When It Comes to Money, Is Your Future a Horrorscope?

By Suze Orman

Whether you believe in the guiding force of your astrological sign or not, I am here to tell you that you have a moneyscope. It's the financial sign that lords over your life, the personality traits that determine your money successes and failures. Stop rolling your eyes right now. I've got nearly 25 years experience watching, listening to, and counseling folks about their personal finances. And I am convinced that all money problems fall under one of five money signs.

Since we're heading into a New Year, I thought it would be a perfect time for you to learn about your moneyscope. Believe it or not, I bet I can improve your financial future in 2005 and beyond just by getting you to 'fess up to your sign. Why? Because understanding how your beliefs and personal quirks influence your financial life gives you the ability to change your behavior in ways that will really improve your bottom line.

And those of you in relationships should have your partner read this too. If as a couple your financial planets are not aligned, you are going to be in for money misunderstandings that will certainly cause turmoil in your household budget, and could easily undermine your relationship as a whole. In fact, financial conflict is cited as the number one cause of divorce these days.

Okay, without further ado, here are the most popular moneyscope trouble "signs" I see. If you're totally honest, I bet you will find yourself somewhere in here.

Financial traits: Aggressive "charge ahead" approach to all monetary matters. Goes for broke investing in risky stocks, and usually bets on one stock rather than diversifying. Trades a ton. Runs the risk of an adjustable rate mortgage rather than locking into a fixed rate loan. more...

Financial traits: Deals with financial problems by sticking head in the sand. Doesn't open bills because can't bear to see the big balance. Has family, but no living revocable trust or life insurance. Worries, but doesn't take action. more...

Financial traits: Has a hand in everything, but control over nothing. Owns twenty mutual funds, five insurance policies, and seven credit cards. more...

Financial traits: Follows the pack to avoid thinking for self. Listens to a commission-based broker who pushes whatever the firm wants sold, rather than hiring a fee-only advisor who puts your true best interests first. more...

Financial traits: Pretends to have very deep pockets; spends, spends, spends, without the money to actually cover the bills. more...

	Your Financial Sign Checklist To keep yourself on track to healthier personal finances, start here by printing out this checklist of important to-dos to stay on top of how you pay your bills. Start Now!

Suze Orman has been called “a force in the world of personal finance” and a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse” by USA Today. She is the author of four consecutive New York Times bestsellers, including The Road to Wealth. Suze Orman, a Certified Financial Planner Professional®, directed the Suze Orman Financial Group from 1987-1997, served as Vice President of Investments for Prudential Bache Securities from 1983-87, and from 1980-83, was an Account Executive at Merrill Lynch.

Watch Suze every Saturday night on CNBC. Check www.suzeorman.com for TV listings.