Think Smart with TMFG

This Think Smart with TMFG episode, hosted by Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Wealth Management Ltd, explores how the lifespan of home products has changed, from old 40‑year lawnmowers to today’s modern appliances. Key Insights: Modern products often last less but are more efficient. Knowing how long things last helps you plan for replacements. Budgeting ahead makes unexpected home costs easier to handle. Planning and budgeting for home repairs and replacements is key to keeping your home running smoothly in today’s world.

Join Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., as they explore the psychology of retirement. They explore the four common mindsets people have as they approach this major life transition: the countdown-to-retire, those accepting severance packages, the one-more-thing crowd, and those who never plan to stop working. Discover how identity, family dynamics, and financial readiness shape retirement decisions, and why understanding your own mindset can make all the difference in creating a fulfilling next chapter.

This Think Smart with TMFG episode, hosted by Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Wealth Management, explores the top concerns Canadians face as they approach retirement. The hosts highlight the challenges of balancing financial security, health needs, and market uncertainty as retirement gets closer. Key Takeaways Healthcare Costs: Many retirees worry about rising healthcare expenses and whether government benefits will be enough to cover long-term care needs. Outliving Savings: A major fear is running out of money, especially with longer lifespans and unpredictable expenses in retirement. Market Volatility: Concerns over potential market corrections can create uncertainty about whether investment portfolios will sustain income over time. Balancing Lifestyle & Security: Retirees struggle between enjoying their savings now and preserving enough for the future. Final Insight Retirement planning is not just about saving enough, but about preparing for uncertainties. With proper financial guidance and a long-term plan, retirees can navigate healthcare costs, market changes, and longevity risks with more confidence and peace of mind.

This Think Smart with TMFG episode, hosted by Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Wealth Management, explores the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), especially ChatGPT. They discuss how AI has expanded far beyond its initial perception as a student tool into healthcare, business, finance, and everyday life. While AI offers major benefits - such as medical advancements, efficiency in business, and productivity tools - it also presents risks including misinformation, over-reliance, job displacement, and mental health concerns. The hosts conclude that AI is a powerful tool, but human judgment remains essential to ensure it is used responsibly. Key Takeaways AI’s Growth: From early confusion around ChatGPT to now having over 800 million users, AI adoption has been rapid and widespread. Applications Across Industries: AI plays roles in healthcare (disease detection), business (inventory management, robotics), transportation (self-driving and park assist), and finance (portfolio monitoring and client tools). Productivity Gains: AI assists with writing, research, meeting summaries, and routine business tasks, freeing time for higher-value work. Risks & Concerns: AI can reinforce harmful ideas rather than provide sound advice. Potential misuse in misinformation, surveillance, or weaponization. Risk of job loss if displaced workers aren’t transitioned into meaningful new roles. Mental health concerns when individuals rely on AI for guidance. Best vs. Worst Case Scenarios: Best: AI enhances healthcare, education, science, climate solutions, and relieves humans from repetitive work. Worst: AI fuels misinformation, job loss, inequality, and loss of reality through deepfakes and false content. Final Insight: AI is a tool—its impact depends on how responsibly humans use it. Critical thinking and human oversight are irreplaceable.  

This episode of Think Smart with TMFG — hosted by Mike Connon with guest Carlo Cansino — explains practical strategies for charitable giving in Canada. They cover giving cash, donating securities to avoid capital gains tax, naming charities as beneficiaries of insurance and RRSP/RRIFs, and using donor-advised funds to create a flexible, tax-efficient legacy. Learn about tax receipts, tax-free growth inside donor-advised funds, minimums and annual distribution rules, and how to time donations in high-income years to increase impact.

Join Mike Connon and Carlo Cansino, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., as they take a closer look at the essentials of estate planning for Canadians. In this episode, they break down what probate is, how provincial probate fees work, and the common strategies to minimize those costs — from beneficiary designations and joint accounts to the use of insurance. Mike and Carlo also explain the tax rules that apply at death, how spousal rollovers can defer taxes, and when wills or trusts may be the right solution. They emphasize the importance of aligning your estate strategy with your personal situation, and why clear, accurate beneficiary designations can make all the difference. Blending straightforward explanations with practical financial insight, this episode helps Canadians understand how to avoid costly mistakes in estate planning. Whether you have a simple estate or a more complex one, Mike and Carlo share key considerations and encourage you to seek professional guidance to ensure your wishes are carried out effectively.

Join Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., as they take a closer look at misleading advertising and how it can shape — and sometimes distort — financial decisions. In this episode, they break down common marketing claims, from active investment fund promises and the old “Freedom 55” dream to product hype like miracle toning shoes, “clean diesel” campaigns, and even the way coolers were sold as lifestyle upgrades. Mike and John explain how advertisers often gloss over risks, exaggerate potential benefits, or disguise hidden costs. They highlight why these tactics can be so persuasive, the real impact they can have on investors and consumers, and how to spot the red flags in everyday ads. Blending real-world examples with practical financial insight, this episode encourages Canadians to think critically about the messages they see and hear. Whether you’re investing, saving for retirement, or simply making everyday purchases, Mike and John share strategies to help you cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

Join Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., as they unpack one of the biggest financial debates Canadians face: renting versus buying a home. In this episode, they break down the real investment benefits of real estate—covering tax advantages, leverage opportunities, and what typical long-term returns actually look like. Mike and John provide clear guidance tailored to three key life stages. For those 18–30, they highlight the risks young buyers face and why renting might sometimes be the smarter move. For ages 30–70, they discuss the stability and family security that come with homeownership. And for retirees 70+, they tackle the liquidity concerns and financial trade-offs of staying in—or selling—your home. Blending professional insight with practical advice, this episode offers a balanced perspective to help you make the right decision at every stage of life. Whether you’re saving for your first place, raising a family, or considering downsizing in retirement, Mike and John share the strategies you need to confidently navigate the rent vs. buy decision.

Join Mike Connon and John Iaconetti, Senior Financial Advisors at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., as they unpack the complexities of inheritance planning. In this episode, they explore how to prepare your children to responsibly manage the wealth they may inherit—focusing on the importance of building strong financial habits early in life. From using trusts to hosting purposeful family meetings, they share actionable strategies to protect your legacy and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth across generations. Along the way, you'll hear timeless lessons from thought leaders like Warren Buffett, plus practical advice to help you avoid the common pitfalls of generational wealth. Whether you're planning your estate or thinking ahead for your family’s financial future, this episode offers essential insights to guide the way.

In this episode of "Think Smart with TMFG," hosts Mike Connon and Financial Advisor, John Iacanetti at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., dive deeper into the world of credit cards—an everyday financial tool that’s often misunderstood. Building on their previous discussion, they explore practical strategies for effective credit card management, offering listeners actionable tips to maximize benefits while avoiding common mistakes.  Learn how to maintain a healthy credit balance, steer clear of pitfalls like carrying unpaid balances and using cash advances, and make the most of your rewards programs.  John also shares his personal experience navigating credit card debt, shedding light on how disciplined habits and smart usage can make a real difference.  They cover the many perks of credit cards—fraud protection, extended warranties, and convenience—while offering key advice on interest rates, automatic payments, and subscription management.  Whether you're new to credit or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you use credit cards wisely and strengthen your financial well-being. 

In this episode of Think Smart with TMFG, Mike Connon and Senior Financial Advisor at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., John Iaconetti dive into the often-overlooked complexities of credit cards — a modern financial tool that’s both essential and potentially risky. They unpack the benefits, from building credit history to maximizing rewards, while offering a clear-eyed look at common pitfalls like high interest rates and overspending. You’ll also learn how credit card companies really operate, debunk popular myths about credit utilization, and get practical tips for choosing the right card to fit your lifestyle and financial goals.

Welcome to another episode of Think Smart with TMFG. In this episode, host Mike Connon is joined by John Iaconetti, Senior Financial Advisor at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd., for an insightful conversation on the evolving role of middlemen across industries. From construction and banking to retail and beyond, they explore how intermediaries impact costs, efficiency, and your bottom line—drawing from both personal stories and professional experience. You'll walk away with practical tips to reduce the layers between you and the products or services you need—whether you're planning a renovation, buying a car, or grocery shopping. Understanding how middlemen operate can help you make smarter, more cost-effective financial decisions.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Think Smart with TMFG. In this episode, Mike Connon is joined by Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino of The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management to explore the current state of the real estate market. Together, they unpack how rising interest rates and shifting market dynamics are impacting both homeowners and prospective buyers. From high carrying costs to the hurdles of buying and selling in today’s environment, Mike and Carlo shed light on the real-world challenges of real estate and the importance of setting realistic expectations when it comes to property values. With real-life anecdotes and expert insights, they provide practical guidance for anyone trying to make sense of an increasingly complex housing landscape.

In this episode, Michael Connon, Senior Financial Advisor at The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management, sits down with fellow Senior Financial Advisor Carlo Cansino to explore how global conflicts—from World War I to recent tensions in the Middle East—have historically influenced investor behaviour and market performance. Discover the surprising resilience of financial markets during wartime, and why staying invested through periods of uncertainty can be one of the smartest strategies for long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just beginning your financial journey, this episode offers valuable insights on managing your portfolio in turbulent times.

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 structures set the stage for a deeper dive into investing—comparing the patient, purpose-driven approaches of the past with today’s fast-paced, quick-return mindset. Discover why staying focused on long-term goals is critical to navigating the complexities of a modern investment portfolio. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how resilience and vision—whether in stone or strategy—shape lasting success.

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, why alternating current revolutionized electricity, and how modern financial planning software is reshaping the advisor-client relationship. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how innovation continues to shape our daily lives, influence industries, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

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 overconcentration, especially with Canadian banks dominating so many portfolios. They compare historical returns across global markets, including the U.S. S&P 500, and highlight how major pension plans keep Canadian exposure as low as 4%. From tax efficiency to better global diversification, they lay out why broadening your investment horizon might lead to better outcomes. If you're rethinking your portfolio—or just curious about what the big institutions are doing differently—this episode is worth another listen.

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 reasons behind the high costs associated with insurance, the role of reinsurance, and how insurance companies manage to stay profitable despite disasters. John shares insights on the importance of insurance in safeguarding income and other significant assets, emphasizing why it is considered a necessary evil in financial planning. Through real-world examples and expert discussions, learn about different types of insurance, including health, critical illness, and travel, and their roles in protecting individuals and families from unforeseen financial burdens. This episode provides valuable guidance on making informed insurance decisions to ensure a secure financial future.

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 recession is defined and what to watch out for. Learn about historical recessions and get practical tips for personal finance and business preparedness. Tune in to stay informed and learn how to build resilience in times of financial uncertainty.

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 inflation impacts Canadians over 65 the same way it does everyone else. They unpack generational spending habits, shifting lifestyle priorities, and the importance of tailoring your financial plan to reflect how retirement spending really works. Whether you're nearing retirement or planning well ahead, this episode offers valuable insights into how to build a strategy that supports both your needs and your goals in the years ahead. Don’t miss this essential conversation about making your retirement both sustainable and enjoyable.