More Than Money
More Than Money is your weekly guide to retirement, from financial strategies to lifestyle planning, we cover what really matters in making the most of your retirement—because it’s about more than just money. Hosted by Portfolio Managers and Investment Advisors Dave Popowich and Faisal Karmali, along with Wealth Advisors Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie. Learn more at www.morethanmoneyradio.com
The Retirement Risks You Might Be Overlooking
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie discuss how the U.S. midterm elections have impacted the markets and what political uncertainty could mean for your retirement investments.
Next, they break down the new federal budget and explore how government spending, taxes and policy changes could affect Canadians already living in retirement.
Then, a new CTV News article highlights the warning signs that aging parents may be struggling financially. How can you recognize the signs, start difficult conversations and offer support without putting your own retirement at risk?
...Are You Prepared for the Retirement You Didn't Plan For?
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak explore new research revealing that many Canadians are unprepared for longer retirements and future health-care needs. Are you planning for retirement, or for the realities of growing older?
Then, Kerrie Hale, Co-Chair of the Calgary Chapter of Dying With Dignity Canada, joins the show to discuss proposed federal changes to medical assistance in dying and advance requests.
Next, Aled ab Iorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC, discusses why Canadian home prices have more than doubled after inflation since 2005 and what that me...
Is Canada's Retirement System Falling Behind?
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak discuss a new global pension report ranking Canada 18th out of 55 countries. One of Canada’s biggest challenges is the lack of workplace pensions in the private sector. If you’re approaching retirement without a pension, what does that mean for your financial future, and how can you close the gap?
Then, following Alberta’s October 19 vote, political scientist Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University joins Rob and Leanna to discuss the results and what comes next for Albertans.
Next, Jamie Golombek...
Grandma Tourism: The Joys and Costs of Caring
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Rob Gerrie discuss a new Edward Jones report revealing the financial toll of caregiving, with some Canadians spending more than $10,000 a year supporting loved ones. How can you care for family without jeopardizing your own retirement?
Then, discover the growing trend of “grandma tourism,” where travellers embrace a slower pace of life through food, family and tradition. Lesley Keyter, CEO and Founder of The Travel Lady, joins Dave and Rob to explore how travellers are connecting with cultures through cooking classes and experiences led by local...
Bonus Episode: Alberta's Economic Outlook and the Referendum
On this bonus 30 minute episode, Faisal chats with Mark Parsons, Vice President and Chief Economist at ATB Financial, to examine Alberta’s economic outlook for 2027, including how referendum uncertainty could affect growth, investment and retirees.
To close the show, Faisal and Rob look at the financial realities of retiring abroad, from CPP and OAS benefits to taxes, healthcare coverage and the potential costs of moving back to Canada.
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Will the Referendum Affect Your Retirement?
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Dave Popowich discuss the growing challenges of funding a long retirement, from the gap left by workplace pensions to balancing financial security with enjoying your active years.
Then, Salimah Walji-Shivji, CEO of AgeCare, joins the show to explain how families can prepare for the move to continuing care, including assessments, choosing a facility and navigating the transition.
Next, Faisal and Dave explore whether younger Canadians should prioritize experiences today over saving for retirement, and how to strike a balance between the two.
...
Retirement Planning in the Shadow of Alberta’s Referendum
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Dave Popowich look at what Rob Carrick learned during his first year of retirement, including spending more than expected and the growing importance of health. Are we too focused on reaching a retirement number and not enough on planning for what retirement will actually look like?
Then, tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy joins the show to explore how AI could help seniors manage their health and stay independent longer, while also making fraud and scams harder to detect.
Next, Dr. Saskia Sivananthan, Fo...
The Retirement Divide: Generational Pressure and Different Timelines
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie are joined by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP, to discuss whether older Canadians are being unfairly blamed for the economic pressures facing younger generations and what changes to OAS or health care could mean for the future.
Then, Faisal and Rob discuss what happens when couples retire at different times and how to plan when one person is ready to stop working before the other.
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Could AI Push You Into Retirement Early?
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie look at new research suggesting workers 55 and older in jobs more exposed to AI have become more likely to leave the workforce. If technology changes your career before you’re ready to retire, should AI now be considered a retirement-planning risk?
Then, Dr. Jerome Leis of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre joins them to discuss new Canadian research showing how rapid testing in long-term care homes could identify respiratory infections faster and help reduce ER transfers.
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Retirement and a Changing World of Taxes, Digital Legacy and Health Care
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak look at how taxes change once you retire and whether being too cautious with your savings can lead to underspending.
Then, Erin Bury, Co-Founder and CEO of Willful, joins them to discuss griefbots, digital likenesses and who should control your online identity after you die.
Next, Salimah Walji-Shivji, CEO of AgeCare, explains Alberta’s continuing care system, the different levels of care and what families should know before a decision has to be made in a crisis.
To close the...
The Retirement Reset
Join us for a special Best of More Than Money episode.
Leanna and Faisal start by exploring what can surprise people most once retirement actually begins, from changes in spending and routine to the emotional side of leaving work.
Next, Leanna and Rob speak with Esme Fuller-Thomson from the Institute for Life Course and Aging about how lifelong learning can help retirees stay mentally sharp and socially connected.
Then, Dr. Emily McDonald of McGill University joins Rob and Leanna, to discuss why medications can pile up over time and how annual medication reviews...
Retirement Under Pressure: Pensions, Public Health and Portfolio Growth
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie discuss the growing gap between public and private-sector pensions and whether governments should expand workplace retirement coverage.
Then, Mario Canseco, President of Research Co., joins them to examine a new survey on whether health-care professionals should be allowed to object to participating in Medical Assistance in Dying.
Next, microbiologist Jason Tetro “The Germ Guy”, explains why Alberta’s rising number of tick reports matters for retirees who enjoy gardening, golfing and spending time outdoors.
To close the show, Faisal and Rob...
Doom Spending, Brain Health and Retirement Reality
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...
Planning, Protection and the Right Advice
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...
Pensions, Pipelines and the Path to Retirement
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...
Smarter Choices for Retirement
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...
Retirement’s First 90 Days: Spending, Separation and Starting Over
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 ret...
Life 3.0: Investing, Reinvention, and Loneliness in Retirement
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...
The Road to a Successful Retirement
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 su...
"Best of" Retirement and Well Being: The Psychology Behind the Plan
Join us for a special Best of More Than Money episode. To kick things off, Leanna and Rob 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.
Next, Dr. Valerie Taylor, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary, joins the show to discuss the mindset shift that can come with retirement.
Then, Faisal and Rob ask an important question; are we overestimating how long we’ll truly enjoy the best...
Alberta Separation: Retirement Under Pressure
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...
Retirement Planning Beyond “Do I Have Enough?”
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Dave Popowich look at Jet Li planning for retirement and Stephen Colbert preparing for the end of The Late Show, exploring what these career transitions can teach us about purpose, identity, and what comes next.
Then, Dr. Valerie Taylor, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary, joins the show to discuss the mindset shift that can come with retirement. Next, Brendan Pansky, Director of Training & Development at True North Mortgage, explains how falling house prices may delay retirement for Ca...
Carney’s $25B Question and the New Retirement Reality
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak look at news stories affecting retirement, including a Statistics Canada discussion about nearly 1.2 million Canadians aged 65 and older are working or looking for work. They also discuss Robert Kiyosaki’s warning about U.S. boomers and explain why retirees should be careful not to get caught up in dramatic headlines. Then, Jim Stanford, Economist and Director at the Centre for Future Work, joins the show to break down Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed $25 billion Canada Strong Fund and what it could mean for Canadians and re...
Health Risks in Retirement: Why Canadians Need to Plan Beyond Money
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak explore the role health and health care planning can play in retirement. They begin with a notable Statistics Canada finding: Canada’s population is aging, with more Canadians now 65 and older, raising important questions about what that means for retirement planning. Then, Dr. Michael Antle, Department Head and Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary, joins the show to discuss Alberta’s plan to make daylight saving time permanent and how that change could affect retirees. Next, Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Resear...
Carney’s Canada: Strong Abroad, Struggling at Home
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie open with a critical retirement question: should you plan to age in your home, or is it time to consider alternatives? That leads into a deeper issue are we overestimating how long we’ll truly enjoy the best years of retirement? To explore that, they’re joined by Dan Haylett UK-based retirement transition coach, who breaks down the concept of the “good years” and how it should shape your planning decisions. Next, Jon Roe Senior Research Associate - Angus Reid, joins the show to assess public sen...
What the Artemis Mission Can Teach You About Retirement
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich compare the planning and execution behind the Artemis mission to the moon with the kind of preparation it takes to build a retirement plan. Then, Dave and Leanna sit down with Alex Bierman, Researcher at the University of Calgary, to discuss a new study from the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and the Angus Reid Group that found more than one-third of older homeowners are worried about being able to afford home upkeep. Next, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak are joined by Davi...
What the Liberal Majority in Canada means for Retirees
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie discuss a new Statistics Canada report showing that 1 in 10 Canadians aged 55 and older who had retired were back at work in 2023, up from 7% in 2019, with most of that work being part-time. Then, they sit down with Lori Williams, Professor of Political Science at Mount Royal University, to talk about a major week in Canadian politics, including the Liberals securing a majority win in the by-elections and Mark Carney’s promise of more substance and less showboating. Next, Leanna and Rob are joined by Mario Canseco, Pres...
Should You Use AI to Plan Your Retirement?
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich explore how artificial intelligence is starting to influence retirement planning, and what retirees should think about before turning to AI for financial guidance. Next, Leanna and Dave discuss a study showing how the people around us can affect how we age, including how negative relationships and ongoing stress can shape long-term well-being. Then, they’re joined by Nicole Dalmer, Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society at McMaster University, to discuss why seniors are becoming the new “screenagers,” and what may be behind t...
“Best of” Tax Season Meets Retirement: What It Means for You
Join us for a special Best of More Than Money episode. To kick things off for tax season, Dave and Rob break down the three most common tax issues retirees face and what can be done to address them.
Next, Leanna and Rob explore why tax season can be especially difficult for solo retirees compared to couples. Elizabeth Brown, Director of Single Seniors for Tax Fairness, joins the conversation to discuss the unique challenges single seniors face and what her organization is doing to advocate for change.
Then, Faisal and Rob speak with Dr. Mike...
Retirement Right Now: Net Worth, Costs, Stress
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Dave Popowich break down some of the most talked-about retirement statistics right now, from how much Canadians think they need to retire to what the average Canadian is actually worth.
Next, they’re joined by Erin Bury, Co-Founder and CEO of Willful, to discuss why women are more often named as estate executors than men, and what that says about trust, responsibility, and planning.
Then, Leanna and Dave sit down with Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy, to look at why gas...
Retirement in a Changing World: Markets, Costs, and Big Decisions
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie discuss the economic fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including rising oil prices, higher travel costs, and what it could mean for your retirement plan.
Next, they are joined by Brian D’Costa, Founding Partner and Chief Strategy & Risk Officer at Algonquin Capital, to examine why markets are becoming more cautious about growth and why investors are increasingly turning to the relative safety of bonds.
Then, Leanna and Rob sit down with Duane Bratt, Professor of Political Science in t...
What Markets and Taxes Are Really Doing to Retirement
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...
How Market Volatility Affects Retirement Planning
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 re...
Why Even Wealthy Retirees Feel Financially Insecure?
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 retir...
Retirement planning at 50 in Canada
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...
Elon Musk Says You Won’t Need to Save for Retirement. Is He Right?
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 assu...
Why Retirement Feels More Uncertain for Canadians
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie break down the key issues shaping retirement in Canada today, starting with stock market volatility and what this week’s market ups and downs mean for long-term investors and retirees.
Next, they’re joined by Dr. Dallas Seitz, Chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, to discuss the rise in mood disorders among seniors, exploring why mental health challenges are becoming more common in older adults and why emotional wellbeing is a critical and often overlooked part of retirement planning.
Then, Leanna...
How to Stay Healthy as You Age in Alberta
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Rob Gerrie dig into the stories shaping retirement today, starting with tipping culture. They’re joined by Dr. Wayne Smith, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, to explain why “tip creep” has accelerated and why it likely isn’t going away.
Next, they speak with Laura Tamblyn Watts, President & CEO of CanAge, about gaps in vaccine coverage for seniors in Calgary, Alberta, and across Canada and what that means for older adults.
Then Kathy Mendham, Owner of Proactive Seniors, shares why...
Retirement: The Romance, the Rewards, and the RRSP Deadline
On this week’s episode of More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak look at how retirement is changing as Canada’s senior population grows, and why more retirees may choose (or need) to keep working, whether part-time, full-time, or through volunteering.
Next they’re joined by Jessica O’Reilly, Relationship Expert, HappierCouples.com to talk about how to keep your romance alive in retirement. Navigating shifting identity, less personal space, and changing caregiving roles and why retirement can flip expectations for couples.
Plus, Retail Analyst and Author Bruce Winder breaks down points programs like Air...
Tech From CES That Helps and Retirement Myths That Hurt
On More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Marc Saltzman, Tech Journalist and Host of the Tech It Out podcast, to break down the latest gadgets and tools that can actually make day-to-day life easier in retirement (and what’s just hype). Then, Dave and Leanna take on a big question: what does retirement really look like? A lot of the expectations people carry into retirement are built on common myths, so they clear up a few misconceptions they hear all the time. To close out the show, they talk about why it’s important not...