Thank you for participating. I really like the direction you are going.
The point behind the loving in the red is that one is spending more than they are making and is required to borrow to satisfy their obligations. The point behind living on the black is that one has a surplus of income and can pay all obligations.
I think #10 is the best representation, however, the gradiation from red to black appears to be reversed. I would like to see the angle increase form left to right rather than decrease from left to right. In that same vein, I would like to see a geadiation
You have the angle correct, however, the color is reversed. The lowest part of the symbol should be red and the transition should be to black. The intent being that as one's income increases they move out of the red into the black.
I would prefer a fade or gradual change in the text as well rather than an abrupt change. For instance, the "X" can start off black gradually changing to red. As you move from the "x" to the "E", the "E" would continue the fade from black to red, ending up completely red. The effect would probably work better if the text were closer and maybe bolder. (just a thought)
When both of them are together, the symbol would start off red and fade to black; the text would start off black and fade to red.