More Than Money

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 David Shipley, CEO of Beauceron Security, to talk about the growing threat of cybercrime and why seniors remain one of the most vulnerable groups. To close the show, Rob and Leanna return to a topic they began last week: the history of retirement. This time, they look ahead to the future of retirement, exploring how it continues to evolve and whether newer trends, like working fewer days or retiring younger, could become more common in the y

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, President of Research Co., to explore why more Canadians are open to changes to the OAS system as concerns grow around affordability and Canada’s projected $78-billion deficit. To close the show, Leanna and Rob take a step back and look at the history of retirement. While retirement can feel like a natural part of life today, that has not always been the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati

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 the rise in screen time among older adults. To close the show, Leanna and Dave compare AI-generated advice with human guidance, and explain why trust, context, and personal understanding still matter when planning for retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Moffatt about how smart downsizing could benefit seniors, particularly when it comes to tax strategy and planning for the future. To wrap up the show, Dave and Rob examine how government cuts are pushing some Canadians into retirement earlier than expected and ask an important question: if retirement is forced on you, are you truly prepared?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 prices have surged amid the recent conflict in Iran, and whether relief at the pumps is likely anytime soon. To close the show, Leanna and Dave talk about how stress is showing up in retirement. From headlines and market volatility to ongoing uncertainty, they explore how these pressures are affecting the retirement experience for many Canadians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.c

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 financia

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 inf

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/li

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

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 we

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.