First of all let me out myself, I am the proud dog mom of a 16 year old border-collie chow mix (boy) and 2 year old pit bull beagle mix (girl) and I just started thinking about the ways dogs can teach you to be a better financial steward:

10. Drink lots of water (it's free & good for you)
9. Enjoy your food (just make sure to limit the amount)
8. Early to bed, early to rise (means I avoid being grumpy, forgetting to make my lunch, spending too much by buying breakfast and lunch...)
7. A small space is all you need (just because you can afford it doesn't not make bigger the better choice)
6. Exercise everyday (longer life, less healthcare costs)
5. visit your "vet" regularly (it's easier and cheaper to fix a problem before it gets out of hand)
4. cheap toys can be more amusing (rubbix cube anyone???)
3. used is good (my older dog was the first "used" thing I aquired and he is a gem!)
2. Enjoy the outdoors (it's free!)
1. Love is free