DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom is gearing up for her next big step in life -- RETIREMENT! She couldn’t be more excited, and my siblings and I are so happy for her.
So much has been going on in my own life, it didn’t cross my mind to plan a proper celebration for her. Earlier this week, my older sister reached out and asked if we should throw a shindig, invite all her friends and surprise my mom after she works her last day. I think the idea is spectacular! The only problem is that I can’t quite afford to throw any kind of blowout right now. My siblings don’t know that, and I am too embarrassed to tell them. How can I help make this time special for my mom without exposing my own financial struggles? -- Celebrating on a Budget
DEAR CELEBRATING ON A BUDGET: It is essential that you own your situation and speak up. Tell your siblings how excited you are about the idea of surprising your mother with a party. Offer to do as much as you can to make it special, and say upfront that you have limited resources right now. Tell them how much money you can offer, as painful as it may be to say out loud. If you don’t tell them, they can’t know and may make assumptions about what you will contribute. In lieu of dollars, offer time, creativity and sweat equity.