- 49% feel positive about personal finances; 47% feel negative
- 49% believe they won't achieve financial success no matter what they do; 40% willing to go through some short-term pain for long term gain
- For the majority, everyday costs are a shared barrier to achieving financial goals
TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2026 /CNW/ - Canadians are feeling optimistic and apprehensive about their money in almost equal numbers, according to the RBC Financial Flexibility Poll: Winter 2026 Edition.
While nearly half (49%) of the adults surveyed feel resilient, optimistic, hopeful or unconcerned about their personal finances, almost as many (47%) feel exhausted, apprehensive, anxious or frustrated. In addition, although a majority (68%) are optimistic about meeting their financial needs today, confidence drops to less than half (48%) about reaching long-term financial goals, revealing a clear gap between current confidence and future expectations.
Below is how this divide breaks down further between Canadians expressing confidence about their finances and those who are struggling.
- Confident Canadians:
- 51% are optimistic their finances can withstand any economic uncertainty over the next year
- 50% have reduced or paid off debt, 44% are following a budget and 58% are investing in a TFSA and/or RRSP
- 40% would live frugally today to be financially secure down the road
- Struggling Canadians:
- 49% believe they won't achieve financial success no matter what they do
- 41% feel they are no longer in control of their financial future
- 34% have given up on trying to plan for the next financial hit
"Financial pressures and uncertainty of the past year have challenged Canadians to reassess their financial security," explained Erica Nielsen, Group Head, RBC Personal Banking. "The impact hasn't been the same for everyone, which is evident in the contrasts in how people are feeling about their finances today and their outlook for the future."
Nielsen added that financial challenges can appear even more daunting after the holiday season for anyone who has experienced how quickly unplanned expenses can add up. "The start of a new year offers an opportunity to rethink and reset financial priorities," Nielsen noted, "This is where financial advice professionals can help you create or update your budget and financial plan and explore where you can find financial flexibility in the year ahead. The confidence and peace of mind this can bring may be the best gift you give yourself in 2026."
Shared financial goals and challenges across the country
- My top financial goals in 2026? "Having enough money to…"
- 64%: Enjoy retirement the way I want
- Highest regional responses: ON (66%); AB (65%); BC (63%)
- 53%: Support leisure activities such as travel
- Highest regional responses: AB (60%); BC (56%)
- 52%: Have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses
- Highest regional responses: AB (60%); ON (52%); QC (51%)
- 64%: Enjoy retirement the way I want
- Biggest challenges to achieving my financial goals?
- 79%: Everyday costs
- Highest regional responses: AC (84%); AB (83%); BC (82%)
- 66%: Housing costs
- Highest regional responses: BC (71%); AB (70%); ON (66%)
- 51%: Debt
- Highest regional responses: AC (53%); SK/MB (53%)
- 51%: My own financial habits
- Highest regional responses: SK/MB (53%); QC (53%); ON (52%)
- 79%: Everyday costs
"Whether you're optimistic or apprehensive about your finances in 2026, our advisors are readily available to have a no-cost conversation to help you achieve your goals," said Nielsen. "For Canadians who are confident about the year ahead, we're here to help ensure you not only stay on track, but also have the opportunity to potentially accelerate your savings. If you're unsure about how to keep on top of your finances, we're here to help you explore ways to manage your cash flow and see how you can build out your financial future."
To find out more about how to manage your day-to-day finances and plan for the big (and little) things in your life, visit rbcfinancialplanning.com. Openly available to all Canadians, there are also helpful advice articles and resources on RBC's My Money Matters online advice hub, including:
- 2026 Financial Roadmap: A Guide to Debt, Budgeting and Investing in Canada
- Stressed About Money? Here's Why Talking About It Helps
- Emergency Budgeting Tips For Canadians – Stretching Your Dollar In Tough Times
- How to Pay Off Debt Faster
Fast Facts: RBC Financial Flexibility Poll: Winter 2026 Edition
Selected Findings – National & Regional
RESPONSES YOU AGREE WITH ABOUT YOUR FINANCES? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Confident in ability to meet my financial needs today (e.g., essentials such as housing, food) |
68 % |
60 % |
61 % |
71 % |
64 % |
81 % |
71 % |
More focused on managing day-to-day costs than my financial future |
61 % |
62 % |
60 % |
67 % |
59 % |
61 % |
65 % |
Optimistic my finances can withstand any economic uncertainty over the next year |
51 % |
54 % |
48 % |
48 % |
50 % |
56 % |
48 % |
No matter what I do, I feel like I will never be financially successful |
49 % |
48 % |
52 % |
54 % |
47 % |
49 % |
47 % |
Feel I'm no longer in control of my financial future |
41 % |
41 % |
46 % |
45 % |
41 % |
36 % |
41 % |
Given up on trying to plan for the next hit to my finances |
34 % |
34 % |
34 % |
37 % |
36 % |
29 % |
34 % |
HOW YOU'RE FEELING ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Resilient, optimistic, hopeful or unconcerned |
49 % |
49 % |
44 % |
49 % |
48 % |
55 % |
50 % |
Exhausted, apprehensive, anxious or frustrated |
47 % |
47 % |
53 % |
48 % |
49 % |
41 % |
50 % |
ACTIONS YOU'RE TAKING TO HELP MANAGE YOUR FINANCES? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Reducing or paying off debt |
50 % |
46 % |
61 % |
46 % |
53 % |
42 % |
54 % |
Following a budget |
44 % |
38 % |
48 % |
36 % |
45 % |
43 % |
51 % |
Investing in a TFSA or RRSP |
58 % |
58 % |
58 % |
55 % |
59 % |
60 % |
48 % |
WHAT YOU'D BE WILLING TO DO TO HELP YOUR FINANCES? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Live frugally today to be financially secure down the road |
40 % |
44 % |
45 % |
40 % |
43 % |
28 % |
49 % |
Go through some short-term pain for long term gain |
40 % |
42 % |
45 % |
46 % |
39 % |
36 % |
42 % |
YOUR TOP LIFETIME (LONG-TERM) FINANCIAL GOALS? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Having enough money to enjoy retirement the way I want |
64 % |
63 % |
65 % |
62 % |
66 % |
62 % |
61 % |
Having enough money for leisure activities like travel |
53 % |
56 % |
60 % |
47 % |
52 % |
52 % |
46 % |
Having a financial cushion for unexpected expenses |
52 % |
49 % |
60 % |
44 % |
52 % |
51 % |
50 % |
BIGGEST BARRIERS TO ACHIEVING YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS? |
CAN |
BC |
AB |
SK / MB |
ON |
QC |
AC |
Everyday costs |
79 % |
82 % |
83 % |
80 % |
80 % |
72 % |
84 % |
Housing costs |
66 % |
71 % |
70 % |
63 % |
66 % |
62 % |
65 % |
Debt |
51 % |
52 % |
46 % |
53 % |
51 % |
51 % |
53 % |
My own financial habits |
51 % |
50 % |
51 % |
53 % |
52 % |
53 % |
44 % |
Disclaimer
RBC Financial Planning is a business name used by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by RMFI. RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec.
About the RBC Financial Flexibility Poll: Winter 2026 Edition
These findings are from a survey commissioned by RBC and conducted from September 26 to 29 2025, among a representative sample of 1,500 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.
About RBC Investing
When it comes to achieving your short-term and long-term goals, performance and advice matter. RBC can help you get closer to your goals with the right support and a track record you can feel good about. You can invest with advice when you need it or call your own shots – whatever's right for you. For more details about what RBC provides to help you grow your money, including time-limited offers, check out www.rbcroyalbank.com/investments/.
Media contact:
Kathy Bevan, RBC Corporate Communications, 647-618-2287
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank
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