How many Britons make decisions based on their horoscope?

More and more people are turning to their horoscope to influence their financial decisions, a poll has suggested

Many people feel they’ve had less control over their finances since the start of the pandemic (AFP via Getty Images)

More than half of Britons admit to making financial decisions based on their horoscope.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 48 per cent are generally influenced by their star sign’s predictions, with more than one in three even making life choices based on the ‘advice.’

But one in five are now more likely to look to astrology for life guidance than they were pre-2020.

The survey also found almost a quarter feel less in control of their finances now than before the pandemic.

It emerged Aquarius is the most financially confident star sign with 42 per cent feeling happy with their money managing skills, compared to just 25 per cent of Libras.

But Virgos are most likely to meet the financial goals they set for themselves.

Sagittarians feel most out of touch with their finances as they avoid looking at them, whereas Leos are the happiest about their financial situation.

The poll, commissioned by Barclays, found Scorpio and Aquarius find it the easiest to save money, whereas Aries, Capricorn and Cancer find it the most difficult.

Astrologer, Francesca Oddie, said: “People really identify with their star sign and consider astrology a reliable tool for guidance.

“When it comes to our finances, our horoscope can help us to understand characteristic traits that are reflected in our money management style.”

It also emerged the majority of the adults polled, via OnePoll, are hoping to gain more control over their finances in 2021.

Cancer and Sagittarius are the most optimistic star signs.

Dr Pete Brooks, Chief Behavioural Scientist at Barclays, said: “Everyone has a personal relationship with money and no two people’s financial worlds are the same.”

Barclays has worked with astrologer, Francesca Oddie, to give people the opportunity to see if they think their money management style reflects the traits of their star signs:

Aries - 21st March - 21st April

Aries like to invest in themselves, take a few calculated risks and enjoy trying new ways to keep their finances flowing. Natural entrepreneurs, Aries has the “early bird catches the worm” approach to life. Aries understands that money moves through your life as quickly as you are willing to move it.

Taurus - 21st April - 21st May

The sign most associated with money, those of us with planets in Taurus know how to earn, save, spend and generate wealth. Calm and patient, Taurus understands how to invest and they also have a level headed and steady approach to life so will not panic buy or sell during market fluctuations.

Gemini - 21st May - 21st June

Gemini is intelligent and has many varied interests, which could lead to them spending money on lots of different ideas and people. They might like to invest a small amount in stocks, another pot in an easy access ISA in case they change their mind. Gemini is ruled by Mercury and has a quicksilver approach to life and their money.

Cancer - 21st June - 22nd July

Cancer is ruled by the moon and loves to feel secure, which is why Cancerians are the ones most set on making 2021 the year that they master money management. That being said, Cancer is not absolutely risk averse; with 31 per cent of Cancerians admitting that their emotional nature means they’re often tempted by the latest deals.

Leo - 22nd July  - 23rd August

Leo is a natural leader, charismatic, and they give their energy and wealth freely as part of their identity. Leo understands abundance and like their fellow fixed sign Taurus, prefers quality over quantity. Leo will spend on their business, they will invest in themselves, their staff, their equipment and their people.

Virgo - 23rd August - 23rd September

Virgo is frugal and savvy, the ultimate bargain hunter. Virgo relishes in detail and they keep their eyes on the pennies. Virgo is thrifty, they can make a little go a long way, they fully understand the concept of saving for a rainy day. They don’t waste time or money, but they might miss the big investment opportunity whilst they are trying so hard to stay in control.

Libra - 23rd September -23rd October

Libra is an air sign and less concerned with the material world, far more concerned with ideas, charm and aesthetics. Libra will spend their money on matching outfits, cosmetics items and on the people they love. Libra is the sign of the partner, so they may let someone else manage their finances entirely, whether it’s their business partner, lover or investment manager.

Scorpio - 23rd October - 22nd November

Scorpio is the master at detail and control, a forensic sign who understands energy, financial rhythms and the power of wealth. Scorpio understands what is worth investing in and they have innate power to encourage others to invest in them. Scorpio will usually be financially savvy and they have an understanding for what might work. Scorpio is not a frivolous sign, far too astute and interested in depth the hidden truth to spend their money on anything that might lose its value.

Sagittarius - 22nd November - 21st December

Sagittarius is a natural gambler; they have faith that life will deliver and, therefore, they spend on whatever they want, whenever they want it. Just like fellow fire sign Leo, there is a generosity of spirit to Sagittarius that extends to everyone they meet. The downfall of Sagittarius is assuming that everything will be ok and spending with the continued belief that the money tree will continually provide.

Capricorn - 21st December - 21st January

The ultimate professional who does everything by the book and is immensely money focussed. Capricorns understand timing, patience and that investing is a long game. They are incredibly security focussed and they prefer to stick to traditional investments, as advised by a finance professional and seek-out qualified, reliable, tried and tested methods of saving.

Aquarius - 21st January - 20th February

Aquarius are interested in ideas, innovations and new ways of handling their finances. Truly entrepreneurial, Aquarius is more interested in getting an idea to work than getting an idea to be profitable. Finances are someone else’s problem (frequently those of a business partner or accountant).

Pisces - 20th February - 21st March

Pisces is a water sign and synonymous with the artists, musicians, yogis and creatives of this world. Not usually associated with people who have brilliant financial wisdom, their talents and ability to pursue dreams and succeed is not to be overlooked. The material world doesn’t interest them, so Pisces trusts the universe to always provide.

Top tips to gain control of your finances

1. Take control: Look at your account and see how much of your money is going on different categories.

2. Talk about it: Whether it’s with your partner, family, friends, or going to speak to someone impartial, starting to talk about money is the first step to getting more control and feeling more positive about your plans.

3. Turn off temptation: Take time to think about that purchasing decision. You can use tools such as ‘turn off remote spending’ to stop yourself being able to buy in the tap of a button, or set yourself spending limits if you want that extra control.

4. Stow away your savings: Try moving any refunds you receive, or money you save from saying no to temptation, or the cost of subscriptions you cancel straight over to a separate savings pot where you can keep it ready for a rainy day, or keep growing it towards a future goal.

5. Set future goals: Don’t be afraid to future gaze and start thinking about what you might want a year, or even 10 down the line. Once you know what your goals are, you can start taking steps towards achieving them.

SWNS