Is the idea of retirement making you anxious? You’re not alone. Most Canadians say they’re worried about not saving enough for the future. But there’s good news: people who understand how the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) supports them are far more confident about what’s ahead.
A new survey from CPP Investments, conducted for Financial Literacy Month in November, found that nearly six in 10 Canadians (59%) worry about outliving their savings — a figure consistent with our 2024 survey. One in four feel stressed about retirement, with stress peaking among those aged 55 to 59 before easing in their 60s.
That shift makes sense. Once Canadians reach their 60s, many begin receiving CPP benefits, which often brings greater peace of mind. Canadians who understand the role of the CPP — and know that it will be there for them in retirement — are less likely to feel stressed about their financial future and more confident that their savings will last.
Today, many younger Canadians feel especially anxious about money. The survey found more than two-thirds of those aged 18 to 24 say they feel “a lot of anxiety” about making the wrong financial decisions — more than double the rate reported among those 65 and older.
Canadians who know that the CPP is a strong and stable pension fund are also more confident in their retirement finances: 73% report feeling secure, compared to just 21% among those with little or no knowledge of the program. In addition, 71% say they’re proud that Canada has a national pension plan like the CPP — the highest level of pride recorded.
“Canadians already have a dependable foundation in the CPP — one that provides lifelong, inflation-protected benefits,” said Michel Leduc, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Public Affairs and Communications at CPP Investments. “Understanding how the CPP works, coupled with having a plan and seeking reliable advice, can help reduce stress and give people more confidence in their financial future.”
Knowledge builds confidence
The survey found that 52% of non-retirees said having a financial plan gave them confidence they would not run out of money in retirement.
“Confidence is a powerful enabler,” Leduc said. “Canadians who feel secure about the CPP’s role in their retirement are more willing to take proactive steps — like saving more, making a plan or seeking advice — that ultimately improve their financial outcomes.”
The CPP Fund, managed by CPP Investments, now holds more than $730 billion in assets, making it one of the largest pension funds in the world. Canada’s Chief Actuary projects that the CPP will remain financially sustainable for at least the next 75 years. More than 22 million Canadians are counting on it to be there.
Understanding how the CPP works — and the role CPP Investments plays in helping to grow the Fund — can turn financial worry into confidence. Canadians already have a foundation for retirement they can count on. The CPP Fund is built to last, and CPP Investments is working to keep it strong for generations to come.
Survey methodology: The online survey was conducted by Innovative Research Group from August 25 to September 4, 2025, with a sample of 5,183 Canadians (outside of Quebec), 18 years or older, drawn from Leger and Lucid online panels. The final weighted sample size of 4,000 reflects Census population data. While this is a representative sample, margins of error do not apply to most online surveys.
Is the idea of retirement making you anxious? You’re not alone. Most Canadians say they’re worried about not saving enough for the future. But there’s good news: people who understand how the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) supports them are far more confident about what’s ahead. A new survey from CPP Investments, conducted for Financial Literacy Month in November, found that nearly six in 10 Canadians (59%) worry about outliving their savings — a figure consistent with our 2024 survey. One in four feel stressed about retirement, with stress peaking among those aged 55 to 59 before easing in their 60s. That shift makes sense. Once Canadians reach their 60s, many begin receiving CPP benefits, which often brings greater peace of mind. Canadians who understand the role of the CPP — and know that it will be there for them in retirement — are less likely to feel stressed about their financial future and more confident that their savings will last. Today, many younger Canadians feel especially anxious about money. The survey found more than two-thirds of those aged 18 to 24 say they feel “a lot of anxiety” about making the wrong financial decisions — more than double the rate reported among those 65 and older. Canadians who know that the CPP is a strong and stable pension fund are also more confident in their retirement finances: 73% report feeling secure, compared to just 21% among those with little or no knowledge of the program. In addition, 71% say they’re proud that Canada has a national pension plan like the CPP — the highest level of pride recorded. “Canadians already have a dependable foundation in the CPP — one that provides lifelong, inflation-protected benefits,” said Michel Leduc, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Public Affairs and Communications at CPP Investments. “Understanding how the CPP works, coupled with having a plan and seeking reliable advice, can help reduce stress and give people more confidence in their financial future.” Knowledge builds confidence The survey found that 52% of non-retirees said having a financial plan gave them confidence they would not run out of money in retirement. “Confidence is a powerful enabler,” Leduc said. “Canadians who feel secure about the CPP’s role in their retirement are more willing to take proactive steps — like saving more, making a plan or seeking advice — that ultimately improve their financial outcomes.” The CPP Fund, managed by CPP Investments, now holds more than $730 billion in assets, making it one of the largest pension funds in the world. Canada’s Chief Actuary projects that the CPP will remain financially sustainable for at least the next 75 years. More than 22 million Canadians are counting on it to be there. Understanding how the CPP works — and the role CPP Investments plays in helping to grow the Fund — can turn financial worry into confidence. Canadians already have a foundation for retirement they can count on. The CPP Fund is built to last, and CPP Investments is working to keep it strong for generations to come. Survey methodology: The online survey was conducted by Innovative Research Group from August 25 to September 4, 2025, with a sample of 5,183 Canadians (outside of Quebec), 18 years or older, drawn from Leger and Lucid online panels. The final weighted sample size of 4,000 reflects Census population data. While this is a representative sample, margins of error do not apply to most online surveys. 2025 Financial Literacy Month Retirement Survey Results Learn more
Please enter valid email id