Nearly Four-in-Five Recent Graduates Are Optimistic About Their Future, Despite Ongoing Financial Pressures

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire Nearly Four-in-Five Recent Graduates Are Optimistic About Their Future, Despite Ongoing Financial PressuresAuthor of the article:THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountSecurian Canada’s new research showcases a generation struggling with financial security, delaying life milestonesTORONTO — A new research report, Today’s Graduates: Securian Canada Insights, reveals that recent graduates in Canada remain optimistic about their financial futures, despite feelings of uncertainty and affordability pressures. According to the survey, conducted in collaboration with the Angus Reid Group, nearly four-in-five (78%) recent graduates1 are optimistic about their financial future. This includes 23 per cent describing themselves as optimistic and confident and 55 per cent describing themselves as uncertain but hopeful about what’s ahead.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“Canada’s recent graduates are entering the next stage of their lives with ambition and a clear desire to build a secure future,” said Nigel Branker, Chief Executive Officer, Securian Canada. “At the same time, they are navigating financial pressures that are shaping how they define career progress and success.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againUncertainty about their financial future has not diminished recent graduates’ optimism, which is reflected in their beliefs about their education and careers. Nearly three-quarters (73%) believe their post-secondary education has set them up for a better financial future, rising to 78 per cent among those who have entered a career-path role. Notably, 81 per cent of recent graduates are employed, with 64 per cent in full-time positions and 17 per cent in part-time jobs.Recent graduates are also actively working toward their financial goals. More than half (59%) are able to set money aside each month, while 85 per cent say their financial habits align with their goals at least to some extent.Job stability and optimism do not always translate into financial security While 81 per cent of recent graduates are employed – including 64 per cent with full-time jobs – this does not always translate into a strong financial cushion. Nearly half (45%) of all recent graduates could only cover less than three months of basic expenses if their income stopped today, while 40 per cent say they are struggling or just managing financially.Financial pressures also extend beyond day-to-day expenses. More than three-quarters (78%) of recent graduates carry some form of debt, including credit card balances (42%) and student loans (33%). Even three to five years after graduating, 47 per cent of recent graduates report difficulty covering housing and student loan costs.These pressures are also shaping major financial decisions and life plans. More than half (52%) are delaying homeownership, while 29 per cent are delaying marriage or long-term relationships. More than one-quarter (28%) are also delaying starting a family.The research also demonstrates a gap in insurance ownership and financial protection. Among recent graduates, one-in-five (20%) say they do not have any of the following coverages: life insurance, health and dental insurance, critical illness insurance, creditor insurance or balance protection insurance.Gaps in understanding financial protection may also make it more difficult for recent graduates to navigate their options. Only one-quarter (25%) associate financial protection with insurance, while 31 per cent associate it primarily with savings or government programs (e.g., Ontario Disability Support Program, Employment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Board benefits). Nearly one-in-five (18%) are unsure what financial protection means at all, or what they should associate it with.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“It’s reassuring to see that recent graduates are optimistic about their future, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re on a path to long-term financial security,” added Branker. “The pressures recent graduates face with increased costs of living and the need to delay major life milestones reinforce the need for simpler and more accessible insurance solutions that will help keep them on track to meet their financial, professional and personal goals.”To learn more about recent graduates – including their level of financial independence, digital habits for financial planning, specific insights on those who are newcomers to Canada, and more – read Today’s Graduates: Securian Canada Insightshere.About Today’s Graduates: Securian Canada Insights Securian Canada commissioned this study in partnership with Angus Reid Group. The survey was fielded from March 31 to April 20, 2026, among 2,277 adult Canadians.The study intentionally oversampled adults aged 18-34, including 1,017 recent graduates and 620 other young adults, to enable detailed analysis and comparisons across age and graduate cohorts. The sample also included approximately 600 Canadians aged 35 and older. Residents of Canada’s three territories were not included in the study due to sample availability and recruitment challenges. Results were weighted to Statistics Canada parameters for age, gender and region so that overall findings reflect the broader Canadian adult population. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of +/-2.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. All data provided in this survey is based on self-identified information from respondents.Today’s Graduates: Securian Canada Insightsis the third report in an ongoing research series focused on insights into traditionally underserved markets in Canada.At Securian Canada, we help build secure tomorrows. We design solutions that enable our partners to provide coverage to more Canadians because we believe insurance is for everyone. Working alongside Canada’s leading financial institutions, member organizations and other strategic partners, we combine intuitive technology, human insight and a flexible, collaborative approach to help make insurance simpler, more accessible and more relevant to the evolving needs of Canadians.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Established in 1955, Securian Canada is a leading insurance provider and an independent subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Inc.For more information, visit securiancanada.ca.____________________ 1 Post-secondary graduates in Canada aged 18-34 who finished school within the last five years and had two years or less of career-path work experience before graduating.View source version on businesswire.com: Securian Canada media contact Director, Marketing and CommunicationsThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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