FP Canada’s eighth Financial Stress Index is an ongoing survey that measures trends related to how Canadians view their finances. It looks at common financial goals, barriers to financial wellness, and much more.

The survey also tracks how Certified Financial Planner® professionals and Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ professionals help Canadians reduce their financial stress.

Wondering how to manage your financial stress and build a path to financial well-being? You’re not alone. The resources below can help you understand the attitudes that Canadians like you hold toward their finances. You’ll also find tips to help you take control of your financial situation.

 

 

 

Key Findings

  • Canadians still say money is their top source of stress. Despite some fluctuations, this sentiment has gradually increased from 38% in 2021 to 42% in 2025.
  • Common barriers that prevent Canadians from taking control of their finances are higher costs of living (which 68% see as a barrier), fear of making the wrong financial decision (52%), and procrastination due to stress and anxiety (43%).
  • Canadians who work with a financial professional, such as a CFP® professional or QAFP® professional, feel more hopeful about their financial futures (50% felt hopeful in 2023, 56% in 2024, and 60% in 2025) than those who don’t (44% in 2023, and 48% in 2024 and 2025).

 

Are You Struggling with Financial Stress? 

The Financial Stress Index reveals that the impacts of financial stress affect Canadians of all ages, from coast to coast. The good news is, if you’re struggling, you don’t need to go it alone.  

Receiving trusted advice from a CFP professional or QAFP professional can help you overcome any barriers to financial wellness you may face—and put you on the path toward financial well-being.  



Find a Financial Planner Near You

See the Financial Stress Index results come to life by downloading the infographic.



 

 

2025 Financial Stress Index Resources 

Make the most of the survey findings with our collection of helpful insights and resources.

Read Tips for Managing Your Financial Stress

From recognizing personal barriers to financial wellness to seeking help when you need it, find tips for managing your financial stress in a recent article by Ravi Chhabra, CFP.

Read the Article

Explore the Results Visually

See the survey results come to life and understand them at a glance by downloading this infographic.

Download the Infographic

See the Big Picture

Understand the whole story by reading the press release.



View the Press Release


Discover More Insights About Managing Your Finances 

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

These articles are a good place to start: 

01 November, 2023
Financial Planning 101: The Basics
06 November, 2023
6 Ways to Balance Your Financial Priorities
28 March, 2024
How to Optimize Your Tax Planning
13 November, 2024
How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Health

 


Financial Planning Tips, Delivered Straight to Your Inbox 

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