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.
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More Than Money
CHQR / Curiouscast
Helping plan for your retirement, your lifestyle and everything in between.
March 14, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie discuss today’s global headlines and what market history can teach us during times of uncertainty.
Next, they explore why tax season can be especially challenging for solo retirees compared to couples. Elizabeth Brown, Director of Single Seniors for Tax Fairness, joins the conversation to explain the issues single seniors face and what her organization is doing to push for change.
Then, Leanna and Rob discuss the role pets can play in retirement. While pets can offer companionship and support well-being, they also come with costs and long-term responsibilities. Philip Tedeschi, Founder and Director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection and professor at the University of Denver, joins the show to explore both sides.
To close the show, Leanna and Rob share personal family experiences with retirement, from Rob’s mother navigating retirement on her own to Leanna’s grandfather facing retirement without financial security.
March 7, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Rob Gerrie unpack one of the biggest stories shaping retirement today: the geopolitical uncertainty dominating the headlines and what it could mean for your financial future.
Next, they look at how government cuts are pushing some Canadians into retirement earlier than expected and ask the important question: if retirement is forced on you, are you really ready?
Then, Dave and Rob turn to the Alberta budget and rising property taxes in Calgary. What is driving the increase, and what does it mean for retirees? They are joined by Trevor Tombe, economist at the University of Calgary, to break it down.
To close the show, with tax season fast approaching, Dave and Rob discuss the three most common tax issues retirees face and how to solve them.
February 28, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich tackle one of the biggest retirement questions Canadians are asking right now: how much money do you actually need to retire today?
They’re then joined by Dr. Michelle Maroto, Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta, to explore why financial insecurity can persist even for affluent retirees, including those who look financially “set” on paper.
Next, Tony Chapman, marketing and branding expert and founder of Chatter That Matters. Joins the conversation to discuss a common gap in retirement planning: many people prepare financially, but few prepare for what day-to-day life and identity look like once work ends.
To close, Leanna and Dave break down a timely debate: “Divided Over Dividends.” Dividends can feel predictable, but if you rely on them too heavily, could they end up splitting your retirement plan in the wrong direction?
February 21, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week's episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Rob Gerrie break down rising inflation in Canada and what it could mean for families and retirees in 2026.
Next, economist Moshe Lander joins the show to discuss the Alberta separation conversation and the potential implications for CPP, pensions, and retirement planning.
Then, Shaun Cathcart, Senior Economist at the Canadian Real Estate Association, shares the Calgary and Canada housing market forecast for 2026, including key trends impacting homeowners and future retirees.
To close, Dave and Rob answer a big Gen X question: what should a retirement plan look like at age 50 in Canada?
February 14, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie break down a recent Globe and Mail article, “Here’s Exactly How to Retire a Millionaire on a Typical Worker’s Salary,” and ask the big question: is $1 million actually enough to retire?
Next, wealth management professional Preet Banerjee joins the show to weigh in on Elon Musk’s claim that in 10–20 years, saving for retirement won’t matter because AI and robots will create so much abundance that everyone will be wealthy and why betting your future on that idea could be a dangerous assumption.
Then, Leanna and Rob tackle one of the most common tension points in relationships: money… and share how couples can have healthier, more productive financial conversations before small issues turn into bigger problems.
To close out the show, they zoom out and answer some of the most common retirement questions they hear from Canadians as they get closer to making the leap.
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