 and the broader US economy, emphasizing that while the index includes some of the largest global companies, it does not fully capture the diverse economic landscape. They reveal surprising statistics about privately owned companies and the role of small to medium-sized enterprises in job creation.

    Tune in to understand the importance of diversification and why relying solely on the S&P 500 may not be the best approach for your investment portfolio. This episode contains valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.

    Thank you for joining us on Think Smart with TMFG. We wish you a happy and prosperous retirement.

  • Welcome to this week's episode of Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for newsworthy and relevant discussions for everyday Canadians. Join Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management as they delve into the controversial topic of whether wealthy individuals in Canada are paying enough income tax.

    Inspired by a Globe and Mail opinion piece, Rob and Mike explore the recent government proposals to increase the capital inclusion rate from 50% to 67%, and its potential impact on individuals and corporations. They break down the tax contributions of various income groups, from the top 0.01% to the top 10%, and discuss the broader implications for the Canadian economy, including inflation, unemployment, and charitable contributions.

    Don't miss this insightful analysis of the complexities of tax policies and their far-reaching effects. Tune in and learn how these changes could affect you and the Canadian financial landscape.

    Subscribe now to stay updated and ensure you have your best retirement ever!

  • Join hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon in this enlightening episode of Think Smart with TMFG. This week, we delve deep into the future of real estate in Canada. It's no secret that real estate has been a hot topic in the country, with government initiatives targeted at making it more affordable and accommodating the increasing demand.

    We'll uncover the implications of these initiatives, like the potential for creating an oversupply of real estate in a bid to bring down prices. You'll learn about the pressures on current property prices, high interest rates, unaffordability for a significant slice of Canadians, and the effect of the influx of immigrants every year, many of whom aim to own a home in Canada.

    The episode also tackles real estate investment. Are the returns worth the investment? Are the rental rates in Toronto, especially for condos, profitable in the long run? Our hosts critically examine these questions and more. Want to know more about the impact of new homes on the real estate market and the consequences of HST on property purchases? This episode has all the details.

  • In this episode of 'Think Smart with TMFG,' your hosts, Rob McClelland and Mike Connon, explore the intriguing concept of 'beating the stock market.' Sharing profound insights from their years of experience in finance, they discuss how the quest to outperform the market often makes investors ignore the significance of a well-planned and disciplined investment strategy. Much of the episode revolves around lessons learned from Warren Buffett's teacher, Benjamin Graham, emphasizing the importance of implementing a robust financial plan and practicing regular portfolio rebalancing.

    Rob and Mike warn against moving your entire investment to the U.S. stock market or concentrating it heavily on a handful of top performers. Citing the example of the 'Universal Select Managers' by McKinsey Financial, they underscore the potential disaster of having a highly volatile portfolio built on mere speculative bets.

    Rather than chasing market winners, our hosts advise maintaining a diversified portfolio and staying attuned to global market dynamics. They delve into the operations of top companies like Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft, cautioning against the risks of investing solely in growth companies. Additionally, they speak about the pitfalls of irrational trading behavior spurred by the fear of missing out.

    Join Rob and Mike as they unravel the intricacies of sustainable financial growth while reminding you to plan strategically, invest wisely, and ensure your best possible retirement.

  • In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, we discuss one of the most crucial aspects of finance and investing – the psychology of investment losses. Our conversation was inspired by the work of the late economist, Daniel Kahneman, known for his remarkable contributions to behavioral economics. We delve into why investors fear losing money and how this can translate into suboptimal portfolios.

    We also touch on behavioral economics, explaining that it refers to mathematics and past experiences that influence our investment behaviors. Additionally, we challenge the common misconceptions about stock markets and investing, demystifying the cause of losses.

    Further, we explore how people perceive shifts in value, comparing them with home values and how individuals become emotionally attached to businesses. We also provide practical examples of how losses and inflation can hurt purchasing power. Finally, concentrating on investor behavior, we emphasize enjoying the process of investing, learning, and improving with time.

    This episode aims to help you understand why it is critical to handle your fears associated with investment losses and confidently make sound decisions. Learn to be a patient investor; you may find success closer than you think.

  • In this week's episode of Think Smart with TMFG, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon discuss the various considerations related to financial planning for anticipated summer expenses. They emphasize the importance of having a clear monetary plan for summer purchases.

    Rob and Mike discuss many summer expenses, such as home renovations, landscaping work, and travel. They emphasize the need to allocate and prioritize budgets for different activities, stressing how different expenses, like spring-to-summer projects involving pools and landscaping, are significant and typically happen during the warmer months.

    This enlightening episode encourages listeners to think ahead, avoid consigning major financial expenses onto credit cards, and find a balance between necessary expenditures and indulging in summer fun. Rob and Mike end the episode by urging listeners to remember that some of the most enjoyable moments of summer can be free, just like walking.

    Think Smart with TMFG is a podcast focused on helping people understand financial matters. Tune in weekly to gain insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle while handling your finances smartly.