Resources

Books, guides, and tools to help you take control of your finances. Some resources are available to all visitors, while others are exclusive to Restart Financial members.

Resources We Trust

This program is your starting point — the first stepping stones. But your money journey doesn’t end here, and I want you to keep learning from other voices I trust.

Every resource below is one I’ve personally vetted. They’re basic, easy to understand, and easy to act on. Nobody on this list will talk down to you or make you feel ashamed about where you’re starting from.

START HERE — Rebuilding Your Foundation
For right now. Start at the top and go at your own pace.
Members Only
YOUR CREDIT, YOUR LIFE
2nd Edition — John & Jennifer Croft
Your Credit, Your Life (2nd Edition)
By John & Jennifer Croft
That’s us! This is the program’s companion book — your foundation for understanding and rebuilding your credit, written for real people starting over. Read it alongside the program, at your own pace.

Included with your membership — every enrolled client receives it.

Credit Scores Credit Reports Credit Cards Rebuilding Disputes Myths
The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel

Short stories about how we actually think about money. No math, no lectures — just honest insight into why we do what we do.

Atomic Habits
James Clear

Forget massive overhauls. Tiny steps, repeated, change everything. This is the “how” behind sticking with your fresh start.

The Wealthy Barber Returns
David Chilton

Canadian, plain language, and most chapters are just a few pages. The basics of saving and smart money habits without the overwhelm.

The Automatic Millionaire
David Bach

The whole idea: automate your saving so you don’t have to think about it. Same philosophy as our program — set it up once, let it work. (His examples are American, so translate the account names to Canadian ones.)

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery (or his free podcast)
Dr. Lee Warren

A faith-based brain surgeon on rewiring destructive thought patterns, beating depression, and building self-worth. Your mind got you here — it can get you out, too.

The Treasure Principle
Randy Alcorn

A short, beautiful, faith-based read on what the Bible actually says about money: it’s about stewardship and joyful giving, not getting rich.

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TACKLE DEBT
One book. Pick it up when debt is your focus.
Debt Free Forever
Gail Vaz-Oxlade

Canadian, practical, step-by-step. Fair warning: Gail is blunt — she’s the tough-love friend who tells it straight. Take the plan, leave any shame at the door. Around here, there’s no shame, only next steps.

LATER — WHEN YOU HAVE SAVINGS AND ARE READY TO INVEST
These are for down the road, when your debt is handled and your savings are steady.
The Behavior Gap
Carl Richards

Short and illustrated. Why investors make emotional mistakes — and how to avoid them.

The Laws of Wealth
Dr. Daniel Crosby

The psychology behind smart investing, written for everyday people. A perfect companion once you’re ready to grow what you’ve built.