Think Smart with TMFG

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon welcomes special guest Carlo Cansino for a compelling conversation on the tension between instant gratification and long-term planning. Inspired by recent travels through Europe, they reflect on the breathtaking architecture of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the intentional, forward-thinking design of ancient wineries. These timeless structure...

In this episode of ThinkSmart with TMFG, Mike Connon is joined by special guest John Iaconetti for a dynamic conversation on the innovations that have fundamentally changed the way we live. From the invention of the wheel to the rise of artificial intelligence, they explore groundbreaking moments in technology, medicine, and finance. Hear engaging stories—like how wine production became automated,...

We're bringing back this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, where Rob McClelland and Mike Connon take a hard look at a common pitfall in Canadian investing: home bias. With many portfolios allocating around 50% to Canadian equities—despite Canada making up just 2.6% of the global market—they unpack why this imbalance could be holding investors back. Rob and Mike explore the risks of overconcentrati...

Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG. In this engaging episode, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon are joined by financial advisor and insurance specialist John Iaconetti, as they delve into the complexities of insurance. From the chaotic streets of the Philippines to the intricacies of the insurance industry, they explore why insurance is often perceived as both a blessing and a curse. Discover the...

Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for relevant news impacting Canadians. In this episode, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management explore the indicators of an impending recession and discuss potential strategies for navigating economic downturns. From the role of market behaviour to the impact of tariffs and layoffs, gain valuable insights into how a...

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management discuss one of the most frequently asked questions about retirement: Will you spend more or less once you stop working? Drawing from a recent Globe and Mail study, Rob and Mike explore real-world retirement spending patterns and challenge the notion that inflati...

Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, where Senior Financial Advisor Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management is joined by Senior Financial Advisor special guest Carlo Cansino for a dive into recent political changes in Canada. With Mark Carney stepping in as the new Prime Minister, Mike and Carlo explore how his leadership is shaping the nation’s direction—tackling issues like nat...

Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG, where Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management tackle the age-old question: when should you do it yourself, and when is it smarter to leave it to the pros? From scrubbing garage floors to managing investment portfolios, they explore a wide range of scenarios—financial and otherwise—where calling in a...

In this week’s episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Senior Financial Advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management discuss why it’s so important for clients to come into the office. In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face meetings still play a critical role in building strong financial plans. Tune in as they share how in-person conversations lead to deeper understandi...

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 real...

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 glo...

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 managi...

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 individu...

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...

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 y...

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-on...

In this episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," hosts and senior financial advisors Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management delve into the second half of a series on common portfolio management mistakes. Following up on their previous discussion, they tackle reasons 11 to 20 that could hinder your financial growth and success. Join the hosts as they break down complex investment c...

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon dig into ten crucial investment mistakes that are often overlooked by everyday investors. From overly optimistic return expectations to the dangers of neglecting diversification, they unravel these pitfalls using real-world experiences. Listen in to gain insights into correcting these errors and enhancing your financial...

Join hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon in this week's episode of "Think Smart with TMFG" as they delve into the controversial figure of Donald Trump and his impact on Canada-U.S. relations. Through personal anecdotes and analysis, they examine Trump's history of bullying tactics, his approach to tariffs, and the potential economic repercussions on both sides of the border. Discover insights int...

In this episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon delve into the heated debate surrounding Bitcoin's investment potential. As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream attention, they explore whether now is the opportune moment to invest, especially with Bitcoin's value surpassing $100,000 per coin. Rob and Mike discuss the rise of cryptocurrencies, the sheer number of digita...

Join hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon on this week's episode of Think Smart as they explore the timely topic of knowing when to replace your financial advisor. Drawing parallels between outdated dental care and financial mismanagement, the duo shares insights and real-life stories illuminating the costs of staying with an advisor past their prime. Many cling to long-term relationships with adv...

Welcome to Think Smart with TMFG, your go-to podcast for insightful discussions about financial matters that impact everyday Canadians. In this episode, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon delve into a recent Fidelity Report on Retirement, shedding light on Canadian optimism and challenges surrounding this crucial life stage. Join us as we explore why having a financial plan significantly boosts...

Welcome to this week's episode of Think Smart with TMFG, hosted by Senior Financial Advisor Rob McClelland and Mike Connon from Assante Capital Management. This episode delves into the critical importance of optimism in the face of market fluctuations and global changes. Rob and Mike begin by discussing a recent significant market sell-off, examining the importance of data verification, and mainta...

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon delve into the increasing concentration of the stock market, focusing on the dominance of massive corporations known as the Magnificent Seven. Explore how companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Meta are not just leading in the US but also on a global scale, and what this means for investors and market dynamics. The hosts com...

Join hosts Rob McClelland and Mike Connon of Assante Capital Management as they mark the 20th anniversary of their partnership with Dimensional Fund Advisors. In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, they reflect on the transformative journey that began two decades ago at a pivotal conference in Dallas, Texas. Discover how their shift from active management and high-fee investment solutions to DF...