Women are more likely than men to feel concerned about their plans for retirement and economic uncertainty, according to the 11th annual RRSP Poll sponsored by RBC Financial Group. The RBC Poll, conducted by Ipsos-Reid, indicates that despite their feelings of concern, women are not about to stand on the sidelines. Nearly 40% of women state they are more inclined now than in the past to look for professional advice, compared to 25% of men.

The survey indicates that one third – 34% – of Canadian women are concerned they have not done enough to save for retirement, compared to 28% of men. The survey also found that six in ten Canadian women state that they have not yet determined the amount of money they need to accumulate in savings and investments in order to have a comfortable retirement.

The survey also demonstrated almost half – 47% – of the women polled feel they need to make a more determined effort to live within a budget, compared to 37% of men. Women are also more concerned about economic uncertainty, with 50% agreeing that they worry about how quickly things can change, versus 35% of men.

The 11th Annual RBC RRSP Poll conducted by Ipsos-Reid by telephone between Nov. 1 and Nov. 26, 2001. The poll is based on a randomly selected sample of 1,200 Canadians 18 years of age or older. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate to within (+/-) 2.8%, 19 times out of 20.