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.
October 25, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie talk with Laura Tamblyn Watts, Author and President & CEO of CanAge, about why starting a conversation about aging isn’t easy, but how approaching it the right way can make all the difference. Then, they speak with Dr. Lynora Saxinger, University of Alberta infectious diseases specialist, about the growing frustration around Alberta’s new COVID-19 vaccine rollout, long waits, and $100 fees. Next, Kaci-Ann Phillips, Canadian Certified Counsellor, joins to discuss how doomscrolling through the news can quietly affect your mental health. Finally, Faisal and Rob share the common mistakes families make when it comes to protecting their children’s inheritance and how to avoid them.
October 18, 2025 • 20 MIN
On More Than Money, Lori Williams, Political Analyst and Professor at Mount Royal University, joins Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich to unpack what the 2025 Calgary municipal election means for retirees - from property taxes to how city decisions affect your financial future. Then, Leanna and Dave discuss The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel, exploring how retirees can spend with confidence, find balance between saving and living, and make their money support the life they’ve worked for.
October 18, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich talk with Hilary McMeekin from the Alberta Securities Commission about how retirees can spot scams and protect their finances during Cyber Security Awareness Month. Tony Chapman, Founder of Chatter That Matters, shares how to redefine yourself after retirement. Finally, Leanna and Dave ask: Should you give money to your adult children and how much is too much?
October 11, 2025 • 20 MIN
On More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich talk with Paul Kershaw, Founder of Generation Squeeze and Professor at UBC, about the proposed overhaul of Old Age Security (OAS) and what it could mean for Canadian retirees. As Financial Planning Month reminds us, now is the time to review your retirement plan, ensure your income strategy is secure, and take control of your financial future.
October 4, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich talk with Chris Gallaway, Executive Director, Friends of Medicare about the concerns surrounding the continuing care system in Alberta. Then, Dr. Jason Foster, Labour Relations expert at Athabasca University, talks about a teachers’ strike could be on the horizon in Alberta, and that means classrooms closed and grandparents could be called into action. Then, Leanna and Dave talk about, can ChatGPT plan your retirement?
September 27, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie talk with Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti, VP of Research & Communications from Royal Lepage about why 54 percent of Canadians with properties in the U.S. have either sold or are thinking of selling. Then, Claire Newell, Founder and President of Travel Best Bets, talks about the ways retirees can make travel less stressful and more enjoyable. Then, Leanna and Rob share with you the origin story of why they joined the advisory team.
September 20, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Dave Popowich talk with Dr. Emily McDonald, Lead author, Associate Professor at McGill University about a new tool for medical professionals to help de-prescribe unnecessary medications for patients. Then, Ian Bragg - VP of Research and Statistics @ SIMA, talks about how private savings are on the rise. Then, Faisal and Dave share with you the origin story of why they created their partnership.
September 13, 2025 • 41 MIN
On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie talk with Gere Woldu from the Alberta Motor Association to clear up misinformation about senior driving and discuss how seniors and their families can find support on the road. Then, Moshe Lander, Economics Professor at Concordia University, breaks down Carney’s five nation-building projects. Also, Faisal and Rob dive into whether retirement is changing across generations.
September 6, 2025 • 40 MIN
On More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak talk with Robert Hocking, Co-founder of Adaptive Living about why preparing your home now is key to living comfortably and safely in retirement. Then, Dr. Catherine Franssen, Neuroscientist and Founder of Franssen Strategies, unpacks the science behind pumpkin spice and why this seasonal flavour sparks such a powerful emotional response. Also, Dave and Leanna share personal stories about the challenges and lessons they learned while caring for their parents.
August 23, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join us for an action packed full episode of More Than Money this Saturday at 12pm and a half episode at 3pm on QR Calgary and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Why Canada Needs a National Pension Dashboard
Kathryn Bush, Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute, explains why Canadians fear outliving their savings and how a national pension dashboard could provide clarity. She shares how the tool would let retirees see all their government benefits, pensions, and savings in one view and how it could transform retirement planning.
When Essential Services Feel Unreliable
Corinne Pohlmann, Executive VP of Advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, unpacks how labour disruptions at Air Canada and Canada Post shake confidence in essential services. She highlights the ripple effects for retirees who rely on mail, prescriptions, travel, and small businesses and what people can do to feel more secure.
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