The four of pentacles is on the surface a simple card speaking of the line between saving vs hoarding, stability vs scarcity and security vs insecurity. It tells you to be aware of that line and of where you genuinely are on the spectrum.
At it's most positive, it tells you that you are about to reap the rewards of what you've been squirrelling away or that now is the time to start saving.
However, this card (like most others) goes far deeper and reminds you that holding on to old trauma is still hoarding and that maybe it's time to let them go. It asks you to look at the boundaries you hold and to assess them. Boundaries are incredibly important to healthy relationships however are yours not enough to protect you, or are you, in an attempt to guard yourself against repeating old hurts, drawing up boundaries that are unreasonable and will lead to isolation and loneliness.
What are you truly guarding against and is your need for control holding you back?
Squirrels are know as great hoarders - collecting food to last them through the cold months and hiding it from others. Not surprisingly, squirrels have also been found to not have the best memories and so many of these hoards are lost and end up germinating and becoming new trees. In this way, ensure that you don't miss opportunities that may come up because you're too afraid of letting go of your hoard, it's there to provide for your future, just make sure that you've got enough to also keep you comfortable for the winter. Squirrels are also fiercely territorial and protective of their nests (called drays) , and although they don't usually live communally, if there is a threat, they shout their alarm to warn any others in the area (including other species) to be aware and find safety, this hearkens to Ratatoskr in Norse Mythology who runs up and down the world tree, Yggdrasil delivering messages between the Eagle who pearches at the top and the Serpent coiled in it's roots, unfortuately this also includes slanderous gossip which means that Ratatoskr is frequently not believed when he brings genuine news.
The squirrel teaches us to look after our own, but not at the expense of our relationships and community and to learn when we should be planting trees rather than saving acorns.