Can we celebrate birthdays without borrowing money?

Parents want to see their kids happy on their birthday. But does it mean spending a lot or getting into debt just to celebrate this occasion?

A couple of years ago, my wife and I were invited by a friend to his child’s 7th Year birthday. During the event, the first thing we noticed was that entire preparation was quite expensive for someone earning a meager salary. We assumed, though, that the couple must have saved enough for the event or maybe one of the boy’s godparents sponsored the party.

So, we just enjoyed the program and before we left, greeted the birthday boy and thanked the family for the invitation. In passing, I told my friend, “Pre, ok ka mag-ipon ha… medyo mahal ang venue na ito!” (You’re good with saving money… this venue is expensive!”).

He scratched his head and remarked in a low voice, “Pre, buti nga naka-utang kami para sa birthday nitong batang ‘to” (It’s good that we were able to borrow money for this child’s birthday).

I was really tempted to tell him that he made a bad choice. Fortunately, my wife was already squeezing my hand to prevent me from blurting out a careless comment. I’m glad she did, and we walked out in good terms with everyone.

Seriously, though, it is not wise to spend beyond our means just for a birthday party. Does it mean that we have to set aside family celebrations? No. However, it does not mean we should resort to borrowing money just to hold the event we want.

Why? It only adds to your debt, reduces your income, and affects the other important expenditures of the family.

A good solution is to save ahead for special occasions and stick to the budget. Also, we can make the event less costly. In fact, a simple meal at home with cake and ice cream, accompanied by jokes and funny stories, would be very meaningful for our children to remember for a long time.

After all, it’s not the food, the guests, or the party lights that count, but the blessing of family and seeing your child adding another year to his or her life.