Worried Canadians increasingly cautious about their money: CICA survey

TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Money worries appear to be motivating Canadians to focus on sound financial decision making in 2013, according to a national survey conducted for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA).

The 2013 CICA Financial Priorities Survey found that 50 per cent of respondents admit to worrying about money. The research also revealed that women are significantly more likely than men to worry (55 per cent versus 45 per cent).

Debt reduction clearly emerged as one area where survey respondents want to take action. Half of those surveyed said that reducing personal debt is a high priority. Another 15 per cent described debt reduction as a moderate priority. In addition, minimizing the interest paid on debt is a high priority for 47 per cent of respondents. Seventeen per cent called it a moderate priority.

Other key findings

• Almost six in ten of those surveyed (59 per cent) said that purchasing only what they can afford is a high priority.
• Nearly four in ten respondents (38 per cent) said saving more is a high priority, while 31 per cent viewed it as a moderate priority.
• Slightly more than a quarter (26 per cent) stated that spending less than they did in 2012 is a high priority. Thirty-two per cent considered it a moderate priority.
• The survey found that the age group most worried about money was 35-44. It was followed by 25-34, 45-54,18-24, 55-64 and 65 plus.
  
  

Managing cash, credit cards and other debt are among the topics covered in a new book from CICA titled A Canadian's Guide to Money-Smart Living. The book, officially being released today, provides valuable guidance to help individuals become more comfortable with money matters and strengthen their financial situations. Each chapter deals with an essential aspect of money management and outlines easy action steps. 

"We published the book for ordinary people who face every day financial challenges," said Cairine Wilson, vice-president, member services, CICA. "Individuals can take control of their finances and free themselves from worry by learning a few basic but very important concepts about money."

The book's author is Kelley Keehn, one of the country's most prominent personal finance experts and a passionate advocate for improving the financial literacy of Canadians. She said that money management does not require intolerable sacrifices.

"Too much sacrifice is self-defeating because people will not stick with their financial plan," explained Keehn. "When it comes to money management, individuals can choose what is most important to them while eliminating something of less importance. There are ways to stretch your money without suffering unduly."

A Canadian's Guide to Money-Smart Living can be obtained by visiting http://www.castore.ca/moneysmartliving.

The 2013 CICA Financial Priorities Survey was conducted by Harris/Decima via telephone between December 6-9, 2012, with a national random sample of 1,000 adult Canadians aged 18 years and over and is considered accurate to within ± 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.  A survey summary report is available online at www.cica.ca/2013financialpriorities.

About CICA
Chartered Accountants (CAs) are Canada's most valued, internationally recognized profession of leaders in senior management, advisory, financial, tax and assurance roles. Through their integrity, expertise, and internationally recognized qualification standards, Canada's 83,000 CAs sustain their influence and leadership position both in Canada and globally.  As trusted business advisors to Canadian organizations of all sizes, Canada's CAs foster confidence in Canadian business and contribute to the health and sustainability of Canada's capital markets and economy.  The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) represents Canada's CA profession both nationally and internationally.  The CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).

SOURCE: Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

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