Been going over the books lately and the best financial advice I heard was from my grandfather. He told me to always spend good money on the things that separate you from the earth, shoes, tires, and your bed.
Never insure anything you can afford to replace or live without.
Don't forget about inflation. If the rate is 2% your savings are losing value at a rate of 2%/year. If you aren't getting a salary increase you're losing money at a rate of 2%/year. And factor that into interest rates when you invest or borrow money.
I remember my Dad saying: "Live within your means. Not hand to mouth. Too stressful. Gives the control to others" That, and I remember how cool it was when he mused on about what he'd do if he won a million bucks. "Well guys (to my brother and I), you realize that if you can just earn 5% a year investing that million bucks, that'll be $50,000 a year you'll have for yourselves." I realized much later, that's what retirement should feel like. I've got my pile of F.U. money. Now I do what I do because I like it.