Your Finances in a Tiger Year

Given the many economic difficulties around the world these days, the Lucky Tiger’s presence is good news for everyone because, according to Chinese tradition, he is ridden by Tsai Shen, the Chinese god of wealth and prosperity.

But how does this affect you personally? You’re likely to have better luck this year (unless you are a Monkey, the Tiger’s nemesis.) The Tiger and Tsai Shen bring luck, but there is more than that to making money. Timing and approach are also critical. Refer to the Chinese Almanac to determine your lucky months and days.

The Tiger is all about making bold moves and taking risks. You might, however, want to think twice about getting too caught up in the excitement of the moment this year. You see, 2010 is a Metal year. Though Metal is the element most closely associated with making money, unfortunately Metal has a destructive relationship with the Tiger’s fixed element, Wood. This year’s abundance of luck, therefore, is likely to include the bad as well as the good kind.

Bad luck can appear in at least two ways. The first could result from too much speculation and eagerness to jump into risky ventures. The second is later setbacks after initial success. So even though it’s a Tiger year, try to be more like the Ox. In other words, stay with more conservative investments. Don’t rush into new ventures or change jobs on a whim. Take only calculated risks. Usually your emotions work for you in a Tiger year, but not in a Metal one, so keep them under control.

Strangely enough, success itself could be the biggest threat to your being in a better financial position at the end of the year. What may seem like success at first could be followed by setbacks. You can, however, avoid them. Be cautious about becoming overconfident, avoid extravagance, and don’t overextend yourself.

The Year of the Metal Tiger can be a prosperous one, but it’s up to you to nurture your luck and avoid any actions that affect it negatively.

May good fortune and prosperity be yours for the rest of 2010!