I think the biggest thing we have learnt "the hard way" is never to spend any $$$ before they actually come in. Like when we were renovating and presumed we would have same $$ in tax as previous year. Only to find out DH company had taxed wrong when he worked away etc & instead got a huge bill..........that really really hurt!! and we are currently renting, looking to buy a house but are willing to get something less than we can afford and slowly do up to earn more later than set ourselves up for too much.