Its almost too easy to find financial advice: Its all over the web, on television and radio programming, in news publications and books. Financial advisors, columnists and entrepreneurs are lined up to tell you exactly what to do with your money. Sometimes unique perspectives emerge, but often, beliefs get repeated so many times that they appear to become rules when, really, theyre just loose guidelines.

Theres no one-size-fits-all approach to finances, as we all have different priorities, lifestyles and goals that dictate what we do with our money. While some rules of thumb, like the 50-30-20 budget. can help you get off the ground with your finances, its often beneficial to tweak them once you come to understand the products youre using, your available options and your goals.

Here are seven financial rules that should be broken once youve begun to learn how to manage your money.

1. Save for a 529 Plan Early

A 529 savings account is a great tool to help save up for your childs college education. Its a noble endeavor and could keep your kid out of a mountain of student loan debt. However, this is only a good use of your money if your own retirement and long-term financial goals are being met. Unlike your child, who will have options when it comes to paying for college, from obtaining a loan to working through school, youll only be left with one option if money is short upon retirement: Keep working.

Start a 529 plan only when other priorities have been met, like establishing an emergency fund and an on-track retirement savings plan.

Related: Why You Should Open a 529 Savings Account for Your Newborn

2. Pay Off Your Mortgage ASAP

A 20 percent down payment is fairly standard when buying a home, and smaller down payments often necessitate the purchase of private mortgage insurance. However, you shouldnt always opt for a smaller loan term. The liquidity of your money is crucial should an unexpected event occur.

Tying up too much in a home early on in the loan can put you in a financial bind. Its better to opt for the longer-term loan that you can comfortably afford monthly and not over-invest in the down payment. Its a preemptive move, but life can change course at any time and leave your hands tied should you need access to money you just invested in your home.

3. Purchase a Home Worth 2.5 Times Your Annual Salary

This is a common rule of thumb when shopping for a home. Yes, its good to have some guide to determine how much house is reasonable to buy; however, its better to consider monthly costs when closing on a home.

Your interest rate, loan term and regional factors like property taxes will all affect the total amount of your purchase. Again, because priorities vary so much for people, figuring out how much you want to be spending each month (rather than each year) is a better barometer for affordability, especially if youd rather spend money on vacations and investing in your retirement than whatever 2.5 times your salary dictates.

4. Refrain From Credit Card Use

This rule is being preached less often now, especially since credit is such a fundamental factor of our financial freedom. You might be scared that running plastic through a machine wont feel like spending money, but using a card could actually help you track your spending better; credit card statements are a simpler alternative to carrying receipts for every little cash purchase you make.

If youre not entirely comfortable with a traditional credit card or if you dont have great credit opt for a secured card with a low credit limit. This will help you establish the credit youll need to obtain other financial products, while ensuring you dont blow your budget.

5. Cut Spending to Save Money

Yes, to save up money you might have to cut some expenses, like those premium cable channels you hardly watch or the gym membership you arent using. Over time, these small budget cuts can add up to big savings; however, there is such a thing as frugal fatigue and you can abate it by not completely cutting yourself off from spending.

It might seem counterintuitive, but just like how starving yourself isnt a sustainable way to lose weight, denying yourself from all purchases isnt a sustainable way to save money. Instead, cut expenses that you arent benefiting from and maintain the occasional shoe purchase, Starbucks latte and trip to the movies your wallet and willpower will thank you for it.

6. Buy a Car Rather Than Lease

According to Daily Finance, the average age of cars on the road is 11.4 years. While some people prefer buying new and keeping the same car for a decade, not everyones needs remain the same long term, nor is it wise for someone to put down $20,000 on a car if he lacks rainy day funds.

A growing family, new technological innovations and more fuel-efficient models can all impact the vehicle that suits your needs; therefore, a lease might be a more financially sound option should you anticipate needing, or wanting, a new car after a couple of years so long as lease payments remain below the cost of outright ownership.

7. Never Take Out a 401(k) Loan

For obvious reasons, retirement accounts arent exactly designed to be liquid. Yes, there are penalties for withdrawing funds early, but if youre strapped for cash, a 401(k) loan could actually be a better option than a credit card, personal loan or home equity loan. Interest rates on credit cards average 21%, personal loans average 11% and home equity loans are just under 6%. In comparison, 401(k) loans charge the prime rate, currently at 3.25%, plus one to two points meaning, at most, your rate would be 5.25% APR.

The best part? Rather than paying a bank money on the loan, you essentially pay it to yourself 401(k) loan payments go back into the account they were withdrawn from. So long as retirement is a little ways off, you can take out a 401(k) loan and rest assured knowing that youll make up for lost ground as you pay the loan back.