New digital innovations help people track spending and achieve savings goals
TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - With mobile apps on your smartphone, and tap-and-go debit and credit cards, it's never been faster or easier to pay for things. This has led to some of us feeling disconnected from our money, according to new research commissioned by MARU in partnership with Tangerine Bank.
"Apps and taps for payment are becoming such a way of life that some Canadians feel they're not as strongly connected to their money," said Mark Nicholson, Vice President of Client Experience at Tangerine. "One in five (20 per cent) of our survey respondents, feel that way. And on top of the lost connection to money, a large majority of Canadians with a bank account – 71 per cent – wish they could save more money each month, and almost half (47 per cent) say they're worried about their financial future."
Younger Canadians are especially concerned, with 70 per cent of those age 18-24 saying they're worried about their financial future (compared to a 46 per cent average for all other age groups). Thirty per cent of younger respondents, age 18-24, say they're unsure that they'll be able to pay off their debts, versus just 17.5 per cent among other age groups.
Among some of the other findings, the national survey found that only 37 per cent set a budget every month and stick to it. When asked where their monthly spending goes, respondents listed phone, internet, TV, transportation, utilities and rent as part of their monthly spending.
To help Canadians focus on saving and keep better track of their spending, Tangerine has introduced two new features on its mobile app and online banking: Goals and Left to Spend. Goals lets users establish one or multiple savings priorities, like a vacation or a new car, set up regular contributions, and provides real-time updates on progress being made. Left to Spend monitors regular expenses like rent or mortgage payments, car payments, insurance etc., and calculates how much disposable income you have "left to spend" in each month or pay period.
"Debt remains an issue, with loan and debt payments taking the third largest chunk of monthly spending (20 per cent), after rent or mortgage payments and other types of spending such as groceries. So we think it's more important than ever to offer features like Goals and Left to Spend to help Canadians better keep track of their everyday spending to help with their long term financial goals," said Nicholson.
The survey found almost three-quarters of Canadians (71 per cent) use online banking to track their spending, with almost one-third (27 per cent) using mobile banking apps.
"Information is power, especially when it comes to managing spending and achieving savings goals," said Brenda Rideout, President and CEO. "While technology makes it easier to spend than ever before, it also empowers Canadians to manage their money. These new features are designed to make it easier for Tangerine Clients to keep fully up to date on spending and saving."
On a positive note, the survey found that Canadians are finding ways to save. According to the survey, four in ten Canadians save money most months, with a similar number saying they save money every single month. Typical monthly savings are up to $250, with retirement, emergencies and vacations making up the top three things Canadians are saving for.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
From August 31st to September 4th 2018 Maru/Blue executed an online survey of 1,000 randomly selected Canadian adults with an active bank account who are Maru Voice Canada panelists. Among them were respondents in the following age groups: 18-24 (n=33), 25-34 (n=222), 35-44 (n=176), 45-54 (n=233), and 55+ (n=336). For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 3%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
ABOUT TANGERINE BANK
Tangerine is a direct bank that delivers simplified everyday banking to Canadians. With over 2 million Clients and close to $38 billion in total assets, we are Canada's leading direct bank. Tangerine offers banking that is flexible and accessible, products and services that are innovative, fair fees, and award-winning Client service. From no-fee daily chequing and high-interest savings accounts, a Credit Card, GICs, RSPs, TFSAs, mortgages and mutual funds through its subsidiary, Tangerine Investment Funds Ltd., Tangerine has the everyday banking products Canadians need. With over 1,000 employees in Canada, our presence extends beyond our website and Mobile Banking app to our Café locations, Pop-Up locations, Kiosks and 24/7 Contact Centres. Tangerine was launched as ING DIRECT Canada in 1997. In 2012 it was acquired by Scotiabank, and operates independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Tangerine was recently selected as 'Best of Show' winner at the 2018 Finovate Fall Conference for their Left to Spend and Goals features. Finovate brings together more than 1,200 financial services professionals, investors and Fintech enthusiasts to celebrate the cream of the crop in the Fintech world.
SOURCE Tangerine
and to arrange an interview, contact: Charlene Magnaye, [email protected], 416-294-5797
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