The index card: why personal finance doesn't have to be complicated

Rule #1: Strive to save 10 to 20 percent of your income

Rule #2: Pay your credit card balance in full every month (and how to deal with other forms of debt)

Rule #3: Max out your 401(k) and other tax-advantaged savings accounts

Rule #4: Never buy or sell individual stocks

Rule #5: Buy inexpensive, well-diversified indexed mutual funds and exchange-traded funds

Rule #6: Make your financial advisor commit to the fiduciary standard

Rule #7: Buy a home when you are financially ready

Rule #8: Insurance: Make sure you're protected

Rule #9: Do what you can to support the social safety net

Rule #10: Remember the index card.