Mercury Retrograde: A Guide for Women Navigating the Cosmic Chaos
Mercury Retrograde.
Those two words can send shivers down the spine of even the most level-headed women among us. If you’ve ever experienced miscommunication, delayed travel, or technological glitches during this astrological event, you’re not alone. But what does Mercury Retrograde mean for your finances? How can you safeguard your money and make the most out of this auspicious time?
First, What Is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde is an astrological period when the Planet Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky. This occurs about three to four times a year, each time it lasts about three weeks. Mercury, is the planet that rules communication, travel, and technology, so it tends to cause disruptions in these areas of our lives. As a Gemini who is ruled by Planet Mercury, I can attest to my many personal mishaps during this retrograde. But Mercury Retrograde isn’t all bad—I’ve now embraced it as a time for reflection, reassessment, and reorganization.
If you’ve ever felt like your life is spinning in circles right now during Mercury Retrograde, you’re not alone. As someone who’s lived through many of these cosmic cycles, I’ve learned that this period is not something to be feared but an opportunity to reflect on our past and realign. Personally, when it comes to managing my finances during Mercury Retrograde, I’ve discovered some valuable lessons—many of them from women who’ve shared their stories with me. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned, and how you can navigate your finances during this turbulent time.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you during Mercury Retrograde is to use this time to reflect on past financial decisions. For instance, my friend Jenny made an impulsive investment in a startup business a couple of years ago, believing it would skyrocket her financial portfolio. You know “Get Rich Quick”? However, it didn’t pan out as she expected, leaving her with a lot of regret and a sense of financial insecurity because she lost thousands of dollars.
During the last Mercury Retrograde, the conversation came up and Jenny was still really upset about her shitty decision and was holding onto a lot of resentment around it. So I encouraged her to revisit what happened, not to dwell on it- but to understand what went wrong. She came to the realization that her decision was driven by FOMO the fear of missing out rather than sound financial reasoning. Instead of beating herself up, Jenny used this insight to guide her future investments choices, promising that she would always do thorough research and consult with me or her Investment advisor before making any significant financial moves. This reflection allowed her to regain control of her financial journey and let go of the resentment and betrayal she was holding against her money.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of revisiting my budget during Mercury Retrograde. This isn’t about making drastic changes but about fine-tuning and adjusting. Another example is my current client Sarah, a single mother of two who found herself overwhelmed by her monthly expenses, and up to her eyeballs in credit card debt. We are using the energy of this months retrograde period to analyze her spending habits and noticed she was overspending on dining out and subscription services she rarely used.
Inspired by the reflective energy of Mercury Retrograde, Sarah made small but impactful changes to her budget. She started meal prepping at home and canceled subscriptions that didn’t add value to her life. These adjustments didn’t require a massive overhaul but significantly improved her financial stability, allowing her to save more, build a debt payoff strategy and continue to fund her children’s education. By simply revisiting her budget, Sarah is able to create a financial cushion that is going to give her peace of mind, and live debt free!
One golden rule during Mercury Retrograde is to avoid signing new contracts or making major financial commitments. I learned this the hard way when I impulsively decided to purchase a new car during a retrograde period. The deal seemed too good to pass up, but within weeks, I encountered numerous issues with that dumb car, leading to expensive repairs that drained my savings, and led to my first Car Repossession and lowering my credit score by 100 points- I just gave up and stopped paying it. Looking back, I realize I should have heeded the advice to delay major decisions during this time.
Mercury Retrograde is also an excellent time to reconnect with a financial advisor. Last year, I felt uncertain about my future savings plans because my mom was fighting a losing battle with metastatic cancer, bills were piling up because my personal earnings had significantly dropped. I had to cut back my work schedule and my savings account was quickly being depleted. I decided to use the retrograde period to schedule a review session. My friend and advisor helped me see that my portfolio needed rebalancing to better align with my immediate needs, and adjustments for the future goals. This realignment gave me renewed confidence in my financial future. It helped me to stay afloat during one of the most difficult moments in my life. Because the last thing you want to be thinking about at your Mom's Funeral is Money.
So-Embrace the Retrograde, Don’t Fear It
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your finances during Mercury Retrograde, consider reaching out to a financial coach like me. Together, we can create a plan that aligns with your goals and helps you navigate the twists and turns of your financial journey—no matter what the stars and horoscopes have in store.
Mercury Retrograde can be tricky, but it’s a powerful time that can ultimately strengthen your financial foundation. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the right guidance, you can navigate these cosmic challenges with peace.
Here’s a handy list of dos and don’ts to guide you through this time with confidence and clarity.
Financial Dos During Mercury Retrograde
1. Do Reflect on Past Financial Decisions: Use this time to analyze any financial missteps. Understanding what went wrong in the past will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
2. Do Revisit and Adjust Your Budget: Take a closer look at your spending and savings plan. Small adjustments, like cutting unnecessary expenses, can lead to big improvements in your financial health.
3. Do Backup Financial Documents: Whether it’s tax records, important contracts, or investment statements, ensure all your critical financial documents are backed up. This will save you from potential headaches if your computer crashed or your phone falls in the toilet.
4. Do Reconnect with Favorite Financial Advisor Like Me: Schedule a meeting with me to review your investment strategies, debt repayment plans, or retirement goals. This is the perfect time to realign your financial roadmap.
5. Do Focus on Debt Reduction: Consider making extra payments on your debt or lowering high-interest debt. Clearing these burdens can free up more of your income for future goals.
6. Do Practice Patience and Flexibility: Delays and miscommunications are common during this period. Approach your financial dealings with patience, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
Financial Don’ts During Mercury Retrograde
1. Don’t Sign New Contracts or Make Major Purchases: Avoid entering into any binding agreements, buying a new car, or investing in new technology during this time. If you must proceed, double-check every detail.
2. Don’t Make Impulsive Financial Decisions: Emotional spending or hasty investments can lead to regret. Take time to think through any significant financial moves, and avoid making decisions on a whim.
3. Don’t Start New Financial Ventures: This isn’t the best time to launch a new business or start a major investment project. Wait until after Mercury Retrograde to ensure clear communication and stable planning.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Emergency Fund: Unexpected expenses can arise during Mercury Retrograde. Ensure your emergency fund is well-stocked to cover any surprises without derailing your financial plans.
5. Don’t Overlook Technology Issues: Be aware that technology glitches are common during Mercury Retrograde. Regularly backup your financial data and ensure all your devices are functioning properly to avoid disruptions.
6. Don’t Let Fear Dictate Your Decisions: Mercury Retrograde can stir up anxiety, but avoid letting fear drive your financial choices. Stay grounded, seek advice if needed, and trust your financial strategies.
Remember, Mercury Retrograde is a time to slow down, reassess, and prepare for the future. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll not only protect your Wallet and finances during this period but also set the stage for a stronger financial future.
