Canadians double down on financial discipline amid economic uncertainty: CIBC Poll

Executive Summary

• CIBC’s annual Financial Priorities Poll shows debt reduction and bill payments are the top financial priorities for Canadians heading into 2026.
• Confidence in achieving personal financial goals remains high (70 %), though it has slipped from 76 % a year earlier, indicating a more cautious outlook amid inflationary pressures.
• Nearly half of respondents (43 %) plan to start or increase investing as a New Year’s resolution, and CIBC highlights several digital tools to support budgeting and goal planning.

Key Details

• Top Priorities: 16 % of Canadians focus on debt reduction; another 16 % prioritize keeping up with bill payments.
• Confidence Levels: 70 % feel confident about meeting financial goals in 2026 (down from 76 % in 2025).
• Financial Resilience: 55 % believe they are prepared for an unexpected financial event, down from 59 % previously.
• Investment Intentions: 43 % intend to start or increase investing in the coming year.
• Survey Methodology: Conducted by Ipsos between 13‑20 Nov 2025; sample of 1,505 Canadians aged 18+; margin of error ±3.1 percentage points (95 % confidence).
• CIBC Tools Highlighted:
• Budget Calculator – visualizes monthly cash flow.
• CIBC Insights – provides spending tips and alerts.
• CIBC Smart Planner – goal‑setting and tracking platform.
• Quote: “While confidence in future financial goals remains high, it’s clear that Canadians are feeling some near‑term pressure around the management of cash flow and month‑to‑month expenses,” said Carissa Lucreziano, Vice‑President, Financial Planning and Advice, CIBC.

Notable Quotes

• “Personalized advice and proactive planning can make a real difference in structuring a plan that makes sense for your current situation and can build confidence in achieving long‑term goals for you and your family.” – Carissa Lucreziano, VP, Financial Planning and Advice, CIBC.

Materiality Assessment: Non-Material – Neutral (the release provides consumer sentiment data without direct impact on CIBC’s financial results or operations).