The number 4 symbolizes earthly reality, basic structure and orientation, and stability - think of the 4 seasons, 4 directions and 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 4 of Pentacles is often a card of being stable and balanced but also somewhat solitary and reserved.  It can describe a situation where someone is holding on to things, afraid of what will happen if she lets go.  This card is reversed which may be showing that it's time to let go of whatever you are holding on to.  

"You are privately taking action in order to create the kind of security you want to have.  You are doing whatever you need to do to feel safe, secure and stabilized.  You are connecting with the physical earth or taking other action related to feeling grounded and centered." - Gail Fairfield

Looking at the image on the Jane Austen Tarot I immediately knew it represented  when John Dashwood and his wife, Fanny, decided to severely reduce the inheritance left to John Dashwood's stepmother and half-sisters.  His wife encourages this measure by reminding him that they need to ensure there will be an inheritance for their child and that a reduced amount would still be enough to support Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters, despite the fact that their father requested the son care for his stepmother and half-sisters.  Thinking on this scene I am reminded that what can sometimes be seen as cheapness and greed may also represent a sense of fear and a desire to shore up defenses against future fiscal difficulties.  Even if we view the younger Mrs. Dashwood's motives in the most positive light, her desire to protect her son's inheritance, it's impact on her in-laws is negative.  

The negative aspect of this card is a need to hoard one's resources because of fear.  I think we've all been in situations which caused us to worry we would not have enough or lose what we have.  I spent my childhood in this state.  As a result I can be extremely frugal about some things.  I go through cycles of spending too much as though I'm storing it up for when I won't be able to afford it anymore and being so cheap that I'd rather walk 20 blocks than spend the money for a taxi.  In some ways this is more of an annoyance than a real problem.  

However perhaps this card is pointing out that there may be times when such a frugal approach to life ends up short-changing me.  Perhaps I have missed opportunities because I focus so much on financial issues that I miss the bigger picture.  Maybe by being a bit less frugal (just a bit), I will find myself exposed to opportunities that may prove worth more than money.  This is an area I need to spend more time considering because money can be such a touchy subject for me (and millions of other people).

I think part of my issue is that I see money and the ability to purchase what I want as a talisman.  As long as I can do that I don't have to worry about poverty.  Of course if I'm reckless in my spending (and I plead guilty to binges of fiscal irresponsibility) then I risk creating the very situation I most fear.  Let's face it - no one want to be poor.  However I have been poor and, although I do not like it, I know I can survive.  Of course a better approach might be taking steps now to avoid reaching that point.  Simple in concept, sometimes difficult to execute.