A third of you probably know this already: A new survey says 36 per cent of Canadians are feeling more stressed about money now than a year ago.

Sun Life Financial's annual look at how Canadians view their finances found that among those who are more worried, half were between the ages of 18 and 34.

Conducted by Ipsos Reid, the poll of more than 2,131 adult Canadians revealed that those least concerned compared to last December were men and people over 55. Only 20 per cent of those groups expressed more concern than last year.

The accuracy of such a survey is plus or minus 2 per cent 19 times out of 20.

"It's clear from the survey that the uncertain economic conditions are impacting Canadians and causing financial concerns during an already stressful time of year," Kevin Strain, a senior vice-president at Sun Life Financial Canada, said in a statement. "Canadians approaching retirement are feeling these impacts the most because they are planning to put their savings into action."

Record-low interest rates have spurred Canadians to take on greater consumer debt. Mortgage broker Elfie Hayes is seeing more clients on the edge of financial ruin as a result.

"Since 2009, we've seen a real shift in people really struggling with their debt," Hayes told CTV News. "About 40 per cent of our customers coming to us are in dire financial straits."

Economist Patricia Croft said a rise in interest rates rise could force some Canadians to default on their debt.

"Hopefully that message is hitting home, because the last thing we want to see is higher interest rates," Croft said.

The poll found 40 per cent of Ontarians more concerned about personal finances than the rest of Canada while those in B.C. and Alberta were at 31 per cent. In Quebec, the percentage was 32, with 23 per cent more stressed about work. In the career and work category, B.C. and Atlantic Canada showed 16 and 15 per cent respectively.

An Ontario psychotherapist said it is not surprising that 24 per cent of women surveyed and 30 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 are more stressed about work and career than they were a year ago.

"We've seen that women are often taking care of family finances, and the holidays are when we feel the impacts of our spending habits throughout the year," said Kimberly Moffitt.

She added that being honest with yourself about finances and a career can help ease the pain.

"The best way to deal with any kind of stress is to have a plan that is realistic," Moffitt said. "Make short-term goals for yourself and document them -- if you set yourself up for success you'll actually boost confidence and curb stress."

With a report from CTV's Richard Madan