Ed Koch Rule of Thumb

Bonded debt over 25% of a municipality's annual budget is excessive.

Scott Miller Rule of Thumb

Only hire the next resource when there is an equivalent amount of recurring, bankable, revenue to support the associated costs.

Benjamin Franklin Rule of Thumb

Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself ... waste nothing.

Woody Allen Rule of Thumb

Death should not be seen as the end, but as a very effective way to cut down expenses.

[Thank you, Dale Dauten]

Ed Sperling Rule of Thumb

It is better to have a plan than to be given one, and it's better to say how you're going to cut costs than to be told your budget is being cut.

Janet Portman Rule of Thumb

Landlords lose about two months' rent at turnaround time, even if the unit doesn't stand vacant for long.

Gregory Karp Rule of Thumb

If you typically use fewer than 400 cellphone minutes each month, prepaids are worth a look.

Gary Knepp Rule of Thumb

School districts should have enough cash reserves at the end of the year to operate the district for a month.

Jaime Lerner Rule of Thumb

Creativity starts when you cut a zero from your budget!

Barry Weisband Rule of Thumb

It always takes more time and money.