Your financial horoscope for 2014

Aries (Mar21/Apr20)
It looks like debt will be a challenge throughout 2014, but take heart. If you budget your funds well, you’ll be able to pay off all of your bills by the end of the year. It will be matter of living beneath your means. Although it won’t thrill you to cut back on luxuries, you will enjoy the challenge of getting the most value for your money. Clipping coupons, getting rebates and shopping at sales will help stretch your resources. So will frequenting second hand stores. You can find some very beautiful furniture and serviceable equipment at discount prices. If you’re in debt to several different creditors, consolidate your bills so you can make one monthly payment. This will help you take a more focused approach to money. Are you debt free? Then take this opportunity to open a savings, retirement, or college fund. Contribute a set percentage of your income to this account every pay period. Pretty soon, you’ll have a financial cushion that gives you a lot more personal freedom.

Cancer (Jun22/Jul23)
Money should be plentiful in 2014, particularly between mid-July and December. Finding lucrative jobs and wealthy clients will be easy. If you’re happy with your employer, go ahead and ask for a pay rise. It will be virtually impossible to resist your request. When given a choice between earning a salary and getting a commission, pick the former. In an economy like this, you’re better off getting a steady paycheque. Pay off as many debts as possible when money comes in steadily. If you play your cards right, you could be completely free of financial obligations by the final week of December. At that point, you can open a savings, retirement, or college fund. This financial cushion will give you long term security. There’s no better gift to give yourself. If you still have bills at the end of the year, ask a money manager about consolidating your debt. Build a better budget and settle your debts. It may take a wee while, but it will be a worth the effort.

Leo (Jul24/Aug23)
If you’re in a business or romantic partnership, keep three bank accounts: Yours, Mine and Ours. Confusion over joint finances can cause a lot of strife. Check your balances regularly and take extra precautions against identity theft. If you have an investment portfolio, watch that carefully, too. Make sure nobody can draw money from your private accounts without your permission. A fabulous career opportunity will arrive toward the end of April and it looks as if it will involve the arts. On the other hand you could land a prominent position at a humanitarian organisation. The pay may not be impressive at first, but this job will serve as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. If you want a pay rise or need a job that pays well, set your sights on the last three weeks of September. This will be the best time of the year to enhance your income. Are you happy with your present employer? Then you may decide to take on some freelance work to supplement your income this autumn.

Libra (Sep24/Oct23)
Money has a way of arriving quite suddenly in 2014. The next twelve months will require you to be quite frugal, paying off bills and living beneath your means. If you stick to a budget, you can become financially independent by the end of December. Happily, a financial windfall will arrive in late April, when a Solar Eclipse attracts a handsome dividend, insurance payment, or legal settlement. If you’re in a serious relationship, your partner could get a well earned rise or better paid job and you’ll benefit as a result. This will be a marvellous opportunity for the two of you to lead a more comfortable lifestyle. You don’t have to make extravagant purchases, but buying equipment that makes life easier and hiring someone to clean your home will make life a lot more pleasant. Later in the year, you’ll have an opportunity to earn an impressive salary. Another Solar Eclipse in late October will drop a lucrative job in your lap. This will be your chance to make money by exercising your creative talent.

Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21)
Adopting a balanced attitude toward money is critical in 2014. Fortunately, you’re not an especially materialistic person. It is important to divorce your self worth from the amount of money you make. Whether you’re flush with cash or struggling to pay your bills is immaterial. People have a deeper value far beyond their bank balance. By keeping this in mind at all times, you’ll break free of any imprisoning attitudes about money. Money from an investment, insurance policy, or legal settle will become available after mid-July. By using this money frugally, you’ll be able to pay your bills and lead a comfortable lifestyle. If you are in a serious relationship, your partner could earn a great deal of money. Don’t let money become the source of a power struggle. You can bring just as much value to this relationship, regardless of who earns more. If the two of you split your bills, do it by percentage of income. That’s a more equitable way of doing things when one person earns a lot more than the other.

Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20)
Your financial situation will be fair for the first five months of 2014. You’ll get a job offer in late January, but there will be considerable strings attached. Chances are you will be working for a stern manager who finds fault in everything you do. Unfortunately, you may have to accept this opportunity, just as a means to pay the bills. Keep your chin up. By the time July arrives, an inheritance, dividend, or insurance settlement will dramatically improve your financial situation or your romantic or business partner could strike it rich and you’ll benefit from their good fortune. You could even win a handsome prize in a lottery or contest. Remember that this unearned income won’t last forever. It will keep you afloat while you’re looking for a good job. A good career opportunity will arrive in late September. You’ll face some stiff competition, so be sure to get an influential friend to write a helpful reference for you. Opportunities connected with banking, retail and hospitality are worth investigating.