More Than Money

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.

On More Than Money, Dave Popowich and Leanna Wachniak sit down with Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets Inc., to unpack the unpredictable state of Canada’s economy and what it could mean for retirees. Then, they talk with Stephen Fine from Snowbird Advisor about new fingerprinting and photo requirements for Canadians heading south this winter. Finally, Dave and Leanna share what continues to drive their passion for helping Canadians plan, protect, and enjoy their retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On More Than Money, Faisal Karmali and Rob Gerrie talk with Laura Tamblyn Watts of CanAge about how to start tough conversations about aging. Dr. Lynora Saxinger shares why Alberta’s new COVID-19 vaccine rollout has many frustrated. Kaci-Ann Phillips explains how doomscrolling impacts mental health. Finally, Faisal and Rob discuss the common mistakes families make when protecting their children’s inheritance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.