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.
June 7, 2025 • 40 MIN
Oil Impact
Oil production shutdowns, U.S. tariffs, and global uncertainty are putting Alberta’s energy future, and potentially retirees’ finances at risk. What does it mean for taxes, inflation, and your investments? Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak will break it down with the President of Canadians for Affordable Energy Dan McTeague on this week's episode of More Than Money QR Calgary.
Selling U.S. Property: Avoiding Tax Pitfalls and Refund Delays for Canadians
Thinking about buying or selling U.S. property? It might not be as simple as you think. Tax traps, long refund waits, and changing cross-border rules could trip you up. We’re diving into the details with Steven Flynn, cross-border tax expert at Andersen, to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Transformational Energy in Retirement
Everyone is talking about personal energy these days but what does it really mean especially for retirees? How can tapping into your energy transform this new phase of life? Ofer Niv, a transformational healer and guide, reveals how retirees can clear blocks and unlock more purpose, vitality, and joy.
May 31, 2025 • 40 MIN
Inflation Is Down, But Food Prices Are Up
Grocery prices are still rising, even as overall inflation has dropped to its lowest level in more than three years.
On this week's episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie will talk to economist Sylvain Charlebois about why we're not seeing relief in stores and how this will impact your retirement.
The Cost of Living After Living?
A recent report from the Money Wise Institute suggests the rising cost of living has officially overtaken taxes as the number one threat to inheritance wealth transfer. Most parents now expect to spend all their money in retirement while many of their children still assume they’ll receive an inheritance. To explore what this means for families, we'll talk to Gary Teelucksingh, financial services expert, author, and co-founder of the Money Wise Institute.
Can Calgary Handle Our Future?
Rising costs, concerns about public safety, and growing demands on housing and infrastructure have Calgarians looking for clear answers about the city’s future. We'll be speaking with Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp, who has been a strong voice for fiscal discipline, for her perspective on Calgary’s key challenges.
May 24, 2025 • 41 MIN
The G7 Meeting
G7 finance ministers and other financial dignitaries are meeting in Banff as a precursor to the Leaders’ Summit next month.
On this week's episode of More Than Money Leanna Wachniak and Faisal Karmali will talk to Political Scientist Lori Williams about the meeting and what it could mean for you and our economy.
Should Alberta Separate?
Faisal and Leanna will also be talking to Moshe Lander about the potential economic impact on you and on Canada if Alberta separates from the rest of the country.
Crowded Travel in Canada?
And The Travel Lady Lesley Keyter is back to talk to us about how Canada is going to have a big year for tourism this summer and why there might be some places you might want to avoid because of it.
May 10, 2025 • 39 MIN
Join Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak for More Than Money as they talk to Stefanie Ricchio, Tax Expert and Spokesperson for TurboTax Canada about why many Canadians didn't file their taxes on time, and what they can do about it now.
Economist Moshe Lander will tell us why it might not be all good news for retirees if the Bank of Canada cuts interest rates three more times by the end of the year.
And communications expert Kristin Pronschinske will help us understand how to communicate better between generations, including between retired parents and their adult children.
May 3, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie for More Than Money as they talk with Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, Director of Financial Security Research, from the National Institute on Ageing about a new proposal called the Pension-Back Benefit which would see your estate get a lump-sum payment of your CPP if you die before you can start drawing it.
Are there any dangers in choosing an executor of your will who doesn't live in your province or country? Faisal and Rob will chat with Erin Bury from Willful.co about what to think about before choosing an executor that doesn't live near you.
And Retirement Coach and owner of Retire Ready Canada Jennifer Rovet will be on to talk about the importance of digital decluttering as you retire.
April 26, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali for More Than Money as they discuss the impact of whatever party is elected to run Canada on Monday, April 28th. We'll speak with Political Scientist Lori Williams about what financial incentives are being promising the final days of the election campaign, and what could those mean for your retirement?
Can buying gold help protect you from economic uncertainty, or will it just tie up your money in a static asset? Dave and Faisal will break it down.
And Hudson's Bay closures are leaving a big gap for luxury manufacturers. If they can't sell their merchandise at The Bay, where is it going to end up? We'll hear from President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Council of Canada Diane Brisebois about the ripple effects of the closure of Canada's oldest retailer.
April 12, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali for a special More Than Money show. They'll explore how the Canadian election, U.S. trade tensions under President Trump, and global instability could impact your retirement.
Experts Dr. Jack Mintz, Lori Williams, and Jamie Ellerton will discuss what voters need to know about economic policy, resilience, and Canada's financial future. Faisal and Dave will also share strategies to help you protect your retirement lifestyle in uncertain times.
April 5, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak on More Than Money when they'll speak with Economist Moshe Lander about how much these election promises will cost taxpayers if they make good on them.
Also on the show, Richard Forbes, Principal Economist, Conference Board of Canada to talk about the long and short-term economic impact of the tariffs and another dip in consumer confidence.
And what is a adventure travel and why are Canadians choosing it? We'll hear why from Andrea Mandel-Campbell, Founder of Karibu Adventures.
March 29, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak on More Than Money when they speak with Political Scientist Duane Bratt about financial election promises from the candidates during this campaign and if they will work for the candidates and for Canadians.
Also on the show, Hilary McMeekin from the Alberta Securites Commission has some tips to help avoid being defrauded out of your savings.
And Dr. Jennie Ding will discuss how your gut health changes as you age and how that can impact your physical and mental health.
March 22, 2025 • 40 MIN
Join Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak on More Than Money when they'll speak with Elizabeth Brown from Single Seniors for Tax Fairness about why they want the government to change the rules to help single seniors too.
Also on the show, The CRA Ombudsperson says the bare trust changes were a 'waste of time and effort'. Dave and Leanna will get Kim Moody's tax take on what happened and what the government should do next.
And popular video chat platform Skype is being shutdown by Microsoft. We'll hear from Tech Expert Marc Saltzman about how you can still video chat with your family in retirement.
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