Every Canadian’s life goals look a little different—whether they include buying a first home, traveling the world, starting a family, or enjoying a comfortable retirement. FP Canada’s 2025 Money & Milestones Survey reveals that, while many Canadians are optimistic about reaching these goals, financial barriers often stand in the way. The good news? With careful planning and professional guidance, you can move closer to achieving the milestones that matter most to you.
Read on to learn about life milestones—and find some tips for achieving your own life goals.
The FP Canada Money and Milestones Survey explores the life milestones that are most important to Canadians and how they’re working toward them financially. According to the survey, half (50%) of Canadians are saving for retirement, and four in 10 are actively saving for travel—a goal that consistently ranks high across all age groups. Homeownership is another common goal, especially among younger Canadians aged 18-35.
While most Canadians (68%) are feeling confident about affording their milestones, not all dreams are within immediate reach. Over one in four Canadians (27%) are delaying travel due to financial constraints, while others are postponing retirement or homeownership. For 41% of Canadians who are putting off their milestones, the biggest barrier is simply not having enough money left after paying essential expenses.
No matter which life goals matter most to you, the key to reaching them lies in intentional planning. Here are a few practical strategies to help:
While many Canadians are managing their finances independently, professional financial planning could make a significant positive difference in their lives. Many are already enjoying those benefits; two in five Canadians (40%) currently work with a financial professional. While those with higher household incomes are more likely to do so, it’s important to remember that all Canadians can benefit from working with a professional—and the benefits of financial planning extend far beyond growing existing wealth.
The survey highlights a clear confidence gap: Canadians who work with a financial professional are far more likely to feel confident about affording their life milestones—79% report this confidence, compared to 59% who don’t work with a professional. Beyond confidence, the majority of Canadians who work with a planner say they enjoy the following benefits:
Financial planners also play a practical role: three in five Canadians say their financial professional helps them budget and manage their money. This is particularly true among younger Canadians, with 71% of those under 35 reporting this benefit.
Ultimately, working with a financial professional isn’t just about managing dollars and cents—it’s about finding clarity, confidence, and the ability to focus on what truly matters in life.
Are you ready to start taking significant steps toward achieving your life milestones? A Certified Financial Planner® professional or Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ professional can help. To get started, use the Find Your Financial Planner tool today.
Laura Bishop is a QAFP professional at IG Wealth Management Inc.
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