SASKATOON — A recent study shows Saskatchewan residents are cautiously optimistic about managing their finances, especially when it comes to handling daily expenses such as groceries.
The latest 2026 Financial Stress Index Regional Findings by FP Canada, a non-profit financial planning group, shows 58 per cent of Saskatchewan residents feel more hopeful about their financial future, compared to 50 per cent last year. That is also above the 50 per cent national average.
Forty-four per cent of respondents report rent, mortgage and housing prices as stressors. This remains three percentage points lower than the national average of 47 per cent, which also declined from 51 per cent last year.
To reduce financial stress, 44 per cent said they paid down debt, up significantly from 34 per cent last year and just above the 33 per cent national average, signalling people are becoming more proactive in managing their finances.
Zena Amundsen, the Astra Financial Services certified financial planner, told SaskToday that grocery prices remain a direct driver of financial stress, but there is a downward trend from 77 per cent in 2024 and 72 per cent last year to 69 per cent, which may signal easing pressure and a shift in mindset.
“I think it is a behaviour shift. We’ve braced for it. Households are no longer reacting with shock but instead planning for higher grocery costs. We’re still feeling it, it still hurts, but it’s not being thrown at us, but we’re preparing for it now,” added Amundsen.
She said the intense “sticker shock” that followed the inflation surge in 2022 has faded, replaced by a more measured and prepared approach to spending. Residents are tracking expenses and budgeting, which gives them a greater sense of financial control.
Conexus vice-president of treasury Robert Davis said the finding that 58 per cent of residents feel hopeful about their financial future is one of the most important takeaways, even as financial stress persists amid the current geopolitical climate.
“Money continues to be the top source of stress, but there are some bright spots in the data, such as 85 per cent of Canadians are now taking steps to reduce financial stress, an increase from 82 per cent last year. That’s good news. Despite the pressure, people are actually doing something. Saskatchewan’s economic outlook is also contributing to a more positive mindset, with strong labour markets and growth helping residents feel more secure about the future. We’re seeing more people feel hopeful about where they’re headed financially,” said Davis.
Both Amundsen and Davis agree that shifting from reacting to planning finances is a positive development, particularly when it comes to grocery costs. Instead of being overwhelmed by high prices, households are adapting by budgeting, spending wisely and adopting a long-term financial mindset.
“It’s about taking control of the things we can. And when people do that, the stress starts to come down. While affordability challenges remain, the report suggests residents are building resilience by turning financial pressure into an opportunity to plan more deliberately for the future,” said Amundsen.
“Despite Canadians feeling levels of stress, they are doing something and acting on it. Saskatchewan residents feel more hopeful about their financial future than they did a year ago. Everyone feels differently about the economic environment. We encourage everyone to reach out for financial advice,” added Davis.
