You're not thinking practically with regard to your income, which is dangerous. Buying an expensive item may not save you money in the long run. That's because the purchase you are considering isn't as well-made as you think. Pay no attention to a smooth-talking salesperson who claims this item is the next best thing to sliced bread. The fact is, you have much better things to do with your hard-earned cash.

Contrary to popular belief, appearance isn't everything when it comes to getting a job. You've got to demonstrate practical knowledge as well as a polished image. If this means getting additional training, so be it. Of course, this may postpone your career plans, but that's better than totally spoiling your chances with a particular employer. It's fine to have dreams of grandeur, provided you have a plan for realising them.

Don't put all of your faith in an expert, even if you've been impressed with their performance in the past. Everybody has a bad day, and this could be one of theirs. If you want something done properly, do it yourself. If the project in question is beyond your capabilities, wait a few days. More options will become available to you then. In the meantime, don't let unfounded fears undermine your confidence.

A love interest is giving you mixed signals, which is totally maddening. Instead of waiting around for their final decision, do something nice for yourself. Go out for a night on the town with pals. Their love and support will give you the courage to stand up for yourself. The person who is toying with your affections wants you to believe that unless you put up with their nonsense, you'll be alone. Call their bluff!

It's hard to conduct a fulfilling relationship when you're harbouring all sorts of secrets. Your public and private images are very different. Until you make this clear, the object of your affection will suffer a grand disillusionment. Don't be afraid to admit you're a lot less confident than you appear. Revealing your vulnerabilities will actually strengthen your bond. You're never sexier than when you show your tender side.

A promising work lead could vanish into thin air, leaving you very discouraged. Part of the problem is an inability to communicate your talents effectively. Practice your job interviewing skills with someone who has lots of experience employing people. Your friend will give you lots of valuable advice. Don't feel compelled to give an immediate answer to questions. You're better off mulling over your responses. A thoughtful approach will turn the tide in your favour.

The romance you crave remains elusive, but don't despair; better opportunities are on the horizon. In the meantime, don't stay home waiting for the phone to ring. Pamper yourself with a variety of sensual delights. A gourmet meal, a sensuous massage, and a fragrant bouquet of flowers will lift your spirits tremendously. Why wait for somebody else to lavish you with affection when you can do the job yourself?

Painful memories from childhood could cause problems in a romantic relationship. Just because certain adults didn't model good behaviour doesn't mean you have to follow in their footsteps. If you keep running against the same problems, seek professional help. A social worker or psychologist can teach you valuable strategies for sustaining a loving partnership. It's all a matter of being willing to change, as the old ways definitely aren't working.

It's easy to forget appointments today, so be sure to check your calendar. If you do stand somebody up, issue an immediate apology. Don't come up with any lame excuses; simply admit you were in the wrong. Otherwise, you'll make the offended party even more upset. If you've been thinking of changing residences, now is not the time to look. Wait a few days before taking any action.

This is definitely not a good day to negotiate financial agreements. Fine print or hidden clauses will work against you in the end. Consult a lawyer or an agent before you sign anything. If everything appears above board, you should still wait another day or two before committing to this arrangement. Unexpected news could crop up when you least expect it, changing the situation considerably. Protect your economic interests.

Don't listen to panicked reports about illnesses or emergency situations. Otherwise, you'll miss a golden opportunity to realise a dream. These days, the media prefers to generate fear, rather than inspire hope. Be a force for positive change. Whether this means taking a financial risk, leaving a secure situation behind, or venturing into unknown territory is immaterial. The important thing is to obey your instincts. They're right on target.

You must be awfully specific in your communications, or people will be left in the dark. Don't assume everybody knows what you're talking about. Start from the beginning, and answer any questions as best as you can. It's especially important to go over written instructions with their intended audience. Be sure to leave a phone number where you can be reached, as unexpected problems could crop up at the last minute.