For many Calgarians, the rising cost of living is affecting more than their bank account. It’s impacting their sleep, their health and their relationships.
It’s the parent at the kitchen table after the kids have gone to bed, trying to figure out how to stretch their income one more month.
It’s the young professional with a full-time job who still feels one unexpected bill away from falling behind.
It’s the family standing in the grocery store putting items back on the shelf, trying to make their budget stretch just a little further.
A new Financial Anxiety Index from United Way Centraide Canada, reveals these experiences are becoming increasingly common, and in many cases, more common in Calgary.
Conducted by Léger, the survey paints a troubling picture of growing financial pressure and shrinking financial security. In Calgary, the findings suggest the anxiety is mounting faster than the national trend.
The human cost: food, sleep and daily life
The findings show that what was once considered a challenge primarily affecting lower-income households is now touching people across all walks of life.
- In Calgary, 62% report feeling anxious about their finances, exceeding the national average (60%).
- Almost half (45%) of Calgarians have one month or less of financial reserves before falling into debt.
- 42% report losing sleep because of financial concerns, compared to 40% nationally.
- 38% struggle to concentrate at work or school because of financial stress.
- 40% report difficulty putting food on the table.
These numbers point to more than household financial strain. They signal growing pressure on mental health, workplace productivity, family relationships and the overall resilience of our community.
The findings also suggest that financial hardship is increasingly affecting people whose struggles may not be immediately visible, highlighting a challenge that is often much closer to home than many realize.
The Need is Closer Than Many Realize
What many assume is a challenge facing only a small segment of the population is impacting working individuals, families, seniors and young adults across our city.
Many are employed, raising families and contributing to their communities, yet still finding it difficult to keep pace with rising costs and financial uncertainty.
“We’re seeing a growing number of people who are working hard, contributing to their communities and doing everything they can to get ahead, yet still struggling to keep up with rising costs,” said Karen Young, President & CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “Behind every percentage is a person carrying the weight of uncertainty. These are working individuals, families and neighbours who are doing everything right and still finding it difficult to keep up. The need is often much closer than people realize.”
Addressing Immediate Needs and Long-Term Solutions
United Way’s role extends beyond funding programs and services. The organization works alongside community agencies, businesses, governments and residents to better understand the challenges people are facing and help advance solutions that make a lasting difference. Through partnerships and initiatives such as Enough for All, United Way supports efforts that reduce poverty, strengthen financial stability and create opportunities for people and families to thrive. Together, we are building a stronger Calgary where everyone has the chance to succeed.
As financial pressures continue to affect more people across our city, United Way is seeing firsthand how economic challenges are connected to broader issues such as mental health, social isolation, housing stability and overall community wellbeing. Addressing these challenges requires both immediate supports and long-term solutions that strengthen the systems people rely on before they reach a crisis point.
“Financial anxiety isn’t simply a household issue. It’s a community issue,” said Young. “When people are losing sleep, delaying healthcare, struggling to focus at work or worrying about how they’ll pay next month’s bills, the effects ripple across workplaces, families and neighbourhoods. The findings remind us that financial hardship is affecting more people than many of us realize, and that building a stronger Calgary requires all of us working together to ensure people have the support they need to thrive.”
The Financial Anxiety Index reveals the need. Our 2025 Annual Impact Report reveals what’s possible when a community comes together to respond. Discover how United Way and our partners are helping people access the support they need today while creating lasting change for tomorrow.