Poll: The Year of the Financial Reckoning?

I'm not much of a believer in astrology. However, assuming that we'll be faced with a financial reckoning at some point I thought it would be nice to let you pull out your best crystal ball, ouija board, and/or tea leaves for the ultimate question. Since China is on my mind, let's do it Chinese style!

I think you'll find the descriptions both entertaining AND disturbing.

2007, Year of the Pig: Pigs love to spend money. They have an eye for name brands rather than generics so they generally spend a lot of it. Pigs have a knack for being able to find a diamond in the rough. Although they can sometimes be thrifty with money, most of the time it is the reverse. Pigs should be careful; a rainy day may sneak up on them.

2008, Year of the Rat: Cunning and thrifty, Rats have a knack with money and are apt to save for rainy days. When capable, the Rat is a great money saver, and in strapped times he knows how to make something out of nothing or how to turn make things advantageous for himself. Although few Rats suffer financially, the Chinese have a proverb: They who pile up grain hoards have much to lose.

2009, Year of the Ox: Oxen believe in security, and thus don’t usually take wild risks or financial gambles. They are meticulous about spending money and work hard to ensure they will be able to retire comfortably.

2010, Year of the Tiger: Tigers depend on luck. They like to spend money, and also to share it. They can be quite impulsive spenders because they know they can always make more. Somehow, as luck would have it, they discover the end of the rainbow just before complete bankruptcy. They are willing to lose a fortune in their lifetime, if it means they will wind up with two.

2011, Year of the Rabbit: Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. And that lucky rabbit foot didn’t just come out of nowhere…Rabbits are pretty lucky folks! They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture. They would rather invest their money in gadgets and things than in the stock market. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.

2012, Year of the Dragon: Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

2013, Year of the Snake: A Snake’s worst nightmare is jumping head first into a financial deal or a shopping spree. The Snake can be successful as long as he avoids extemporaneous spending. Although he is intuitive, the Snake will often dive right into decisions without weighing the consequences, which can cause him financial ruin.

2014, Year of the Horse: Horses don’t think much about money. When they have it, they spend it. When they run out, they make more. Money does not constitute a Horse’s happiness or well-being. He feels it is only icing on the cake to have some and would rather buy fun things than hoard it or save it. His philosophy? You can’t take it with you.

2015, Year of the Sheep: Sheep generally appear well-off. They love to spend money but do not find comfort or satisfaction in material things. They do have a knack with money though, which is well-suited for a person who spends money like the Sheep does. Sheep are always dressed to a T, looking well-groomed and well-dressed.

2016, Year of the Monkey: Monkeys are just as good as spending money as they are at making it. They can’t really save it because it burns a hole in their pockets. Occasionally though, Monkeys should put a little away today for an emergency tomorrow.

2017, Year of the Rooster: An eye for detail means the Rooster is pretty good at handling his finances. He is able to give others good financial advice and can help get budgets under control. However, when it comes to his own finances, the Rooster is either or. He either spends it all or hoards it for a rainy day.

2018, Year of the Dog: Dogs work hard and spend wisely. They do not work to buy luxurious things. They work to secure a future for their families. They generally have hidden savings accounts for future family endeavors such as family vacations and college tuitions.