Worried about your finances right now? Here’s what you can do

The world feels uncertain right now. Rising costs. Global instability. Pressure from every direction. And if you're feeling worried about your finances, you're not alone.

Nearly 1 in 5 Canadians feel anxious about their financial future

We recently surveyed over 1,900 Canadians about how they’re feeling. In a nutshell: so many people are worrying about their future. If you’re feeling anxious about money, work, and what’s going on in the world, there are steps you can take to take back some control.

Here’s what Canadians told us they’re most concerned about

61% are concerned with the rising cost of everyday expenses like groceries.

51% are concerned with oil, gas, and energy prices.

44% are concerned with having enough savings to retire.

44% are concerned with global conflicts and wars.

39% are concerned with housing affordability.

Among those surveyed,

  • Women report higher anxiety than men (22% vs. 13%)
  • Canadians nearing retirement are feeling the pinch more than others

The impact of economic uncertainty is real

It isn’t just affecting your wallet. It’s affecting your whole life.

On your health

  • 26% report impacts to mental health and stress levels
  • 19% are experiencing sleep disruption
  • 22% feel their overall wellbeing has been affected

On your day-to-day finances

  • 44% are spending less
  • 28% are checking financial news more often
  • 26% are monitoring their investment accounts more closely

On your financial outlook

  • 29% are saving less
  • 30% report an impact on their financial confidence
  • 37% are delaying big financial decisions

Not sure what to do next? Start here

Create a budget that works for today… and tomorrow

Budgeting might not sound exciting, but it lets you keep an eye on today’s essentials while still planning for what’s ahead.

Try our budget calculator to get a clear picture of where your money is going.

Protect what you’re working so hard to build

When money is tight, it’s normal to focus on today, not ‘what ifs’. Here’s why life insurance should make the short list: it provides peace of mind if you can’t provide for your family. Term life insurance is probably cheaper than you think. Get a personalized quote, in minutes.

Prepare for the unexpected

You can’t predict financial emergencies, but you can prepare for one. An emergency fund is like a financial safety net for life’s unexpected tumbles. Start small if you need to; even slow and steady will get you there, eventually.

Get guidance that fits your life

A Sun Life advisor is your trusted partner to building the plan forward. Whatever you’re planning for next, whether that’s growing your family or dreaming of retirement, they can help you make it happen.

The world may feel uncertain, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

You've already taken the first step by recognizing how you feel. Let's take the next one together. Our advisors are here to help.

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Methodology: Sun Life commissioned this research, which surveyed 1,921 Canadian adults (18+) from April 1-14, 2026. The sample was structured using quotas and weighting to align with Canadian census data. The overall results are accurate within ±2.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Subgroup analyses have higher margins of error, ranging from ±3% to ±5% based on sample composition.