Please help us help you and fill where relevant:
Your LimeSurvey version: Version 3.28.66
Own server or LimeSurvey hosting: 
Survey theme/template:
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1. I am wanting to change the colour of the tip as I find the default red colour distracting. how can I do this? 
2. I am also wanting to edit the wording of the tip. Currently, the default tips for a list (radio) and multiple choice are: 
'Choose one of the following answers' and 'Check all the apply'. How can I change the wording of these? I want to include a tip just with different wording and don't want to hide the tip. 

Simplest solution, hide the core tip and place your custom tip in the question text.