RBC poll reveals Great Divide: Canadians split on 2026 financial confidence
Executive Summary
- RBC’s Winter 2026 Financial Flexibility Poll shows a near‑even split among Canadians: 49% feel positive about their personal finances while 47% feel negative.
- Confidence in meeting long‑term financial goals drops sharply to 48%, despite 68% feeling optimistic about covering today’s needs.
- The poll identifies everyday costs (79% of respondents) and housing expenses (66%) as the top barriers to achieving financial objectives such as a comfortable retirement, travel, and an emergency cushion.
Key Details
- Overall Sentiment:
- 49 % of adults surveyed feel resilient, optimistic, hopeful or unconcerned about personal finances.
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47 % feel exhausted, apprehensive, anxious or frustrated.
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Current vs. Future Confidence:
- 68 % are confident they can meet today’s financial needs.
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Only 48 % are confident they will achieve long‑term financial goals.
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Confident Respondents (National Average):
- 51 % believe their finances can withstand economic uncertainty over the next year.
- 50 % have reduced or paid off debt; 44 % follow a budget; 58 % invest in TFSA/RRSPs.
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40 % would live frugally today to secure future financial stability.
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Struggling Respondents (National Average):
- 49 % feel they will never achieve financial success regardless of effort.
- 41 % feel no longer in control of their financial future.
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34 % have given up planning for the next financial hit.
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Top Financial Goals for 2026 (National):
- 64 % – Enjoy retirement the way they want.
- 53 % – Support leisure activities such as travel.
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52 % – Have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.
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Biggest Barriers to Achieving Goals (National):
- 79 % – Everyday costs.
- 66 % – Housing costs.
- 51 % – Debt.
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51 % – Personal financial habits.
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Regional Highlights:
- Ontario shows the highest confidence in meeting today’s needs (81 %).
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Atlantic Canada reports the greatest concern about everyday costs (84 %).
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Quotes:
- “Financial pressures and uncertainty of the past year have challenged Canadians to reassess their financial security,” said Erica Nielsen, Group Head, RBC Personal Banking.
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“The start of a new year offers an opportunity to rethink and reset financial priorities,” Nielsen added.
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Call to Action:
- RBC encourages Canadians to use its no‑cost advisory services and online resources (e.g., 2026 Financial Roadmap, budgeting tips) to improve financial flexibility.
Notable Quotes
“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,” – Erica Nielsen, Group Head, RBC Personal Banking.