Most working Albertans feel less financially secure, survey finds

A new Money Mentors survey finds 62% of working Albertans feel less financially secure than a year ago, and more than half say money worries are affecting their job performance. The report points to thin savings, limited awareness of debt-help options and growing pressure on Alberta workplaces.

Why it matters: - Financial stress is moving from household budgets into Alberta workplaces, where it is affecting focus, productivity and attendance. - The survey suggests many workers have little cash cushion if income drops or an emergency hits. - The findings also point to a gap in awareness around debt-help services and formal repayment options.

What happened: - Money Mentors’ 2026 Workplace and Wellness Report found 62% of working Albertans say they are less financially secure than a year ago. - That compares with 49% nationally. - Only 14% of working Albertans say they are more financially secure than a year ago. - The survey was conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum. - More than half, 56%, say financial stress has negatively affected their focus, productivity or attendance at work.

The details: - Higher everyday costs are the top reason Albertans say they are losing financial ground. - Thirty-six percent cite groceries, utilities, transportation and other essentials, compared with 24% nationally. - Nearly two-thirds, 63%, of workers in households earning $50,000 to under $100,000 say financial stress is affecting their work. - Half of workers in households earning $100,000 or more also report an impact. - More than two in five, 42%, say they could cover no more than two months of regular expenses with savings if they lost their job today. - One in five, 20%, say they have less than one month of savings or no cushion at all. - Thirty-two percent say they could cover six months or more, up from 29% in 2025. - Among workers already feeling stress at work, 68% could cover no more than two months of expenses if they lost their job. - In that group, 39% have less than one month of savings or no financial cushion at all. - Just 12% of that group could cover six months or more. - The year-over-year change is small. In 2025, 71% of Alberta workers reporting work-related financial stress had no more than two months of expenses covered. - Across Alberta, 22% of workers say they would not know where to turn first if they or someone they knew were struggling with serious debt. - Among workers whose financial stress is already affecting their job, that rises to 32%. - Money Mentors is Alberta’s only non-profit credit counselling agency. - The organization provides free, confidential credit counselling and financial education. - Money Mentors is also the exclusive provider of Alberta’s Orderly Payment of Debts program, which is managed on behalf of the Government of Alberta. - Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, Money Mentors CEO, said employees should seek support before debt becomes unmanageable. - Yanchuk Oleksy said employers should recognize that financial stress can affect people at work and make sure employees know where to find trusted, confidential help.

Between the lines: - The data suggest financial insecurity is now a broad workplace issue, not just a personal finance problem. - The weakest point appears to be among workers who already feel strain at work, since they also report the thinnest financial safety nets. - Younger workers appear least prepared to navigate serious debt, which could deepen the awareness gap over time. - The low familiarity with OPD suggests even established provincial debt options may not be reaching the workers who need them.

What's next: - Money Mentors says Albertans who are unsure where to start can use its free, confidential counselling and education services. - The organization can also provide information about OPD as one of Alberta’s formal debt-repayment options. - The survey results may push more employers to treat financial wellness as part of workplace support. - For more information or to speak with an accredited counsellor, visit more information.

The bottom line: - A majority of working Albertans say money stress is dragging on both their personal security and their performance at work, and many do not have enough savings to absorb a setback.