How Do You Handle Money?

Where does all your money go, anyway? No other area of modern life causes more stress in than keeping up adequate cash flow. Perhaps you, too, have had sleepless nights, lying awake and wondering, "How can I ever pay off this mounting debt, pay the bills, and make rent, let alone save for retirement?"

Knowing the spending habits of your Sun Sign may not instantly bring a bushel of bucks to your bank account. But a little financial self-awareness goes a long way in increasing your bottom line. Here's what motivates you when it comes to your money.

Aries:
(March 21 - April 19)
Impulsive, rash, and a bit careless with the cash – that's you, Aries. When you want something, you want it now. If that red Porsche or bungee-jumping seminar appeals to you, you won't bat an eyelash about plunking down the payment. Rein it in just a bit, so you won't see that Visa bill skyrocketing higher than your lofty ambition.

Taurus:
(April 20 - May 20)
Comfort-loving Taurus, you consistently cultivate cash, so you can lounge about on the weekends. You keep plenty in the coffers for the good life. For entertainment, you track the stock market daily (they don't call a strong Dow average a "bull" market for nothing!). While couch surfing, you watch financial planning gurus on TV, taking notes on mutual funds and retirement strategies.

Gemini:
(May 21 - June 21)
How many ATM withdrawals did you make this week and fail to get a receipt? You're so busy you forget money exists. Waiters holler after you while you're tearing down the street to your next appointment. Get a little more grounded with your money, Gem. Remember: the bank's not going to buy it when you tell them your evil Twin has been bouncing checks again.

Cancer:
(June 22 - July 22)
Cautious Crab, you're a whizbang with your wallet and the best saver in the Zodiac! You want to be a stay-at-home mom or dad, so find a partner to work while you're at home with the kids. You love home cooking, and scrimping on the dining out will save some dough. Your spending weak spots: home remodeling, new furnishings, and groovy garden equipment.

Leo:
(July 23 - August 22)
For you, regal Leo, cash is king. Your sense of entitlement and "I Deserve It All" nature ensure you never miss out on the good life. A jaunt to Paris, a sexy bauble, a bottle of Dom Perignon - nothing is too fine for you, a luxury-lover with champagne taste. Make sure your employer knows you're the master, too, or Mastercard will topple you from your throne.

Virgo:
(August 23 - September 22)
OK, Virgo, stop worrying whether you'll save another dollar on Post-Its at the warehouse outlet. Surely, you have other details to lose sleep over. You've got your numbers organized to a "T," with years of records on Quicken, backed up on a spreadsheet, and filed away in hard copy, right at your fingertips. A bonus when dining with friends: when the check comes, you'll doubly ensure it's properly divided with tax and tip, to the penny.

Libra:
(September 23 - October 22)
Fashion tickles your fancy, Libra, and your closet holds more designer pieces than New York's Fashion Week. And, as the Zodiac's socialite extraordinaire, you're known for hosting fabulous, catered parties that your friends rave about for months. You lovely Libras never want your work life to interfere with your social life, so find yourself a nice benefactor so you can spend your days shopping and sampling caviar.

Scorpio:
(October 23 - November 21)
Just like everything, Scorpio, when it comes to money, your keyword is possession. You control your cash just like your emotions. When you invest, you make sure it's only the best. No cheap, throwaway goodies for you; whatever you buy has quality written all over it. Purchases must be built-to-last and durable, just like you. Watch that your secret sentimental streak doesn't get the best of you when your favorite charity asks you to cough it up. You're a softie under all that toughness.

Sagittarius:
(November 22 - December 21)
Yes, Sag, we know you must travel. It's not just a luxury for the adventure-loving Archer; it's a necessity. You're happy living off rice and beans so that you can take off and help Angelina Jolie run her latest pet project in Africa. Your 401(k) needs a little lift, however, since you've spent the last of it on yet another round-the-world ticket. Get a job that combines your freedom-loving nature with a stable paycheck. Otherwise you'll be stuck surfing the 'Net instead of sailing the seven seas.

Capricorn:
(December 22 - January 19)
Ambition is your middle name, Cap, and your savings account is likely just as solid as your rung on the corporate ladder. You hold the keys to Fort Knox, you're so darn strict with your cash. But goodness, guarded Goat, will you loosen up on the greenbacks? We know you're saving for the empire you're building, but a little fun and frolic could do you right. Stop and smell the flowers on your way up the mountain - and pick some up on the way home from work, too.

Aquarius:
(January 20 - February 18)
You navigate your money like you're in outer space. The best bet for you, Aquarius, is to get yourself a financial manager, so you don't have to think about the material realm any more than necessary. You'll whip out your wallet to help a homeless person. Problem is, how to afford it? Come down to earth and give your fellow humans the pleasure of your company, and you might be able to save enough cash to pay the bills.

Pisces:
(February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you'd prefer to never have to think about money again. Come on, admit it: you'd rather spend your days meditating, taking a bubble bath, sipping cocktails - all at once. Enjoy now, pay later - that's your financial motto. But even the daydreaming Fish has to wake up and smell the coffee, so keep your day job and save your seashells. Pisces are suckers for new shoes, being ruled by their feet. Put down that extra pair of Manolo Blahniks and walk away.