Meet The More Than Money Radio Team
Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali are financial advisors and the co-hosts of the More Than Money radio show, which airs on QR Calgary (770am). Together, they offer insights into various aspects of financial planning, with a focus on helping individuals and families prepare for retirement and manage their wealth.
Faisal Karmali, CIM, FCSI, CFP®
Portfolio Manager, Senior Wealth Advisor, Senior Investment Advisor
Faisal Karmali is an experienced financial advisor with a strong focus on investment strategies and wealth management. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the show offering advice on how to grow assets during retirement. Faisal is also known for his ability to break down complex financial concepts into understandable advice allowing clients to make more informed decisions. Born and raised in Calgary, Faisal got his first taste of the wealth management business during an internship he held as a teenager. After studying economics in Ottawa, he dedicated his career to helping people improve their financial security as they prepare for retirement. Having worked with countless clients, Faisal has learned that people often make decisions based on emotions rather than facts. However, he believes that a structured, disciplined investment process is the best way to help clients achieve their goals. He approaches wealth management with an eye for growth opportunities so that his clients don’t miss out on any experiences in retirement. Faisal co-hosts More Than Money, a weekly radio show where he discusses everything from financial topics to lifestyle considerations. He is also a business and market expert for CHQR Calgary and CTV where he shares his financial expertise to empower Calgarians to make smart retirement choices. When he’s not in the office, Faisal enjoys playing ball hockey and golf. He is also a supporter of Junior Achievement, dedicating his time and expertise to promote entrepreneurship and financial literacy among young people. Faisal would like to be remembered as someone who added value to the lives of others—as a good father, a good husband to his wife Sophie, and an advisor who has helped hundreds of clients reach their goals. Faisal is honoured to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Wealth Advisors: Best in Province for 2022 by The Globe & Mail and SHOOK Research.
David Popowich, CIM®, CPCA, PFP
Portfolio Manager, Senior Wealth Advisor, Senior Investment Advisor
Dave Popowich is a seasoned financial advisor with extensive experience in retirement planning. He uses his deep understanding of the financial needs of retirees, and those approaching retirement, to ensure no one runs out of money. Dave’s approach emphasizes not just the financial aspects, but also the lifestyle and emotional aspects of retirement which helps clients to enjoy a well-rounded and fulfilling retirement. Growing up with a parent in the financial industry, Dave was exposed to investing at a young age. After earning a degree in commerce from the University of Alberta, he saw a unique opportunity to make a difference for people in the most financially vulnerable time of their lives: retirement. Dave has seen firsthand how failing to adjust your investment strategy as you age can have a damaging impact on your retirement, and he’s determined to prevent that from happening to anyone on his watch. He believes that a structured and disciplined approach to investing can allow you to have all the experiences you want in retirement without worrying about running out of money. Dave co-hosts More Than Money, a weekly radio program that covers a variety of financial and lifestyle topics. He is also a business and market expert for CHQR Calgary and CTV, where he appears regularly to share his insights on retirement as well as financial and economic issues. When he’s not working or shuttling his two teenage daughters to their activities, Dave loves to golf and travel with his wife Maddy. Dave is a dedicated supporter of the Calgary Children’s Foundation, an organization that works to give local kids in need opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. Dave is honoured to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Wealth Advisors: Best in Province for 2022 by The Globe & Mail and SHOOK Research.
Robert Gerrie, B.Comm.
Wealth Advisor, Investment Advisor
Rob has a degree in accounting and more than 10 years of experience in the investment industry. He loves numbers, but he believes an investment strategy is about more than just those numbers. Rob loves looking at the bigger picture of a family’s situation, understanding their goals, and figuring out how to make the retirement lifestyle they’re dreaming of a reality. Outside of the office, Rob loves wearing his ‘Dad hat’ and spending time outside hiking, skiing, and camping with his wife and two young children.
Leanna C. Wachniak, B.Comm., JD
Wealth Advisor, Investment Advisor
Leanna moved to Calgary from Saskatoon more than 10 years ago to join PKAG, and has been an integral part of the team ever since. She uses her degrees in both marketing and law to bring a specialized perspective and skill set to the team. Her experience drafting wills, powers of attorney, and personal care directives makes her uniquely qualified to guide clients through an estate planning process. Leanna loves educating clients about how to implement the right investment strategies to reach their goals, and seeing the positive impact that education has on their lives.
Our "Why"
Retirement isn’t just a milestone in your life, it should be one of the best parts of it. You should have the experiences you want to have while on your retirement journey. But you’ll need a plan for whatever comes your way. Dave and Faisal have seen the detrimental impact that a lack of planning can have on your retirement, and they don’t want anyone to experience that on their watch. Their expert advice will help you navigate all of the complexities and exciting possibilities that come with this chapter of life. You can see both Dave and Faisal at one of their free, no-obligation retirement seminars in Calgary. You’ll hear about their experience in dealing with the financial pitfalls of retirement. Don’t miss out on your chance to protect your savings while living the lifestyle you want in retirement. Sign up for their seminar today!
For regular updates on what you can expect during retirement
Sign up for the More Than Money weekly newsletter, or listen to the show on QR Calgary (770AM) every Saturday or Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Elevate Your Retirement Strategy—Starting Now!
Exclusive In-Person Seminar with Faisal Karmali & David Popowich
Join us for a high-impact, no-fluff session that will reshape your retirement outlook. Get the insider knowledge you need to navigate market shifts, protect your nest egg, and secure the lifestyle you deserve.
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More Than Money
CHQR / Curiouscast
Helping plan for your retirement, your lifestyle and everything in between.
January 10, 2026 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Dr. Paul Parks, President-Elect, Section of Emergency Medicine with the Alberta Medical Association, to talk about how Alberta’s health care system is fragmented, overcrowded, and poorly integrated. They’re also joined by Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro to discuss Alberta’s influenza season, the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine, what’s driving the spread, and why seniors in particular are more vulnerable to this year’s strain.
To close out the show, Rob and Leanna discuss why, for anyone who has delayed thinking about retirement, January may be the best opportunity to start asking the right questions and putting a plan in motion.
December 20, 2025 • 41 MIN
On More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak sit down with University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe to unpack an unpredictable economy, a new prime minister, and shifting policy and what it could all mean for retirement in 2026. They’re also joined by tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy for a timely conversation on how AI dominated headlines in 2025, and what its rapid evolution could mean for Canada’s future as we head into 2026.
To close out the show, Rob and Leanna tackle an important planning question: what happens when your financial advisor retires, and how can that transition be handled smoothly?
December 13, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Dr. Catherine Franssen, Neuroscientist and Founder of Franssen Strategies, to explore how financial stress, especially around the holidays, can overload our brains and impact decision-making. They’re also joined by marketing and branding expert Tony Chapman, Founder of Chatter That Matters, for a conversation on finding a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. Faisal and Leanna wrap up the show by sharing how thoughtful retirement planning can make room for meaningful experiences, like a trip you didn’t even know you wanted to take yet.
December 6, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie speak with Larry Mathieson, President & CEO of Unison for Generations 50+, about supporting seniors in need and the impact of charitable giving. They also talk with Chris Marineau from Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides about The Difference Campaign and the push to raise $20 million to build a new national training school. Next, Ryan Preston from the Veterans Association Food Bank explains why donations are down 80% and why urgent help is needed. Finally, Holli Bjerland from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT shares how Canadians can support those affected by Alzheimer’s this holiday season.
November 15, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak talk with Heather Spurrell, Relationship & Leadership Coach, about how to shape the years that come after you retire. Faisal and Leanna also explore the question, “If you could know your future health, would you want the answer?” Finally, they break down why they built their 4-Bucket Strategy and how it guides retirees through every stage of life after work.
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