Twenty-six per cent of Canadians are happy to report they have successfully managed to eliminate the red ink in their lives.

The 2nd annual RBC Debt Poll has revealed on average Canadians are carrying around just over $13,000 in debt.

Forty per cent of people are using the word “comfortable” to describe their current personal debt level, down from 45 per cent a year ago.

Thirty-four per cent admit their debt level is causing them a little anxiety, which is up a couple of points from 2011.

Richard Goyder, RBC’s vice president of personal lending, tells 660News he’s encouraged to see more and more people getting a handle on their personal finances.

More than 50 per cent of people responding to the poll also say paying down debt is more important than saving right now.

How are Albertans’ dealing with their personal debt?

Ten per cent say they have postponed making a big-ticket purchase and 20 per cent have put off taking a vacation; both numbers are well below the national average.

Ontario residents have the highest personal debt load, Quebecers the lowest.