I am a frequent visitor to FatWallet's Finance Forum, where I can find a lot of discussion on new financial products, nice deals and scenario analysis. In this thread, people are trying to summarize some general personal finance tips. Some of them are sensible; some are not.

Some of the Sensible Ones:

(No editing on the grammar and punctuation.)

#1. If you employment matches a percentage of your 401k , contribute!

#4. don't spend more than u make (on a cashflow basis)

#7. only borrow money to buy or invest in something that will make you a profit or increase in value

#10. Buy used cars, especially older vehicles, they cost less to insure, register, maintain, etc in most cases.

#13. Find a spouse that shares your thrifty attitudes.

#14. Pay it off! - There are very few circumstances where it is better to continue debt when it could be paid off. Why have that $10 shirt cost you $20 because of finance charges?

#15. Competition is a good thing. Use it to your advantage.

#17. Learn how to make credit cards work for you

#18. Don't be afraid to ask for a better price.

#21. Never use a debit card. Use a credit card that gives you rewards.

#28. Research major expenses before purchasing.

#29. Before attempting any advanced financial strategy posted on an internet forum, make sure that:
a) You really know what you're doing,
b) The strategy is right for you and your situation, and
c) You have a well thought out contingency plan if things turn out for the absolute worst

#30. Start investing as early as you can. It really adds up for young people who can get a 10-15 year head start on most people by starting to save money before they are 20 yrs old. THE MAGIC OF COMPOUNDING!

#47. Read everything before you sign anything
the smaller the print gets the more important it is to read it