June 29, 2026
The true cost of financial hardship cannot be measured by dollars alone.
Behind rising grocery bills and housing costs are people losing sleep, postponing healthcare, delaying their financial goals, and making difficult choices to get through each month.
The latest United Way Financial Anxiety Index shows that financial anxiety is growing rapidly in Alberta. As more people feel the pressure of rising costs, the impact extends far beyond household budgets — affecting health, well-being, and the strength of our communities.
Financial pressure affects every aspect of our well-being.
Nearly half of Albertans (44%) say they have difficulty sleeping because of financial stress. Others report struggling to focus at work or school, experiencing increased tension at home, or feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring.
When people are constantly worrying about how to afford the basics, it becomes harder to focus on personal goals, maintain healthy relationships, and participate fully in their communities.
Financial hardship often forces people to make impossible choices.
Many Canadians are delaying important aspects of their lives because they simply cannot afford them — including healthcare, savings, and major life plans. A growing number are reducing spending on activities that bring connection, joy, and a sense of normalcy.
These choices may seem small in the moment, but over time they can have significant impacts on physical health, mental well-being, and long-term financial stability.
No one should have to choose between caring for their health today and building security for tomorrow.
Poverty and financial hardship are not issues that happen somewhere else or to someone else.
In Alberta, 41% of people have personally experienced poverty or know someone close to them who has. These are our neighbours, our coworkers, our friends, and our family members.
The face of financial insecurity is changing. People who once felt stable are increasingly finding themselves one unexpected expense away from crisis.
The good news is that communities have the power to respond.
The Financial Anxiety Index shows that community supports are helping. Among Albertans who accessed support from community organizations, 41% say those services had a positive impact on their financial situation, and 38% say they helped them better manage financial anxiety.
At United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, we see the impact of these supports every day. Through investments in local programs, partnerships with community organizations, and services like 211 Alberta, we help connect people with resources that support financial stability, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of belonging.
But we also know that the need is growing. Addressing financial anxiety requires more than short-term solutions. It requires sustained investment in strong communities, accessible services, and systems that help prevent hardship before it becomes crisis.
Statistics help us understand the scale of the challenge, but they cannot capture every story.
Behind every percentage is someone trying to provide for their family, maintain their health, pursue their goals, and build a better future.
When we invest in one another, strengthen community supports, and ensure people can access help when they need it, we create communities where everyone has the opportunity not just to get by, but to thrive.
Discover how United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is working alongside local partners to strengthen financial security and create lasting change.
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