Finances

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It seems that, because of a late fee from an automated video rental agency, we're going to be struggling this month and with our daughter's birthday around the corner, we're not able to give her the birthday party she deserves.

But...

a couple of weeks ago, we had a $700 shot in the arm, we've both quit smoking and for cripes sake, she's an avid couponer! We should be more in the black than in the red. I just don't understand.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Maybe you could have a birthday potluck, and have your friends each bring something tasty they have made to share. How old is your daughter? Kids just want to play and have fun with their friends and eat sugar, they can enjoy something that doesn't involve huge amounts of cash or expensive presents.

What kind of birthday are you wanting to throw her? As in, which elements are important?

Also, sometimes I get my OWN wants for my Son's parties confused with HIS wants...She may not want/need all the things that you think she deserves anyway. There will be other years when you will be able to do something fancier I am sure

And yes, a lot of kids just like catching up in a park and running around together, and you can come up with all sorts of free/cheap games, and then only need to pay for some food ? (most kids don't eat that much anyway, and you don't have to cater for any parents if you don't want, apparently they don't expect that (I always cater for them and they never seem to think that that is normal ?)

How old will she be?

Oh, and I totally hear you on the finances side, it is so hard

We/I just wanted to have a good time, have refreshments for everyone who came, have a few more gifts than what we already have for her.. We got her a bike with training wheels, a Rapunzel dress and wig and a basket of goodies.

We wanted to bring her to an amusement park, the beach and the mall on her birthday proper - we need to have a party the previous weekend because her birthday falls on a workday.

She'll be 5. She just lost her first tooth the other day and she's learning how to read and write! I'm so proud!

Congrats about all her progress with her tooth, and reading and writing - it is amazing to be see it all isn't it?

Wow, you have huge ideas for her birthday/party! I understand the excitement But if it is causing you such stress financially, maybe just go to the beach as it doesn't cost anything?
I always set my standards for my Son's bday party too high also, and in the end have discovered that they don't need a massive party with tonnes of things to do, they really are just happy playing with each other. My Son barely remembers being 5, and he is only now 7yo I have stressed myself out majorly every single year with his parties, whereas he is such an easy going kid, in a way, it was ME that I throwing the party for, if that makes sense?

Can you ask her what she would like? Which aspects are you struggling to afford?

Also, if you act disappointed with what you provide her, then she will think it is all bad. If you act excited, and talk it up, whatever it is, she can get caught up in that and be happy, regardless