According to Canadian Budget, financial literacy books saw a 156% increase in sales during 2024, with Canadians increasingly seeking guidance on wealth building and investment strategies. This surge reflects growing awareness about the importance of financial education, especially as 67% of Canadians report wanting to improve their money management skills.
Whether you're looking to master personal finance basics or dive deep into advanced investment strategies, we've curated the most impactful money-making books that align with current market conditions. As you explore these resources, consider checking out our guide on essential money habits and proven strategies for building generational wealth. Let's dive into the best books that can transform your financial future!
12 Best Money-Making Books for Financial Success (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Making Bank
Released in 2025, this practical financial guide is specifically written for Canadian teens and young adults. Shannon Lee Simmons breaks down complex money concepts into digestible lessons, focusing on foundational skills like budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. For more advanced strategies, check out our guide on essential money habits.
Key topics covered:
- Basic money management for beginners
- Essential financial skills for Canadian youth
- Practical exercises and real-world examples
2. Everything But Money
Jessica Moorhouse's 2025 bestseller explores the psychological aspects of money management while providing practical financial advice. The book uniquely combines financial therapy concepts with actionable strategies for Canadian readers, addressing both the emotional and practical sides of wealth building. Learn more about building lasting wealth in our guide on proven ways to build generational wealth.
Book highlights:
- Emotional relationship with money
- Financial therapy techniques
- Canadian-specific financial strategies
3. The Wealthy Barber
David Chilton's classic uses storytelling to teach fundamental money principles through the narrative of a wise small-town barber. The book breaks down complex financial concepts into digestible lessons about saving, investing, and retirement planning specifically for Canadians.
Updated for modern times while maintaining its core wisdom, it remains one of Canada's most recommended personal finance books. Learn practical strategies for building wealth through regular saving, smart insurance choices, and long-term investment planning. For more on building lasting wealth, check out our guide on proven ways to build generational wealth.
Key takeaways:
- Pay yourself first: Save 10% of income automatically
- Explains RRSPs, TFSAs, and Canadian investment vehicles
- Focuses on sustainable, long-term wealth building
4. Money Like You Mean It
Erica Alini delivers practical financial guidance tailored for modern Canadian life, addressing everything from housing costs to gig economy income. The book provides actionable strategies for debt management, emergency savings, and investment planning in the Canadian context.
Notable features:
- Current strategies for Canadian housing markets
- Specific guidance on Canadian tax-advantaged accounts
- Real-world examples of successful money management
5. Beat the Bank
Larry Bates exposes how Canadian banks and investment firms often erode investors' wealth through high fees and commissions. This practical guide shows readers how to navigate the Canadian financial system while minimizing costs and maximizing returns. For more insights on growing your money, explore our guide on assets that actually grow your wealth.
Core benefits:
- Detailed breakdown of Canadian investment fee structures
- Strategies to reduce investment costs by 1-2% annually
- Alternative investment options with lower fees
6. Reboot Your Portfolio
Written by Canadian investment expert Dan Bortolotti, this guide demystifies ETF and index investing for Canadians. The book provides clear, actionable steps to build a low-cost portfolio that aligns with your financial goals. Learn more about proven wealth-building assets to complement your investment strategy.
Key features:
- Step-by-step portfolio construction guide
- Canadian-specific ETF recommendations
- Tax-efficient investing strategies
7. Making Money in Canadian Real Estate
Douglas Gray's comprehensive guide covers both residential and commercial real estate investing in the Canadian market. The book examines property selection, financing options, and risk management strategies specific to Canadian cities and regulations.
What you'll learn:
- Market analysis for major Canadian cities
- Property financing and leverage strategies
- Canadian real estate tax considerations
8. Retirement Income for Life
A practical guide to creating sustainable retirement income, written specifically for Canadians. Author Frederick Vettese addresses common retirement planning challenges, including optimal withdrawal rates, pension optimization, and inflation protection.
Notable features:
- Canadian pension and benefits analysis
- Withdrawal strategy frameworks
- Risk management in retirement
9. Rich Dad Poor Dad
A foundational personal finance book that challenges conventional wisdom about money and investing. Robert Kiyosaki shares lessons learned from his two father figures - his biological father (poor dad) and his friend's father (rich dad) - about building wealth through assets and financial literacy.
The book emphasizes the importance of financial education and building passive income streams through investments like real estate and businesses. For deeper insights on building lasting wealth, check out our guide on proven ways to build generational wealth.
Key takeaways:
- Explains the difference between assets and liabilities
- Teaches fundamental wealth-building principles
- Includes real-world examples and practical advice
10. Happy Go Money
Written by personal finance expert Melissa Leong, this book uniquely combines behavioral psychology with practical money management. It focuses on the emotional aspects of spending and saving while providing actionable strategies for achieving financial goals.
What you'll learn:
- Science-backed techniques for smarter spending
- Methods to align money habits with personal values
- Practical tools for building sustainable wealth
11.Everything But Money – Jessica Moorhouse
This 2025 national bestseller explores the complex emotional and psychological barriers that often prevent Canadians from achieving their financial goals. Moorhouse combines practical financial advice with therapeutic approaches to help readers understand and overcome their money mindset blocks.
Drawing from her experience as a financial counselor and podcast host, Moorhouse addresses common issues like financial anxiety, childhood money trauma, and relationship conflicts around finances. For deeper insights into building positive money habits, check out our guide on essential money routines.
Key features:
- Interactive exercises and self-reflection prompts
- Canadian-specific financial strategies and resources
- Case studies from real client experiences
- Practical action steps for emotional and financial growth
Final Words
Whether you're seeking to build wealth, start a business, or master personal finance, these 12 books offer proven strategies from respected experts, with options ranging from $12 paperbacks to $30 hardcovers. Choose the book that best matches your financial goals and current situation, then take action on the insights you learn to start building your path to prosperity.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Books on Making Money
What are the best books for Canadian beginners learning about personal finance?
For Canadian beginners, 'The Wealthy Barber' by David Chilton is a classic choice that teaches money management basics through storytelling. 'Making Bank' by Shannon Lee Simmons (2025) is also excellent for newcomers, especially younger readers, as it provides an easy-to-understand guide to money management with Canadian-specific financial skills.
Are there any books specifically focused on Canadian real estate investing?
'Making Money in Canadian Real Estate' by Douglas Gray provides a comprehensive guide specifically tailored to the Canadian market. The book covers market specifics, financing options, and strategies designed specifically for Canadian newcomers and residents.
Which books address the emotional aspects of money management for Canadians?
'Everything But Money' by Jessica Moorhouse (2025 bestseller) combines financial advice with financial therapy for Canadians. Similarly, 'Happy Go Money' by Melissa Leong offers a unique blend of practical money advice with a positive mindset approach, making it particularly suitable for Canadian readers.
What books are recommended for Canadian retirement planning?
'Retirement Income for Life' by Fred Vitesse specifically focuses on Canadian retirement planning, explaining how to create sustainable income streams using Canadian retirement accounts and products. The book provides targeted advice for managing retirement finances within the Canadian system.