Sunlife survey flags gap between priorities and plans
“This research shows that clients want us to understand the full picture and make it easier for them to act,” said Kevin Strain, president and CEO of Sunlife. “Helping people close the gap between intention and action is at the heart of our purpose of helping clients build lifetime financial security and lead healthier lives. It is also central to how we will grow our business.”
Priorities outpace plans
The widest gap involved caregiving. While 57% said having the means to care for an aging or sick relative is very important, only 27% have a full plan. For retirement, 56% called a plan very important, but 31% have one.
Legacy planning showed a similar split. About 59% said leaving a secure financial future for their family is very important, and 53% believe they are on track. But 37% have named account or insurance beneficiaries, 26% have drafted a will and 24% have met with a financial advisor.
Sunlife said the findings suggest people need “clearer information, trusted advice and practical support” to turn priorities into plans. Some 75% said access to trustworthy financial planning advice would increase their confidence, and 71% said simpler money management would. For advisors, those figures point to everyday conversations, such as beneficiary reviews, will referrals and caregiving-cost planning, that many clients have yet to start.
Other research shows similar patterns. A Trust & Will survey of 5,000 US adults in early 2026 found 56% had no estate planning documents, even though 73% said planning is personally important, 24/7 Wall St. reported. In Canada, an earlier RBC Insurance survey found just 15% of Canadians had a plan to transfer assets to loved ones, rising to 24% among retirees.
