I haven't read much on these kinds of books, but these things that I've picked up have helped and seem like common sense: 1) Don't anything big on credit unless

I haven't read much on these kinds of books, but these things that I've picked up have helped and seem like common sense: 1) Don't anything big on credit unless you have the cash to back it up. 2) Stick your paycheck in the savings (or some prudent recurring investment vehicle to have at least 6*monthly wages at any time in your bank account - aka rainy day fund). 3) Income ≠ disposable spending 4) That "utility" (internet, cable, phone, etc) which can be shared can be money saved. 5) Take financial advice (including this one :-) with extreme prudence!