Financial Information

Photo by pina messina on Unsplash

Financial literacy is an individual's understanding of how to make decisions and how to manage personal financial resources. This guide offers resources on a variety of financial topics for beginners and more seasoned finance buffs and offers some suggestions for books and other material about financial literacy.

Recommended Newsletters

The Canadian MoneySaver

332.024 C212

Offers investment advice for Canadians.

Useful Websites

Canadian Financial Literacy Database

Resources, events, tools and information on budgeting, money management, insurance, saving, investing, and taxes from various Canadian organizations.

Self-Assessment Tool

Developed by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, this self-assessment directs you to sections you identify as areas to improve your knowledge.

GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca

Funded by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), this website provides unbiased and independent financial tools to help you make better financial decisions.

CBA - Canadian Banking Basics

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) offers an accessible overview of different banking topics, including: choosing the right bank account, help with debt, cybersecurity, information for seniors, help with digital banking, banking for farmers, and more.

ABC Money Matters - Resources

ABC Money Matters is a free introductory financial literacy program for adult learners. It was developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada in partnership with the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group. They offer resources on general financial literary, and information specific for Indigenous peoples, and people with diverse abilities.

McGill Personal Finance Essentials

A free, online personal finance course offered by McGill University.

The MoneySaver Podcast

Created by the Canadian MoneySaver publication, this podcast offers financial advice to Canadians to help you make smart financial decisions.

Digital Library Resources

ABI/INFORM Collection

A comprehensive research resource for all areas of business and economics. It includes such noteworthy publications as The Economist, and major news sources such as The Wall Street Journal.

Access:

Everywhere for Vancouver residents

Business Source Ultimate

This resource offers unprecedented access to full-text magazines and resources – from historical info to current trends in business.

Access:

Everywhere for VPL cardholders

Canadian Business and Current Affairs

CBCA is a Canadian-focused database that offers access to newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals and reference sources. *Also suitable for research at the elementary, high school and undergraduate levels.

Access:

Everywhere for Vancouver residents

O'Reilly Technology and Business Collection

Trial update: O’Reilly will continue to be offered on a trial basis through December 2025.

Contains a vast collection of technology and business ebooks, audiobooks, videos, courses, and more. A great resource for professional development.

Access:

Everywhere for Vancouver residents

Useful Websites

Family Services of Greater Vancouver - Financial Empowerment

Get free one-to-one help becoming more financially literate, accessing government benefits, and making the most out of your money.

Recommended Titles

The Psychology of Money

Morgan Housel

332.024 H83p

2020

Housel shares 19 short stories to teach the emotional side of money and wealth. An engaging book that combines theory and practical tips.

Wealthing Like Rabbits

Robert R. Brown

332.024 B879w1

2017

An easy-to-read and funny introduction to personal finance for Canadians. Recommended for new adults or people unfamiliar to this topic.

What your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You: The 10 Essential Truths You Need to Know About your Money

Liz Davidson

332.024 D25w

2016

Plain language guide to your financial options helps you ask the right questions when deciding which to pursue.

Finance Plain and Simple : What You Need to Know to Make Better Financial Decisions

Sebastian Nokes

332.024 N78f

2011

This easy-to-read guide to financial jargon will show you how to understand finance, how to make better financial decisions and will show you how financial decision making affects you.

The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good With Money

Chelsea Fagan

332.024 F15f

2018

Short user friendly introduction to personal finance helps you make good decisions with your money.

Financial Literacy: Finding your Way in the Financial Markets

Connel Fullenkamp

332.024 F96f

2013

24 lectures on DVD introduce the workings of the financial markets.

Pogue's Basics: Money : Essential Tips and Shortcuts (that No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System

David Pogue

640.42 P74p

2016

Large collection of tips and tricks that will improve your ability to manage your finances.

I Will Teach You to Be Rich

Ramit Sethi

2019

The second edition of the popular general finance book. Presented in a direct and entertaining style, Ramit Sethi offers financial advice for adults ages 20-35 but it contains information for everyone at whatever age.

The Richest Man in Babylon

George S. Clason

2019

Originally published in 1926, the Richest Man in Babylon is considered to be a classic text. Contains timeless financial advice.

Sleep-easy Retirement Guide: Answers to the 12 Biggest Financial Questions That Keep You Up at Night

David Aston

2020

A trusted guide to help Canadians confidentially navigate retirement planning. Aston offers clear and practical explanations and strategies, and answers 12 of the key questions that will pop up during the process.