Life is a complex thing, but only because we make it so. Let's simplify our financial life by doing the following 7 things:

1. Earn more than you spend. If you don't, you'll go bankrupt. Bankruptcy is not a good place to be.
2. Write a will.
3. Save for your retirement.
4. Pay your fair share of taxes.
5. Pay your credit card balances off each month ON TIME
6. Invest in stocks in some fashion (it could be in individual stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs).
7. Save some money for a rainy day.