More Than Money

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 the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University, to discuss how CUSMA negotiations may seem distant but can quietly affect your retirement through taxes, travel, currency, and even real estate. To close the show, Leanna and Rob break down the financial implications of moving to another province in retirement and the key factors you need to consider before making that decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Rob examine why so many Canadians don’t have access to a workplace pension, particularly in the private sector. They unpack the structural barriers facing employers and workers, and explore potential policy ideas aimed at expanding pension coverage in Canada. To close out the show, they tackle a growing concern for families of all ages: why saving for retirement is getting harder, and why future generations of Canadians may be worse off without changes to how retirement savings, pensions, and long-term planning are approached.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 being proactive before retirement matters, especially when it comes to understanding your options and preparing for real-life retirement decisions like housing, healthcare access, and affordability. To close out the show, Dave and Rob tackle a question many people wrestle with: How do you stay healthy as you age? Dave also shares his personal health journey, including his weight-loss and wellness reset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Miles and PC Optimum: are they still delivering real value, or are they getting harder to use? To close out the show, Leanna Wachniak and Rob Gerrie break down what the March 2, 2026 RRSP deadline for the 2025 tax year really means, and what you should have in place before making a last-minute contribution decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 to let the headlines of the moment derail your plan or your portfolio,  and Leanna shares a great analogy about the difference between politics and policy that’s worth a listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Dr. Paul Parks, President-Elect, Section of Emergency Medicine with the Alberta Medical Association, to talk about how Alberta’s health care system is fragmented, overcrowded, and poorly integrated. They’re also joined by Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro to discuss Alberta’s influenza season, the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine, what’s driving the spread, and why seniors in particular are more vulnerable to this year’s strain. To close out the show, Rob and Leanna discuss why, for anyone who has delayed thinking about retirement, January may be the best opportunity to start asking the right questions and putting a plan in motion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a special "Best of" episode of More Than Money, we talk to Ben McCabe, Founder and CEO of Bloom Finance, to discuss how rising costs are impacting Canadians and what can be done to stay ahead. Next, we spoke with Heather Spurrell, Relationship & Leadership Coach, about how to shape the years that come after you retire. They’re also joined by marketing and branding expert Tony Chapman, Founder of Chatter That Matters, for a conversation on finding a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. Lastly, Dave opens up about how aging has redefined his goals, mindset, and approach to life, don’t miss this powerful conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a special "Best of" episode of More Than Money, we talk to Gere Solomon 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. Next, we spoke 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. Also, Leanna and Dave talk about, can ChatGPT plan your retirement? Lastly, Faisal and Rob share the common mistakes families make when it comes to protecting their children’s inheritance and how to avoid them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Rob Gerrie and Leanna Wachniak sit down with University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe to unpack an unpredictable economy, a new prime minister, and shifting policy and what it could all mean for retirement in 2026. They’re also joined by tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy for a timely conversation on how AI dominated headlines in 2025, and what its rapid evolution could mean for Canada’s future as we head into 2026. To close out the show, Rob and Leanna tackle an important planning question: what happens when your financial advisor retires, and how can that transition be handled smoothly?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Dr. Catherine Franssen, Neuroscientist and Founder of Franssen Strategies, to explore how financial stress, especially around the holidays, can overload our brains and impact decision-making. They’re also joined by marketing and branding expert Tony Chapman, Founder of Chatter That Matters, for a conversation on finding a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. Faisal and Leanna wrap up the show by sharing how thoughtful retirement planning can make room for meaningful experiences, like a trip you didn’t even know you wanted to take yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie speak with Larry Mathieson, President & CEO of Unison for Generations 50+, about supporting seniors in need and the impact of charitable giving. They also talk with Chris Marineau from Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides about The Difference Campaign and the push to raise $20 million to build a new national training school. Next, Ryan Preston from the Veterans Association Food Bank explains why donations are down 80% and why urgent help is needed. Finally, Holli Bjerland from the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT shares how Canadians can support those affected by Alzheimer’s this holiday season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a special Best of episode where we revisit some of the most important conversations we’ve had about how retirement is changing, financially, socially, and structurally. We start with how aging and health can reshape where you live. Robert Hocking, Co-Founder of Adaptive Living, shares what Canadians should consider as their needs evolve. Next, we look at why Canadians may need to rely more heavily on private savings in the years ahead. Ian Bragg, VP of Research & Statistics at SIMA, explains whether stronger personal savings habits could be the key to improving Canada’s retirement income system. Then, Paul Kershaw - Founder of Generation Squeeze and UBC Professor, joins us to ask a big question: Is it time to overhaul Old Age Security? Finally, Dave and Leanna break down what Canadians say they’re planning for in retirement versus what the data shows and the hard truths we all need to think about when preparing for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a special “Best Of” episode of More Than Money. We revisit how Boomers and Gen X viewed retirement as a clear finish line, while Millennials and Gen Z are rewriting what retirement even means. Also, we explore whether AI can truly help you plan your retirement, or if traditional planning methods still deserve the spotlight. Then, Dave and Faisal share why they created their retirement group, PKAG. Finally, Leanna and Rob talk about how they first met Faisal and Dave and what led them to join the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Leanna Wachniak talk with Heather Spurrell, Relationship & Leadership Coach, about how to shape the years that come after you retire. Faisal and Leanna also explore the question, “If you could know your future health, would you want the answer?” Finally, they break down why they built their 4-Bucket Strategy and how it guides retirees through every stage of life after work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November is Make-A-Will Month, so what’s stopping you? Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie chat with Erin Bury from Willful about why it’s so important to have a will in place. Then, Ben McCabe from Bloom Finance joins to talk about rising costs and what Canadians can do to keep up. Plus, Faisal and Rob share what led them into the world of finance and why helping Canadians retire with confidence is still what drives them today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.