Michael Connon

Michael Connon has spent more than three decades proving that great financial planning doesn't have to feel like a chore. As Senior Financial Advisor and Branch Owner at The McClelland Financial Group of CI Assante Wealth Management Ltd. in Markham, he's been building one of the GTA's most recognized multi-award-winning practices.

A CFP professional with additional certification in estate and trust strategies, Michael brings the technical chops to untangle complex tax, retirement, and estate questions. The B.Sc. from Western University gave him the analytical foundation, but it's the thousands of client conversations since that gave him the instincts. He's guided high-net-worth individuals and families, professionals, and retirees through the leap from steady source of income to living off savings, always with an eye on the life clients want to live, not just the numbers on a statement.

Michael calls it helping people plan for the life they want: earmarking real money for real experiences, then making sure the plan can back it up. That same passion for demystifying wealth fuels his role as a regular voice on TMFG's "Think Smart" podcast, where he trades the boardroom for the mic to break down real financial questions for investors. And outside the office, he trades spreadsheets for guitar riffs and motorcycle rides.

For more about Michael, head to The McClelland Financial Group’s website or follow him on LinkedIn.

Recognizing a True Professional

Knowledge can be learned. Experience can be gained. But true professionalism is something entirely different. Discover Michael Connon’s reflections on mastery, accountability, and the value professionals bring that technology alone cannot replicate

To be a great advisor, you cannot care about money

A veteran advisor on why the best client outcomes and the most valuable practices come from putting compensation last

Why incorporation doesn’t always lead to tax savings for professionals

Incorporation can unlock powerful tax planning opportunities but without the right strategy, it often delivers far less than expected

Why succession planning in wealth management is redefining the advisor-client relationship

Succession planning is no longer about exit- it is reshaping how trust, continuity, and value are delivered in wealth management

Why a strong firm matters more than a lifetime advisor

Why continuity for clients can stem from firms, not individuals

The ChatGPT Idiot

In "The ChatGPT Idiot," Senior Financial Advisor Michael Connon of Assante Capital Management Ltd. draws a compelling parallel between using advanced tools like ChatGPT and relying on professional expertise. Connon warns that while AI can be powerful, overconfidence in untrained hands can lead to costly mistakes—especially in finance.