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.
July 25, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak explore “doom spending” and how retirees can tell whether their purchases support their goals or are driven by fear.
Then, they’re joined by Tim Bruckner, Professor and Chancellor’s Fellow of Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, to discuss whether work may help slow cognitive decline and how retirees can replace the routine and social connection it provides.
Next, Anthony Damtsis of the CAAT Pension Plan also shares new research comparing Canadians’ retirement expectations with retirees’ actual experiences.
To close the show, Rob and Leanna discuss how political uncertainty surrounding Alberta’s October referendum could affect retirement decisions and when it makes sense to adjust a financial plan.
July 18, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Rob Gerrie discuss a recent Benefits Canada article reporting that half of Canadians worry about outliving their retirement savings. How can a proper plan make that uncertainty more manageable?
Then, more Albertans are receiving fraudulent text messages claiming their health cards have expired and need to be replaced. David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, explains how these scams work and how people can protect themselves.
Next, Dave and Rob look at how Canada’s major pension plans build their portfolios around the payments they will need to make years and even decades into the future. What can individual retirees learn from this disciplined approach to investing?
To close the show, they explore what to consider when choosing a financial advisor, including how they plan, communicate, and charge for their services. How can you determine whether an advisor is the right fit for your retirement, or whether it may be time for a change?
July 11, 2026 • 21 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak discuss how retirement can look very different once you are actually living it. Spending habits, daily routines and emotions can all change. What surprises retirees most, and how can planning help them feel more prepared?
To close the show, Faisal and Leanna examine the gap between the traditional retirement age of 65 and the average age of 67 when Canadians actually stop working, according to a recent Globe and Mail article. They discuss why retirement rarely goes exactly as planned and why flexibility may be one of your most valuable financial assets.
July 11, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak look at why Canadians place such a high value on guaranteed retirement income and what those without a workplace pension can do to create more financial security.
Then, Salimah Walji-Shivji, CEO of AgeCare, joins the show to explain Alberta’s continuing care system, the different levels of care available, and how retirees can prepare for future costs before a crisis occurs.
Next, economist Moshe Lander discusses two major pipeline proposals involving Alberta oil and what their potential economic impact could mean for retirees and their finances.
To close the show, Faisal and Leanna explore the Financial Independence Retire Early movement and what Canadians in their 40s and 50s should consider if they hope to retire ahead of schedule.
July 4, 2026 • 41 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali explore why many Canadians are choosing not to downsize in retirement, despite concerns about housing options.
Then, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak speak with Dr. Emily McDonald of McGill University about why regular medication reviews can matter as prescriptions build up over time.
Next, Faisal and Leanna are joined by Fidelity’s Michelle Munro to discuss retirees using AI for budgeting, taxes, and retirement planning, and why many still prefer human advice.
To close, Dave and Faisal look at why Canadians aged 55 to 59 are leaving so much TFSA contribution room unused, despite the potential tax benefits in retirement.
June 27, 2026 • 20 MIN
On our 30 minute More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak discuss how inflation can quietly erode the purchasing power of your retirement savings. Even after reaching your retirement goal, rising costs can put pressure on the lifestyle you planned for. They look at how retirees can prepare for inflation and stay ahead of the long-term impact.
To close the show, Rob and Leanna ask an important question: how much of your own retirement are you willing to give up to help your children? For many parents, it is no longer hypothetical. They discuss where to draw the line between supporting family and protecting your own financial future.
June 27, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak discuss why many retirees struggle to spend their savings, even when they can afford to.
Then, divorce and family lawyer Russell Alexander explains the financial realities of a “silent divorce,” when a marriage gradually comes apart without a major conflict.
Next, Esme Fuller-Thomson from the University of Toronto explores how returning to school later in life can support brain health and help retirees build new social connections.
To close the show, Rob and Leanna discuss the often-overlooked first 90 days of retirement, particularly for Alberta tradespeople whose work provided routine, purpose, and community.
June 20, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak discuss a recent topic from The Globe and Mail’s Second Act series on reinventing retirement: could prediction markets become part of your retirement portfolio as they grow in popularity? Many of these articles use the word “investment,” but is that really the right word? Faisal weighs in. Then, they are joined by retired Calgary oil and gas executive Ed Malcolm, who shares his outlook on retirement through the idea of Life 1.0, Life 2.0, and Life 3.0. Life 1.0 is your school years, Life 2.0 is your working years, and Life 3.0 is your retirement years. Ed also discusses his latest business venture, Thermae Eleven, a new outdoor-only spa, and explains why he decided to take on something new in retirement.
To close the show, Faisal and Leanna turn their attention to Seniors’ Loneliness Awareness Week and a topic that does not get enough attention: loneliness among older men. We live in the most connected world in history, yet many older men are quietly becoming more isolated. When a career ends, so can a built-in social network, and men are often the last to reach out when they need support.
June 13, 2026 • 40 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali discuss why a strong retirement plan needs the right portfolio structure behind it.
Then, automotive journalist Matthew Guy joins the show to talk about RV travel, summer road trips, and what retirees should consider before hitting the open road.
Next, Dr. Alex Bierman, Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary, discusses loneliness among older Alberta adults and why social connection should be part of the retirement conversation. To close the show, Dave and Faisal ask what really makes a retirement successful: money, family, health, purpose, or a mix of all four.
May 30, 2026 • 39 MIN
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak use Seniors’ Week as a starting point to ask a bigger question: are we doing enough to recognize, support, and plan for the realities seniors face today? They also look at Canada’s growing wave of retirements, with more people leaving the workforce each month and that number expected to rise in the years ahead. Then, economist Moshe Lander joins the show to unpack the potential economic impact of an Alberta separation referendum, including what uncertainty could mean for business investment, capital flows, energy markets, labour, real estate, retirement confidence, and Alberta’s relationship with the rest of Canada. Next, Rob and Leanna speak with Talia Bronstein, Director of Policy at the National Institute on Ageing, about elder abuse and the financial vulnerability facing many senior women in Canada. To close the show, Rob and Leanna walk through PKAG’s process for designing retirement portfolios and explain the key factors people should consider when building a plan for income, growth, risk, and long-term financial security.
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