This is a good topic. I recommend "How to Get out of Debt, Stay out of Debt, and Live Prosperously" by Jerrold Mundis. Not getting INTO debt is very important if you can avoid it, and always putting some money in a savings account even if just a small amount each month.


I have a warning which is that I never made much money investing in mutual funds even though I educated myself about them, including such topics as rebalancing, MERs and even Morningstar ratings. I personally found interest-bearing term deposits more reliable and just as profitable.


Years ago I worked at a bank and used their financial calculators to compare investing in an RSP versus paying off mortgage early. Mortgage won hands down. Real estate is the best investment IMO, and the only way to free yourself from paying rent. The ONLY reason I am comfortable now is that I no longer pay rent or mortgage.

If you can't afford to buy your own home or condo, look into co-op and affordable housing. Market rents are a huge drain on one's income and they never give you any long-term security. It's worth it to get on waiting lists.