Ever since last summer, you've noticed something rather unusual: When it comes to both finances and romance, you've become extremely disciplined -- with what feels like little or no effort on your part and virtually no prodding from your loved ones either. It's unusual because this type of behavior does not correspond to your usual 'technique,' which is to spend what you've earned (on paper, anyway) well before you actually have the check in hand. By the end of February 2008, however, you'll find that you've managed to tuck a few dollars away -- not just on paper, but in physical reality too. That little nest egg will come in quite handy during the first few months of 2008. Even though you're being good with money lately, you'll tend to be impulsive in all categories at that time -- which makes you a veritable magnet for the unexpected. That goes for unexpected expenses too, so look for things like car repairs, home repairs or dear friends with urgent financial problems. Now that you know, start planning for these contingencies, which can be expected at the beginning or end of March, or during the first week of September. And don't be surprised when a call, email or visit announces that someone you love needs help. Just be sure you really are helping them, not enabling them to continue down an unhealthy path. You know the difference. Now, back to romance -- and how self-sufficient you've become in that department. In July, you should expect your newfound independence to be tested by the reappearance of an ex-lover or spouse -- someone who'll quite obviously be wondering whether they might have a second shot at the title. If you're (still) interested, be sure you have new solutions to old problems, and that your potential partner is willing to try just as hard as you are to work things out. If not, just keep pursuing that sweet autonomy you've been enjoying and cruise into 2008 with your independence going strong!

CAREER: What happened to the eccentric genius, the idea person who wasn't quite as reliable as everyone else? You've laid that image to rest and shocked your peers by combining your high-flying creativity with a down-to-earth practicality that is chewing up projects and spitting out results. This newfound sense of structure and discipline will carry you into and through 2008 and make life much easier than it used to be. Your understanding of financial issues has increased and will continue to do so throughout the year. Look to multiply assets before the first day of spring. Your old style will continue to leak through every now and then, though, and you might surprise yourself by making big decisions impulsively. That should work out fine except when it comes to the budget, so use that brainpower you are so famous for to devise systems to rein in your spending. If it takes a cosigner or a lockbox, so be it -- you must keep yourself from knocking out your accounts before the end of the fiscal year. The early part of the year is a good time for planning; expect to need extra resources in March and early September as surprise expenses pop up. A partner or ally will call for assistance in the spring or summer, and you will need to step up and do your best to do right by them. If all goes well, you will come out far ahead. Old customers, clients, bosses and colleagues will be on the periphery of your attention through much of the year. Some will return to their old roles, some will ask you to return to yours and others will just check in and say hello. There is no need to accommodate anyone at the expense of your career or deadlines, so be prepared to say no more often than you may like. Those old connections will most likely remind you of how far you have come and reinforce your commitment to your personal career goals.

LOVE: In the past year, you learned to discipline yourself and see reality for what it is. That applies to your love life in that you will suddenly find yourself living in reality instead of fantastical, bizarre and impossible imaginary worlds. Like a yogi or a dog trainer, you've acquired practical transcendence that allows you to manipulate reality (and your own perceptions) and move toward your desired results. And you find that the new, sharp edges of life have a different appeal. Your newfound sense of personal discovery and the steps you've been taking toward living a real life with real reactions to real situations will make you feel independent. Occasionally, especially toward the beginning of the year, this may lead you to act out impulsively. Because you're so in touch with your own desires and cravings, you'll react quickly to situations that hadn't bothered you before. For instance, if someone has been flirting with you and you aren't really interested, you might just tell them to move on. Or perhaps you've been annoyed by a loved one's signature quirk, and you'll finally announce an ultimatum. This impetuousness may startle some, particularly those who have a romantic interest in you. But like most explorers, you won't care about other people's reactions, so long as you can keep on with the journey Someone from your past will reenter your life in July. If you feel that you've changed enough to handle old problems in new (and more useful) ways, then assess your own interest level to see if it's worth pursuing. Take their admiration as the compliment it is, even if you can't imagine the situation changing enough to permit renewed romance. There's plenty of excitement in the single life, and that luscious independence will carry you through. But if you still feel strongly about this person, and both of you are willing to try new approaches, then go for it with abandon.