Friday, March 6, 2026

Generation Z Canadians are facing job losses – but time is on their side

Young people face most of the same profession challenges as older staff, along with some additional challenges comparable to: B. limited skilled experience. However, they’ve one big advantage: time. Younger people have more years to avoid wasting and invest. If you are a Generation Z person attempting to improve your financial future in an uncertain economy, starting now could make a giant difference.

Economic Outlook for Generation Z Canadians

Generation Z includes people born between 1997 and 2012, which broadly corresponds to the 15-24 age group utilized by Statistics Canada. Here’s a snapshot of their financial situation.

High cost of living

Rising prices affect everyone. Inflation, high rental costs and expensive food are putting pressure on young Canadians just as much as older ones.

unemployment

In one 12 months alone, greater than 50,000 young people reported EI. This number doesn’t include gig staff, contractors, part-time employees, or others who don’t qualify for EI. This implies that the actual variety of unemployed young people might be higher.

employment

Even those that work have problems. Many work two or more jobs to maintain up with costs. A KOHO survey found that the common monthly income of Generation Z is just $1,083. Nearly half (49%) expect to tackle more work in the subsequent 12 months, and 70% say they feel financially unstable or only somewhat stable.

Debts

Younger Canadians generally have less debt than older groups, but the common continues to be around $8,500 per person. This is a rise of three.84% in comparison with the previous 12 months. based on Equifax.

Saving and investing

Gen Z doesn’t have much left to avoid wasting. The KOHO study found that month-end balances averaged just $9 to $16. Still, this group’s savings increased 23% year-over-year. Making efforts to avoid wasting and invest even when funds are tight is a positive sign for the longer term.

The very long time horizon of Generation Z

When it involves saving and investing, how long your money stays invested is just as necessary as how much you deposit. The longer your money sits in an account or investment, the more interest it might earn. This known as the time horizon.

The article continues below promoting


The magic of compound interest

Compound interest implies that you earn interest on each your original money and the interest it has already earned. For example, here’s what happens for those who invest $100 at a 2% rate of interest:

Starting amount Compounded interest final amount
Month 1 $100 $2 $102
Month 2 $102 $2.04 $104.04
Month 3 $104.04 $2.08 $106.12
Month 4 $106.12 $2.12 $108.24
Month 5 $108.24 $2.16 $110.40

Savings accounts and GICs are examples of investments that earn compound interest.

Fluctuations within the stock markets

Stocks work otherwise because their value rises and falls. They are riskier but also can offer higher returns. A protracted investment horizon gives your investments more time to recuperate after market declines.

Tools for young Canadian investors and savers

Most people profit from having several types of savings and investments for various goals. Here are some common options for young Canadians.

Unregistered Accounts: HISAs and GICs

There are not any deposit or withdrawal restrictions for unregistered accounts. They work like regular savings or checking accounts.

A high interest savings account (HISA) is sweet for emergency savings because you may access your money at any time. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) locks up your money for a particular time frame, which is well fitted to medium-term goals.

These options are low risk because they guarantee your original money plus interest. The downside is lower returns in comparison with riskier investments.

Compare the perfect HISA plans in Canada

Registered Accounts: RRSPs, TFSAs and FHSAs

Registered accounts offer tax advantages that help Canadians save and invest more effectively.

Latest news
Related news