The FP Canada Money & Milestones Survey reveals a powerful truth: Canadians are confident in their ability to reach life’s most important milestones—even in the face of financial uncertainty.


From retirement and travel to homeownership and education, Canadians are actively saving for the future. But they’re also navigating real challenges. According to the survey, 41% of Canadians say they don’t have enough money left after covering essential expenses to save.

 

Key Findings

Most Canadians (68%) feel confident they’ll afford their life milestones, and the majority (52%) are also actively saving, with long-term savings and RRSPs among the top tools. 

Top milestones Canadians are saving for:  

  • Retirement (50%) 
  • Travel (42%) 
  • Homeownership (19%) 

Approximately half (51%) of Canadians say they are putting off at least one milestone due to financial concerns.  

Top barriers include the following:  

  • Not enough money left after expenses (41%) 
  • Economic uncertainty (35%) 
  • Debt repayment (31%) 

The Value of Financial Planning

Canadians who work with a financial professional—such as a Certified Financial Planner® professional or Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ professional—are significantly more confident about reaching their milestones: 

  • The vast majority (79%) who work with a financial professional are confident, as compared to only 59% without. 
  • Financial professionals also help Canadians understand how finances work (83%) and help them feel more confident overall about money (82%). 
  • A CFP® professional or QAFP® professional can help you simplify decisions, build tailored plans, and stay focused on what matters most.  

Getting trusted advice from a CFP professional or QAFP professional can help you build confidence, establish control, and ensure you’re on the path to achieving your financial goals.

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Money & Milestones (PDF)
 
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About the Survey

The Money & Milestones survey was conducted for FP Canada by Leger. The survey was completed between August 15 and August 18, 2025, using Leger’s online panel, receiving 1,512 Canadian respondents nationwide.


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Browse our collection of articles by CFP professionals and QAFP professionals for more tips and insights on a wide range of financial topics.  

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