Realizing that you don't have to take a backseat to anyone, your personal potential will be uppermost in your mind in the year ahead. It's a time when you'll be coming of age both literally and figuratively.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Your instincts for exploiting opportunities to make or save money are keener than usual. You might not make a killing, but you will use your funds extremely well.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- It behooves you to be a good listener when a normally quiet friend is in a talkative mood. What he or she has to say could be extremely valuable.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- When it comes to competitive career involvements, it isn't likely to be who you know but what you know that counts. Whoever is best prepared will be the victor.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Friends are apt to find you a delightful person to be around. It will become very obvious to them that their conversation and ideas will be well received by you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Something that might be of little interest to others but is of enormous importance to you can successfully produce a large profit, all because you have the motivation to take action.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Let your companions have the same freedom of choice that you would like. If this simple rule is followed, everyone will end up being happy and in a convivial mood.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Instead of focusing primarily on your own affairs, you might have to allocate some time and energy to someone else's projects or problems. Don't begrudge them your time or effort.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- The company you keep will exert a big influence over the way you look at the world. Try to spend your free time with companions who know how to enjoy life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Although you might not be able to wrap up all the little odds and ends from last week that you might like to, you can substantially reduce them if you make an effort.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- It's best not to wait until the last minute to make an arrangement with another party, because the person with whom you'd like to get together is apt to make other plans.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Even if it isn't too likely that you will come across a super bargain, you should nevertheless be a comparison shopper. Those small amounts you save will add up impressively.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Although mental endeavors may not be too tough for you, physical involvements could tire you out quickly. Don't press yourself beyond your normal endurance.

Trying to patch up a broken romance? The Astro-Graph Matchmaker can help you understand what to do to make the relationship work. Send for your Matchmaker set by mailing $3 to Astro-Graph, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167.

** ** **

COPYRIGHT 2012 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK FOR UFS