Nearly half of British Columbians dipping into savings as economic pressures mount

A new report has found many families in B.C. facing financial stress are dipping into savings to keep up with expenses.

A new report suggests financial optimism in British Columbia is slipping as families face ongoing economic strain — from tariffs and job losses to higher mortgage costs.

According to Willful’s 2025 Great Delay Report, only 46 per cent of British Columbians feel optimistic about their financial future — down from 50 per cent last year. Nearly half (48 per cent) say they’ve had to dip into savings just to keep up with day-to-day expenses.

Tariffs and job insecurity among top stressors

The report found that 55 per cent of British Columbians say tariffs have negatively impacted their ability to budget for essentials like groceries and gas.

More than half also cited job insecurity and rising unemployment as major sources of stress, while 26 per cent said mortgage renewal costs have hurt their household finances and delayed financial goals.

On average, British Columbians reported they would need an additional $881.30 in monthly income to reach their financial goals — from paying off debt to saving for the future.

Long-term plans delayed

The Great Delay report — based on a national survey of more than 1,500 Canadians — shows that 62 per cent of British Columbians have postponed at least one major financial milestone this year due to economic pressures.

Only 25 per cent managed to pay down debt in 2025, despite nearly half planning to do so last year, and just 32 per cent were able to save for the future.

Willful CEO and co-founder Erin Bury said many Canadians have spent the past year “in survival mode.”

“When every dollar feels spoken for, it’s natural for long-term goals like saving, investing, or estate planning to fall off the list,” Bury said.

“But these are the very steps that can restore a sense of stability and confidence when everything else feels uncertain.”

Most families still unprepared for emergencies

The report also highlights ongoing gaps in financial preparedness.

Only 40 per cent of British Columbians have a will, 34 per cent have life insurance, and 24 per cent hold power of attorney documents — figures largely unchanged from last year.

The report comes as Canadians mark Make a Will Month and Financial Literacy Month in November.

Methodology: Findings are based on a Willful survey conducted between Oct. 2–6, 2025, among 1,503 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The margin of error is ±2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.