1. Ad infinitum. Don’t postpone financial decisions ad infinitum. Act now.

2. Agenda – as in things to be acted upon. Set your financial agenda early and stick to it. That applies to everything from saving for retirement to getting adequate insurance coverage for your circumstances.

3. Bona fide. In good faith. Act in good faith. Accept no less from others. It makes life easier and saves on legal fees.

4. Caveat emptor. Buyer bewares. Always. Ask about such things as guarantees and the store’s return policy before you proffer cash or plastic. Ask yourself if you really need another pair of stiletto boots.

5. Consume – it means to destroy, to waste, as well as to eat. Guess which we hapless consumers do most of the time?

6. Cui bono? To whose benefit? When presented with schemes that seem too good to be true, ask yourself to whose benefit the outcome is likely to be. Don’t commit until your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

7. Modus vivendi. A way of living. Plan yours with the long term in mind. Instant gratification ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.

8. Quo vadis? Know where you’re going and have a financial plan to get there. Don’t let yourself be derailed by others, or by your own short-termism.

9. Scripta manent. What’s written, endures. Get it in writing. And always read the fine print. If you don’t understand it, steer clear, or ask an accountant or attorney.

10. Tempus fugit. Time flies. Any baby boomer will tell you that it’s only a few short years between flower child and old fogey. Be prepared.