Hey Sal,
All of my friend’s b-days land around the same time of year. That means lots of parties (yay!), but also lots of money spending. One girl is having a nice dinner out, another is arranging a girl’s night at a hotel in the city, and two others are having parties. The only problem is: I’m totally strapped for cash. These are my best friends though, so how do I celebrate, without going overboard? Help!
- Beth, Wicker Park

Beth,

It’s easy to celebrate your friends - without giving your checking account a birthday spanking - but you’ve just got to be smart about it. God knows we’ve all been there (why on earth does everyone insist on making babies around the holidays, resulting in August births/birthdays a plenty?) and when times are tight, you have to get a little creative.

It’s miserable, and may start a rumor that you’re anorexic; but, eat before the dinner and limit the amount of alcohol you have there. It’s easy to let the tab run away from you, so throw a power bar in your purse and get something small. And always, always, always - bring cash so you’re not looped into paying for other people’s extravagance when it comes time to “split” the check. Note: at birthday dinners my friends and I always split the cost of the birthday girl’s meal, so plan for that in your budget.

As for the parties, plan on attending and give gifts that are thoughtful, rather than expensive: Cookies (even slice-and-bakes will do), framed photos of you and said friend (grab a cute frame from T.J. Maxx or Marshalls), or invite them over for dinner later in the month (this is cheaper, and gives you some time before you have to deliver).

One final note, I know you mention these are all your best friends, but what’s the gift exchange policy with each of them? I know I have very close friends who don’t give gifts. They just don’t. If one of your friends isn’t a practicing gift giver, follow their lead. Don’t waste your money, get them a nice card, and call it a day.
There are plenty of ways to make this work while still accomplishing the main objective of making your friends feel special on their big days. You just need to be creative.

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