Jun 11, 2026
Canadians still want to build a secure financial future, but for many households, immediate financial pressures are taking up most of the attention.
A new survey from Edward Jones and Gallup found that while nearly half of Canadians (48%) say they feel grateful when they think about money, only 12% are considered financially fulfilled under a new measure developed for the study.
Advertisement
The research suggests that day-to-day financial concerns are increasingly taking priority over longer-term goals such as retirement planning and homeownership. “Even when people feel grateful, many aren’t yet experiencing the kind of confidence and freedom they want in their financial lives,” said Penny Pennington, managing partner at Edward Jones, in a statement.
Retirement is taking a back seat to more immediate concerns
The survey found that Canadians are focusing first on the financial challenges directly in front of them.
More than half of respondents (52%) said having enough income to maintain a healthy lifestyle is a high priority. Nearly half said increasing household income (47%) and reducing debt (46%) are top concerns.
Retirement savings ranked slightly lower, with 44% identifying it as a high priority. Saving for a home was even further down the list at 21%.
For many households, retirement planning is competing with more immediate concerns. Mortgage payments, rent, grocery bills and debt repayment often demand attention first, leaving less room for longer-term goals.
The survey also found that one-quarter of Canadians are making significant financial sacrifices in an effort to reduce expenses.
Must Read
- Warren Buffett used these 4 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Here’s how to apply them to your own life
- Stop the leak: 5 costs Canadians (still) overpay for every single month. How many are sabotaging your 2026 budget?
- Three in four Canadians say their insurance premiums have increased in the last two years. Compare 20+ quotes on Rates.ca and save up to 20% when you bundle home and auto
Join 19,000+ readers and get Money.ca’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
More Canadians are turning to the internet for financial guidance
As Canadians try to balance competing financial priorities, many are looking online for answers.
Advertisement
Nearly six in 10 respondents (59%) said they used internet research for financial guidance over the past year, making it the most common source of financial information. By comparison, 43% said they sought guidance from a financial advisor.
Despite that shift, financial advisors remain one of the most trusted sources of financial guidance. More than three-quarters of Canadians (76%) said they have confidence in the expertise of financial advisors, compared with 64% who expressed confidence in advice from family members or relatives.
The survey also found a strong connection between professional guidance and financial confidence.
Among Canadians who worked with a financial advisor in the past year, 90% said they felt confident managing their current financial needs, compared with 70% of those who did not. Similarly, 82% said they felt in control of their financial future, versus 60% among those who had not sought professional advice.
“What this data shows is that guidance can make a meaningful difference — helping people better understand their options, build a plan tailored to their short- and long-term goals, and stay on track with greater confidence and control,” said David Gunn, principal and head of Canada and U.S. Business Units at Edward Jones.
Advertisement
Is your retirement fund leaking? Secure your future today. Silent fees and stagnant interest can push your retirement date back by years. See how moving your savings to a high-interest account can help you retire sooner and with more confidence.
Why gratitude and financial stress can exist at the same time
One of the more interesting findings from the survey is that gratitude and financial stress are not mutually exclusive.
While gratitude was the most commonly reported emotion Canadians associate with their finances, stress was not far behind at 38%.
The study defines financial fulfillment as more than simply having money in the bank. It describes it as a sense that finances are aligned with personal goals and values, creating confidence, freedom and forward momentum rather than ongoing strain.
The findings suggest many Canadians haven’t abandoned long-term goals such as retirement. They’re simply dealing with more pressing demands in the present.
That may help explain why gratitude remains the dominant emotion in the survey, even as financial fulfillment remains out of reach for most respondents. Many Canadians feel thankful for what they have, while still wondering whether they’re making enough progress toward the future they want.
You May Also Like
- This 7-step plan from Dave Ramsey is designed to help you ditch debt, save more and build wealth — here’s how it works
- Prioritize these 4 critical investments and watch your net worth skyrocket
- Focus on these 3 ‘magic numbers’ to become a millionaire — and only on these numbers. How do you stack up?
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
Retirement • Jun 09
