Canadians split on financial confidence heading into 2026: RBC poll

“Financial pressures and uncertainty of the past year have challenged Canadians to reassess their financial security,” said Erica Nielsen, group head of personal banking at RBC, in a statement. “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.”

A widening gap between short-term stability and long-term confidence

The poll, conducted in September 2025, highlights a growing disconnect between how Canadians feel about their finances now and how confident they are about the future.

While 68% of respondents said they feel confident meeting their current financial needs, fewer than half (48%) believe they will reach their long-term financial goals.

That gap helps explain why the broader financial sentiment appears to be so polarized. Many Canadians report staying afloat month to month, but struggle to see how they will build lasting financial security amid rising costs and continued economic uncertainty.

Two very different financial mindsets

Among Canadians who do feel confident, many report taking concrete steps to improve their situation. Half said they have reduced or paid off debt, 44% said they are following a budget and 58% said they are investing through a TFSA or RRSP.

Short-term sacrifice also seems to play a role. Four in 10 respondents who expressed confidence said they would be willing to live more frugally today in order to be more financially secure in the future, suggesting a focus on long-term trade-offs.

By contrast, responses from those who were more insecure point to fiscal fatigue. Nearly half said they believe they won’t achieve financial success no matter what they do, while 41% said they feel they are no longer in control of their financial future. Most alarmingly, mrore than one-third said they have stopped trying to plan for the next monetary setback altogether.

Everyday costs remain the biggest barrier

Despite the emotional divide, Canadians across regions and income levels identified some similar financial goals and obstacles.

For example, nearly two-thirds said their top objective for 2026 is having enough money to enjoy retirement the way they want, followed by supporting leisure activities like travel while also building an emergency cushion.

But when asked what stands in the way, the answer was clear. Almost eight in ten Canadians cited everyday costs as their biggest barrier to achieving financial goals, followed by housing costs, debt and personal financial habits.

Hinge points for 2026

Nielsen noted that the post-holiday period can intensify financial stress, especially after unplanned expenses add up.

“The start of a new year offers an opportunity to rethink and reset financial priorities,” she said, noting that reviewing budgets and financial plans can help Canadians regain a sense of control.

For consumers, the poll suggests 2026 may be defined less by optimism or pessimism, and more by whether households feel they have the tools and flexibility to move beyond coping and toward long-term financial progress.