Financial independence, with some support
Most parents are navigating these challenges on their own. The report shows that 64% have not received financial assistance from family, though 37% report some level of support, typically in the form of one-time contributions rather than ongoing help.
Meanwhile, the realities of day-to-day parenting are reshaping priorities. Once a child arrives, time pressures tend to outweigh financial concerns, with issues like work-life balance, sleep deprivation, and loss of personal time dominating the experience.
Still, even amid these demands, long-term financial planning remains a priority.
“What we’re seeing is that families aren’t just talking about saving, they’re taking action early. Nearly three-quarters of parents have already opened a dedicated savings account for their child, and awareness of government matching programs is strong. Even among families who say money is tight, many are finding ways to contribute, showing that education savings remain a top priority. Structured tools like RESPs help parents stay consistent, leverage available government incentives, and turn intention into real progress toward their child’s future.”
The findings point to a generation of parents that is increasingly engaged with financial planning but still navigating uncertainty. While many are taking early steps to save and invest, affordability challenges and confidence gaps continue to shape how – and how much – they prepare for the future.