An RBC poll highlights growing financial strain on Canadian parents as household budgets continue to overheat amid persistently high costs and the added pressure of holiday season expenses. The poll finds that many parents are grappling with rising costs for essentials such as housing, food, childcare, and education, leaving less room for discretionary spending. As the holidays approach, families are facing additional stress related to gift-giving, travel, and seasonal activities.
The findings suggest that parents are increasingly adjusting their spending habits, prioritizing necessities, cutting back on non-essential purchases, and seeking ways to manage cash flow more carefully. The poll underscores concerns about affordability, financial confidence, and long-term planning, with many parents expressing worry about balancing immediate family needs with savings goals. RBC positions the results as a snapshot of how inflation and cost pressures are reshaping household financial decision-making during a traditionally high-spending time of year.
