Think Smart with TMFG The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

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.
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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.