2016 - a year in review

2016 was another banner year for The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd. And, we have only our clients to thank for this success.  Year in and year out we are humbled by the level of commitment and support given to us by you, our valued clients.  Whether it is turbulent markets, changes in US politics or uncertainty in the European Union, our clients have continued to heed our advice and maintain their trust in us and the process.

We take this time to reflect on our 2016 monthly highlights that ultimately help us create and maintain a professional and comfortable experience for our clients.

January:  We introduced our new in-house insurance professional, Carmen Cudmore, to The McClelland Financial Group clients.  Carmen works closely with our clients to ensure their insurance needs are uncovered and addressed.

February:  We had the honour of being named as one of Canada's 2016 top 50 financial advisors for the 3rd year in a row.

March: Our clients see the value in our TMFG tax service illustrated by us doubling our numbers in clients utilizing the service.

April:  We hosted our largest and best McClelland University in its 7 year history.

May:  We welcomed our newest full-time team member, John Iaconetti.  He joined the service department and is already helping make that department more efficient.

June:  We were named as a finalist for the 2016 Vantage Asset Management Award for Best Practice Individual Office (25 staff or under) at the Wealth Professional Magazine's 2016 Awards Gala.

July:  Our advertising goes mobile in July.  TMFG bus ads can be seen on your morning commute in the Thornhill, Richmond Hill to Markham and Newmarket area.

August:  We engage in team building activities to grow as a group.  In August, we faced our fear of heights by going tree top trekking.  We also ensure we give back to the community by volunteering at Habitat for Humanity.

September:  We believe in supporting education for the next generation.  In September, we awarded our annual TMFG Scholarship to Emily Hughes.

October:  TMFG advisors get their annual education by attending a 3-day seminar at Dimensional's head office in the US.

November:  Our 2nd annual evening Lunch and Learn event called the Fireside Chat is another great success.  It was well attended and received great feedback.

December:  Our clients' generosity never ceases to amaze us.  We more than doubled our cash donation amount from last year, in addition to collecting more toys for the CP24 Chum Christmas Wish Foundation.

The McClelland Financial Group wishes you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous 2017!

The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

Christmas Wish Toy Drive

For many kids, the holiday season means presents, parties and fun with family and friends. However, the reality is that many kids won't have a Christmas this year. Coming from families with little or no money, these kids are often lucky to receive a hot meal, let alone a brightly-wrapped gift. Toy drives are a great way to support a very worthy cause - bringing smiles to the faces of children during a magical time of year.

On December 18th we delivered 152 gifts and $1030 to the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish Foundation. This is all due to the support of our clients, because of you many more children will have believe in the season again.

All you have to do is place your unwrapped toy under our tree to put a smile on a little child's face.

Thank you from all of us!
The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates

Having started my career at a bank, I feel as though I have the authority to write on this subject.  Guaranteed Investment Certificates:  An anchor product that helps banks keep client assets; an easy, no-fuss investment for clients.  However, the bank's first offer is the posted rate, which typically isn't the most lucrative rate available to a client.  With a little negotiating, and depending on the relationship with the bank, a client can often secure a higher rate.

Is that the type of relationship you want with your financial institution?  The kind of relationship with the people who are supposedly looking out for your best interest? 

Although not my first recommendation for investments, I recognize that for some, a GIC is an investment that fits their financial situation.  At The McClelland Financial Group, we work with a series of GIC providers that offer their highest rate possible, no negotiation needed, no opportunity for rate increase regardless of relationship with us.

For example, effective December 23, 2016, we can offer a 1 year GIC through our highest provider (a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation) @ 1.48%.  The highest 1 year GIC offered from one of the big six banks is 0.85%.  This information is available on their respective web-sites.

The biggest mistake a bank GIC client can make is having their GICs automatically renew into another term.  In that situation, there is no opportunity for rate increase and you receive the posted rate at the time.

Do yourself a favour and make a list of all the GICs that are maturing at another institution and ensure the maturity instructions are set to "contact client for maturity instructions".  Under these instructions, there is no opportunity for an automatic renewal.  Then, contact our office for a competitive rate and go from there.  The worst-case scenario, you get a marginally higher rate from the bank because they want to match the rate that we have provided.  The best-case scenario, you move your assets to our office for the type of service and advice you deserve.

Carlo Cansino, FMA, FCSI, CFP
Senior Financial Advisor

The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

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The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and is registered with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. This material is provided for general information and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on any of the above, please make sure to see me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc.

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