Survey shows deep financial shame and regret, with most Canadians yearning for a fresh money reset
More than half of Canadians wrestling with money feel shame and are now searching for a reset with 71% saying they would choose differently if they could rewind time.
A new survey from Meridian Credit Union shows that many Canadians are quietly struggling with their finances and yearning for a fresh start. The study found that although 86% of Canadians say they track their spending on a regular basis, 64% still report feeling constant financial stress.
The findings also reveal that 71% would make different financial choices if they had the chance to go back and do it again, and 54% acknowledge they spend without a clear plan.
“Our relationships with money are complex – and often are rooted in stress and shame,” says Dilys D’Cruz, senior vice-president, retail & wealth at Meridian. “Financial confidence begins by recognizing that money is emotional. When we understand the emotional side of money, we can make clearer, more empowered decisions.”
To help Canadians deal with these pressures, Meridian has launched a free online program with Conscious Economics called “Well with Money.” It’s designed to help people explore the emotional influences behind their financial habits through interactive videos, worksheets, and personal reflection tools.
The research also indicates that many Canadians are so focused on covering everyday expenses that they struggle to think about long-term financial priorities. Nearly two thirds say they are caught up in simply managing life and paying bills, leaving little energy for planning.
“Financial confidence isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about awareness and finding the courage to keep moving forward – one step at a time,” added D’Cruz.
The survey was conducted by Leger for Meridian between September 5 and 7, 2025, with responses from 1,624 Canadian adults. After weighting for gender, age, region, education, and language, the results carry a margin of error of ±2.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Overall, the findings suggest that while Canadians may be diligent about tracking their money, the emotional weight of financial decision making remains heavy. For many, improving their financial situation may start with reshaping how they think and feel about money itself.
