The services of Canada’s financial advisors are desperately needed, judging by a recent survey. More than half of Canadians (58%) don’t feel financially prepared for retirement, according to a poll conducted on behalf of ING Direct.

Only a third (33%) said actually have a plan in place to meet their retirement goals and nearly as many (31%) say that retirement is not even “on their radar” when thinking about personal finances. Not surprisingly, that percentage is even higher among younger Canadians; among those 18 to 24, 56% are not thinking about retirement.

Read: Under 35 and no plan

When asked when they plan to retire, 29% said between 61 and 65 years of age, while 22% replied they would retire between 55 and 60—hopefully these early retirees are among the 33% who have a retirement plan.

One-third (35%) of Canadians over 55 don’t have an RSP. Of those Canadians with an RRSP, 29% said they are currently not making any contributions.

Also not surprisingly, among Canadians under the age of 55 who have minor children living at home, paying off their mortgage and savings for their children’s education were higher priorities.

When asked what their top financial priority was, 41% of all Canadians said they were focused on paying down higher-interest debt.

Read: Mid-life and behind in retirement planning

“Saving for retirement can’t be an afterthought,” said Peter Aceto, president and CEO, ING DIRECT Canada. “Despite the amount of debt people are carrying and what we keep hearing in the news, saving is still possible.”

Among those who had an RRSP, 21% said they are are contributing between $1,001-$2,500 each year, while 16% are putting away between $501 and $1,000. The survey found that 43% plan to contribute the same in 2012 as last year while 27% are planning to contribute more.

Despite doing little to prepare for retirement, 49% said that sustaining a decent quality of life in retirement was a top concern. When asked how much they thought they would need in retirement, 41% said between $1,000 and $2,500 per month, while 31% said they’d need between $2,501 and $5,000 per month.