In 1811, Thomas Jefferson sat down and wrote out 12 thoughtful rules of conduct for his granddaughter, Cornelia, when she was twelve. As I read these rules I was surprised by how many of them pertained to personal finance.

1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

2. Never trouble another with what you can do yourself.

3. Never spend your money before you have it.

4. Never buy a thing you do not want, because it is cheap, it will be dear to you.

5. Take care of your cents: Dollars will take care of themselves!

6. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.

7. We never repent of having eat too little.

8. Nothing is troublesome that one does willingly.

9. How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened.

10. Take things always by their smooth handle.

11. Think as you please, and so let others, and you will have no disputes.

12. When annoyed count 10, before you speak, if very angry, count 100.

The founding fathers were full of great wisdom and quotes. Be sure to also check out these 30 Money Quotes from Poor Richard’s Almanack published by Benjamin Franklin from 1732 – 1758.

Source: Monticello.org – Jefferson Encyclopedia

Photo credit: Wikipedia