More Canadians are gaining confidence that they’ll reach their retirement goals, according to a survey for Manulife Investments.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of Canadians surveyed by Maritz Research in late December said they are confident of reaching their retirement goals, up five percentage points from a year ago. Only 24% said they are uncertain, down 6% from late 2003, while another one of 10 are worried about fulfilling their goals.

Meanwhile, 83% plan to boost or match their previous contributions to RRSPs in the 2004 tax year, compared to the previous year.

Sixty-one per cent say they will match their previous contributions while 22% plan to invest more.

Despite strong changes in markets through 2004, RRSP contributors say their investment pattern has remained steady. Some 61% of investors surveyed said they altered none of their holdings — that’s a 1% change from last year’s poll.

Among those surveyed, 48% said they have individual RRSPs, while 22% belong to group RRSPs. Exactly half of those surveyed said they have either already made contributions toward 2004 tax year or have plans to make a contribution.

A larger group expects to contribute at least $5,000 to their RRSPs this year. About 23% say they will contribute above that level, up from 17% a year ago.

When it comes to advice, 45% said they work an advisor. Of those polled who do not have an advisor, the largest group (85%) said their main reason for going it on their own is to personally manage their own financial affairs.

The largest group of those surveyed, or 77%, said their short or long-term goals include planning for a comfortable retirement. The second most-cited goal was planning for family in case of an illness or death (71%), followed by making charitable donations (70%); building a portfolio (70%); reducing taxes (68%); and paying down debt (60%). Early retirement was cited by 58%.

When it comes to their investments, some 34% said they hold mutual funds, 28% have term deposits and guaranteed investment certificates, 26% hold stocks, 21% invest in bonds and 13% hold segregated funds.

Poll results released today are based on a Maritz Research survey of 1,006 Canadians (18 years and older) between December 20 and December 28, 2004. The overall results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.