1.5.3 Social And Economic Shifts

Social And Economic Shifts

Lifestyle and social trends continuously affect the financial industry, especially trends related to the following key factors:

• Demographics
• Defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans
• Savings rates
• Debt levels

Demographics

Demographic shifts are reshaping Canada’s economy. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1965, comprise roughly 9.5 million Canadians. There are also approximately 4.5 million Canadians older than the baby boomers, most of whom are now in their retirement years.

Impact of an Aging Population

Much has been written on the aging population and its effect on virtually all aspects of life, including education, product delivery, and health care. As the Canadian population ages, we are becoming a society heavily influenced by the needs and attitudes of consumers over age 50.

    gantt
	dateFormat  YYYY
	section Population Shifts
	Aging Baby Boomers :2003, 2023
	Rise of Millennials :2010, 2023

An essential trend to monitor is the percentage growth of Canadians over age 65. As the leading edge of the baby boomer population reaches this milestone retirement age, advisors must adjust their service offering to cater to an increasingly retired client base.

Millennials

Millennials (those born in the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s) represent 27% of the total population, making them the largest generation of Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, millennials have higher mortgage and student loan debt, and a lower net worth compared to baby boomers at the same age. However, millennials can still catch up by employing sound savings and investment strategies.

Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Pension Plans

Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Plan

A defined benefit (DB) pension plan provides employees with a predetermined specified payment amount upon retirement. The employer bears risks such as longevity, market volatility, and low interest rates since they must cover any pension shortfall—recorded as a liability on financial statements.

Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Plan

A defined contribution (DC) pension plan allows both employees and employers to contribute to a retirement plan, with the retirement benefit amount depending on how contributions are invested over time. Employers are increasingly shifting to DC pension plans to pass risks onto employees.

Hybrid Pension Plans

Hybrid pension plans, which combine features of both DB and DC plans, are gaining popularity in Canada.

Savings Rates

Common sources of retirement income for Canadians include:

• Employer pension plan
• Canada Pension Plan, Quebec Pension Plan, and Old Age Security
• Income from personal savings such as registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), and non-registered accounts
• Liquidation of fixed assets or downsizing a principal residence
• Sale of a business as a going concern or succession plan

A common planning rule of thumb is that Canadians may need around 70% of their pre-retirement income in retirement, though needs vary based on lifestyle, housing, health, and taxes. Many planning frameworks suggest saving 10% to 20% of pre-tax income during working years, but targets should be personalized. Savings rates and debt levels also fluctuate over time, so consult Statistics Canada for the latest figures.

Household Debt Levels

Household debt, as defined by Statistics Canada, includes mortgage debt on principal residences, vacation homes, and other real estates, as well as consumer debt (credit cards, personal and home equity lines of credit, secured and unsecured loans, and unpaid bills such as rent and taxes). Debt levels remain a concern in Canada, and debt-to-income ratios have been elevated in recent years compared with historical levels. An individual’s inability to service debt can increase stress levels. When interest rates rise, the cost of servicing debt increases and can contribute to financial distress and insolvencies.

    pie title Household Debt Composition in Canada
	"Mortgage Debt" : 70
	"Consumer Debt" : 20
	"Unpaid Bills" : 10

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary social and economic shifts affecting the financial industry?

The primary shifts include demographics, pension plan structures, savings rates, and household debt levels.

How does an aging population influence financial planning?

An aging population requires adjusted financial services to meet the needs of older clients, such as healthcare expenses and retirement planning.

What is the difference between defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans?

Defined benefit plans provide a specified payment amount at retirement, with employers bearing investment risks. Defined contribution plans depend on contribution investments, transferring risk to employees.

Why are savings rates critical for financial stability?

Savings rates determine future financial security, especially for retirement. Low savings rates can lead to financial instability for individuals in their retirement years.

How does household debt impact the economy?

High levels of household debt can stress individuals and lead to bankruptcies, especially when interest rates rise, affecting the overall economy.

Key Takeaways

• Demographic trends, particularly the aging baby boomer generation, significantly influence financial services demand.
• Pension plan shifts from DB to DC reflect employers’ efforts to transfer financial risk to employees.
• Savings rates are crucial for ensuring financial security in retirement, and current rates indicate a need for increased saving efforts.
• Household debt levels are a crucial economic indicator; high debt levels can lead to financial stress and affect overall economic stability.