The philosopher, Publilius Syrus, observed: “Many receive advice, few profit by it.” People love to give counsel but few enjoy receiving it; and those who need it most like it the least.

Despite the inherent danger of being ignored, today’s blog shares some practical advice that I have found handy. I hope you find it helpful.

• Don’t cut what can be untied.
• Measure twice and cut once.
• Seduction begins with flirtation, and the thought precedes the deed.
• Actions really do speak louder than words.
• Eat to live, don’t live to eat.
• Taste food before adding salt.
• Check your cars oil and air pressure regularly.
• Don’t let the fuel gauge go below a quarter of a tank.
• Don’t drink and drive. Don’t text message and drive. Don’t apply makeup and drive. In fact, just drive.
• Touch the car before handling a gas pump. Static electricity can ignite petroleum fumes.
• Look both ways after the light turns green for someone running a “yellow” light. Sooner or later this simple habit will save your life.
• Where there’s a ball, there’s a boy. If a ball bounces into the street, hit the brakes immediately.
• Don’t swerve off the road to avoid an animal. Ditches, trees, and power poles are unforgiving obstacles. Instead, brake quickly but safely.
• When backing a trailer, put one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Whichever way your hand goes, the trailer will follow.
• Have car keys in hand when approaching your vehicle in a parking lot. If accosted by a stranger who wants your car, toss the keys under a car.
• Don’t spend more than you make.
• If you can live without it today, then you can live without it.
• Give 10%. Save 10%. Live on 80%.
• “Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” (John Wesley)
• Even the baby Jesus only received three Christmas gifts. Sometimes we give our children too much.
• Shred loan and credit applications.
• Finances are a crock pot reality in a microwave world. (Dave Ramsey)
• Use cash whenever possible. A study by bankrate.com discovered that consumers spend 30% MORE at restaurants when using credit rather than cash.
• Credit cards should be a convenience and not a necessity. Don’t charge more than can be paid off at month’s end.
• The power of compounding interest works for us with savings and against us with loans.
• Insurance is a balancing act between benefit and cost. Insure the things you cannot afford to lose.
• Consider higher deductibles on insurance policies for premium savings.
• Make a current will—especially if you have children. Do NOT put it in a safety deposit box.
• Add a working day to your week by eliminating an hour of television or the Internet each day.
• Use words liberally like “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “I forgive you.”
• Say “I love you” to family and friends daily. Say it especially when you don’t feel like it.
• Wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident. Actually, I advise wearing clean underwear on general principles.
• Practice moderation in everything—including moderation.
• Only one person in the history of the world was perfect, and neither of us is him. Be eager to forgive and seek forgiveness.

Finally, listen to other people’s advice, but make up your own mind!