Ever find yourself dreaming of dancing dollar signs while deep in sleep? It’s not unusual. “Money is linked with our struggle to survive,” says Tony Crisp, author of Dream Dictionary. “As a symbol, it’s about how much of a struggle we have to put out in the world to exist.” It’s worth paying attention to your money dreams — they can help you interpret your deepest emotions and give you insight into what’s really going on in your life. Here’s how to figure out five of the most common dreams:

THE DREAM: Winning the lottery

WHAT IT MEANS: Good news! Dreaming you’ve struck it rich can be a sign that unexpected money is headed your way. More realistically, it also can indicate that you’re about to get what you want in a related aspect of your waking life, explains Rosemary Ellen Guiley, dream work facilitator and author of The Dreamer’s Way: Using Proactive Dreaming to Heal and Transform Your Life.

Have you been working hard for something that you expect will soon pay off? “In real life, you’re feeling as if you’ve actually won the jackpot — your wishes are coming true, and this dream usually relates to ambitions, goals and career success,” she says. Even if mega-millions aren’t in your future, keep your goals in sight — a promotion at work (along with a salary hike) could be just around the corner.

THE DREAM: Finding money

WHAT IT MEANS: Maybe you recently realized you have more cash tucked away than you thought, but dreaming of finding cash also can relate to other things of value. “It’s possible that you have just discovered something valuable, such as an ability or an opportunity that will lead to excitement or a release of stress,” says Crisp.

Perhaps you found a vase in the attic that will bring in good money on eBay, or you discovered a talent that could earn you extra cash. Maybe you can sell those scarves you knitted all winter long, or use your language skills to tutor high school students on weekends — extra money can help you reduce your credit card debt or pay back your car loan faster and give you peace of mind.

THE DREAM: Losing your Wallet

WHAT IT MEANS: “Wallets are tied to our identity, so when you think you’ve lost everything, you’re largely powerless,” says Crisp. Are you currently facing a situation where you may need to ask others to lend you money or help you in some other way? “You may feel that you’ve lost the independence you had to afford what you used to buy,” Crisp explains. Guiley also notes that losing your wallet is a common dream for those experiencing big changes or turmoil in their lives. If you’ve been laid off recently or had higher expenses than usual, the powerlessness and insecurity you’re feeling might be what’s behind this particular dream.

THE DREAM: Giving money away to others

WHAT IT MEANS: If you felt like sharing your wealth, you’re feeling confident about your current financial situation. “You’re at ease economically and otherwise, and you may have the sense that you can gain more money even as you give some away,” says Crisp. Have you recently received an unexpected windfall from an elderly relative? Is the family business booming? Whatever the case may be, you’re at peace with the power of your money. If you’ve been thinking about renovating the kitchen or finishing your basement, this may be a good time to make an investment that will increase your home’s resale value.

THE DREAM: Being approached by a panhandler

WHAT IT MEANS: “If you donated money to a beggar reluctantly, it could be a sign that you’re spreading yourself too thin and giving away your resources too freely,” says Guiley. For example: Is your brother-in-law constantly asking to borrow money for his mortgage payments with no indication that he will write you a check anytime soon? This dream also could be a sign that getting what you need is difficult, and that giving anything away could be tough on you right now, explains Crisp. If you’re insecure about your money situation, resolve to spend only on what you absolutely need — and don’t let others borrow cash if they’ve proven unreliable about paying you back.