Surviving the present, investing in the future: Gen Z’s financial balancing act Sep 13th

For Canada’s Gen Z, money is a mix of anxiety and opportunity. They’re the nation’s youngest workers, navigating rising living costs, heavy debt loads, and uncertain job markets. Many hustle to make ends meet—taking on gig work, cutting back on spending, and finding creative ways to save—while also trying to build a financial foundation for the future. 

But Gen Z is also the most digitally savvy generation yet, quick to adopt budgeting apps, mobile wallets, and investing platforms. The result is a generation redefining what it means to manage money in Canada today.

By the numbers

Workers of all ages have to contend with stagnant paycheques and irregular work alongside a surging cost of living, but Gen Z is doing it as the youngest workers in the country.

A recent report by fintech company KOHO paints a pretty grim picture for young Canadians. According to their numbers, only 41% of Gen Z are employed full time and nearly 20% are unemployed. With an average monthly income of just $1,083, it’s no surprise that nearly half expect to take on more work in the next year—and only 29% say they feel financially stable…