The weekend's almost here, but there are things you need to do before the party begins. Somebody may be waiting for news from you, or perhaps a colleague's progress depends on information you're supposed to provide. Whatever your obligations and commitments, be sure to fulfil them before you go home or you could return to a very hostile work environment.

Don't make promises to your relatives you can't keep. If you're in a relationship, you may have to cancel an outing due to a long forgotten family commitment. It's better to err on the side of kin this weekend, particularly since you've been so preoccupied with romance this year. Resist the urge to complain about your lover to relatives, and vice-versa. You're better off keeping these two spheres of life strictly separate.

You may offend somebody when trying to give them a well meant compliment. At times like these, it's best to offer an abject apology, and then make a strategic retreat. In time, this person will see what your true motives were. For the time being, though, they'll need a chance to let their wounds heal. Try not to dwell on the situation over the weekend. You'll have more important things to do, like having fun.

What seems like an incredible deal could turn out to be a financial drain. Resist the temptation to buy an expensive device that promises to save time and money. Chances are, you'll lose both. If somebody asks you for a loan, it's best to refuse or your relationship could be severely jeopardised. It simply isn't worth the hassle. Obey your instincts and take the conservative route in all matters.

Don't ask a relative too many questions. This person may be going through a difficult time, and doesn't feel like revealing their innermost secrets. In time, your family member may come around. Until then, grant them their privacy. Be careful about taking on a roommate right now. A great looking candidate won't be all he or she appears. Keep interviewing other prospects, and wait until next week to render a decision.

Just because you were burned in the past doesn't mean it will happen again. If you're trying to decide whether to trust somebody, try spending more time with this person. Ask plenty of questions, and see if their answers seem consistent. Pay special attention to their deeds. If they're consistent with these person's claims, it's a good bet they will treat you the same under similar circumstances. A leopard can't hide its spots.

Don't let the group cloud your thinking today. It's more important to trust your instincts, even if they run contrary to the supposed facts. A magnetic person could have undue influence on everyone's actions. You may want to distance yourself from this character, as it will soon develop that he or she is acting from selfish motives. It's especially important to keep your money safe at this juncture. Avoid 'sure-fire investments' like the plague.

An authority figure may promise something he or she can't deliver, so be prepared. If you've been offered a job, wait until Monday to accept. Facts may arise and will radically alter your decision. If you are being interviewed for a new job, be truthful or you could be confronted with an embarrassing lie later on. This is definitely not the time to play with facts, no matter how tempted you are to dress up the truth.

An expert may not be all he or she is cracked up to be. Don't hesitate to check someone's credentials if you get a weird feeling. This is especially important if you're going to entrust this person with important things like your health, finances or personal information. If you hear a fact that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do some research before treating this piece of news as gospel.

Don't make any major purchases without consulting your partner first or you could find yourself in debt by the end of the month. If you're single, you should take extra precautions to protect against credit card fraud. Check your balances frequently, and don't hesitate to question any charges that seem fishy. As always, it's wise to keep your personal information under lock and key. Changing your passwords on Internet accounts is also advised.

No matter what you say to a business associate or romantic partner, it's bound to be misconstrued. Therefore, it's probably a better strategy to listen more than you speak. The reason your friend is short tempered has nothing to do with you. Unfortunately, you're the closest target for their wrath. Postpone a confrontation until both of you are thinking more clearly or you may say things that can never be forgotten, or forgiven.

You may feel as though you can handle lots of physical exertion, but you really can't. Cut back your activities, or you could suffer from a nasty muscle strain or dehydration. Do you really want to spend a perfectly good weekend in agony? A friend may try to tempt you into trying a daredevil sport. Give this person a polite but firm 'no'. You'll be very glad you opted out.