Making the most of basic resources is vital, but your impetuous nature makes this difficult. Create a budget, if only for this week, and don't stray from it. Even small impulse purchases like mags and chocs can eat into your capital. It will be easier to save if you put a set percent of your income away into savings. That way, you won't have any spare change sitting around to tempt you. Money needs to be used sparingly.

An unrealistic attitude regarding the competition could prevent you from succeeding in your desired field. Either you underestimate your abilities, or think nobody can hold a candle to you. The truth lies somewhere in between. Your mission is to showcase your talents in the best possible light. Practice your interviewing skills, take classes in any areas where you are weak, and ask seasoned professionals for advice.

Falling under the influence of a teacher or mentor has its plusses and minuses. While it's great to study under somebody who is so self-assured, you still need to retain your independence. If you find that this guru gets angry any time you try to put your own spin on things, it's a sign that something is wrong. The best instructors encourage students to experiment. If yours doesn't, look around for a more open-minded inspirer.

Don't fool yourself about a needy person's real motives, no matter how much you care for this person. Some people demand constant displays of affection and loyalty in order to feel validated. Usually, you're willing to indulge these whims, but right now, you've got your own worries. If your pal starts demanding all sorts of attention, shut them out of your life, at least for the time being. Their antics will only upset you and we all need some space at times and you're no different.

An unusual side of your nature comes out when dealing with authority figures. It's probably because subconsciously, you know your leadership skills are superior. However, it is important to suppress these feelings if you are going to make a good impression. Defer to VIPs or bosses whenever possible, even the ones you don't respect. Let your executive abilities surface in the duties you've been asked to perform. Power plays will fall flat today.

You may misinterpret signals that your body is giving you, thanks to some conventional wisdom. Don't rely on friends, relatives, or a single doctor to tell you how you're feeling. Instead, look for a health professional who is willing to listen to you. Be your own advocate when it comes to getting medical treatment. You don't deserve to get the brush-off from somebody who is too busy to treat you like an individual.

A heady romance could well cloud your thinking; love acts like a drug on you! It is fine to abandon yourself to physical pleasures, provided you take a few precautions regarding contraception and safe sex. Don't take somebody's word that they'll stick with you through thick and thin. In important issues like these, you must look after your own interests. Modern life may be less romantic, but at least it affords you healthier choices.

You're incredibly sensitive now, and have a tendency to lash out at your nearest and dearest. Perhaps the sugar-coated stories you've been telling yourself are starting to melt. That's no-one's fault but your own. If you face up to the fact that nobody is perfect, you won't be disillusioned every time somebody screws up. Give your loved ones - and yourself - a little more leeway. Your relationships will improve the minute you start to loosen up.

It's important to have legal papers checked over before you proceed with a project. You may have to pay a small fee, but the peace of mind is worth it. There may be some fine print you've missed, or confusing clauses that mislead you or you find hard to translate or interpret. If there is anything you can't stand, it's being deceived in business. By protecting yourself from the outset, you'll drive away charlatans before they can do any real damage.

A seemingly great deal may not be all it's cracked up to be, so watch out. It would be wise to avoid business with friends and loved ones, as your affection for them could get in the way of negotiating the best deals. Once you've struck a bargain, the only honourable thing is to follow it through. This will prove a problem if you have later regrets about making a purchase. So, be sure of what you want or save your money.

Your loved ones are protecting you from some ugly realities, so prepare for some home truths. If you sense there is something amiss do some independent research. It might develop that your domestic situation is not all it should be. A person you love may be angry, hurt or depressed, but doesn't want to share their true feelings with you. Having an open, honest discussion is the only solution to this domestic mess.

Spending too much time alone can give you a skewed view of reality. It's important to get out there and mingle, if only for a few hours. Whilst it's true that you benefit from solitude more than others, that doesn't mean you should entirely cut yourself off from the outside world. Socialising helps you to connect and relate to friends and family. The longer you stay isolated, the more misunderstood you'll feel.