By Stephanie Dempsey
Provided by Tarot.com
These days, everybody is struggling with finances. Attaining financial freedom is like any other goal -- it requires strategy. Each sign has unique ways of coping with money; by using your strengths to pare down debt and build up savings, you'll emerge from these tough times stronger, healthier and wealthier than ever.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Rams are the fighters of the zodiac, and one of the worthiest fights an Aries can undertake is the battle for financial security. If you're going to get out of debt, stop borrowing money, starting today. Cutting up your existing credit cards, not applying for new charge plates, refusing to take cash advances and turning down offers for home equity lines could be your best weapons. If you can't pay for something with cash, then you can't afford to buy it. As you pay down your bills, it's a wise idea to put 10% of all your income into savings -- then don't touch it. Pretty soon you could have a sizable nest egg instead of a mountain of debt.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Bulls need financial security in order to be happy. If you've made the mistake of getting into debt, reverse the process. You could start by having a garage sale. Go through your home and collect anything you haven't used in a year. Organize items into categories and arrange them in attractive displays. Price everything to move -- your primary goal is to eliminate clutter, not to make a profit. After the sale is over, donate anything that hasn't been bought to charity. As an additional way to save money, you could get rid of unnecessary expenses like cable TV, office lunches and bought coffee. Put the money you'd otherwise spend in the bank, where it belongs.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Twins can be impulsive about spending. Tracking your expenses will give you a better idea of where your money is going. At the end of each day, try entering all your expenses into a software program like Quicken, as well as all of your bills. You'll soon spot a couple of wasteful trends. Turning down the thermostat, reducing your clothing budget and creating a grocery budget are all steps you can take to whittle down your bills. Geminis also live in the here-and-now, which can make it difficult to save. Setting savings goals can prevent you from making impulse purchases.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Crabs can be very inventive about staying out of debt. If your credit card bills have gotten out of control, you might try getting a second job where all of the secondary income can be used to pay off your debts. Next, calling your creditors and asking them to reduce your interest rate could work wonders. This may seem crazy, but it works quite well, especially in today's troubled times. Finally, try taking an inventive approach about food -- as a Cancerian, you are passionate about meals. Making and taking food to work will relieve a major daily expense. A crock pot will enable you to enjoy a hot dinner within minutes of arriving home, and the money you save on restaurants and cafes can be put into a savings account.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Lions often incur big expenses on playthings. If you're going to get out of debt, you Leos probably need to cut down on frivolous purchases. Instead of going out to the movies, rent them for free at the library, and make sure you return them on time! Rather than going to the casino, host a card game at your house and play for stakes like running errands and doing chores. Stop buying books and read the ones already on your shelves -- you probably have a sizable pile you have been meaning to get to for years. Throw catalogs directly into the trash and stay away from shopping malls. Opt for free entertainment like walks through the park, visits to the museum and picnics on the lawn. By avoiding temptation altogether, you should be able to pay off your bills and put money in the bank, where it will work for you.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgins can be a bit naive about joint finances. When you join forces with a business or romantic partner, it's wise to compare your attitudes about money early on. What seems extravagant to you may feel like a necessity to your associate, and vice-versa. If you're struggling with finances, you could schedule a meeting with a financial counselor. Having an objective third party will enable you both to create a plan for moving forward. In the event you are single, understand that ridding yourself of debt now will make you more attractive to romance -- it will be easier to flirt and have fun when you're not constantly worrying about bills. Set small but attainable goals, like paying off your smallest debts first, then working your way up to bigger bills.
Dealing with Debt for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces
