Sometimes You Have to Say No. Period.

Being financially responsible sometimes requires hard decisions.

One of my dearest friends is getting married in July. The wedding is cross country in a fairly swanky area. I love him very much, and I'm so very happy for him.

But the fact is that I can't afford to go. I can't afford the airfare to Malibu, and I definitely can't afford the hotel reservations.

I dreaded giving him the news. In fact, I avoided it for weeks. But it went well. He completely understood, much to my relief.

I love him, but I have to take care of myself first.

One day I'll be able to take such trips without worrying about my bottom line. Until then, though, sometimes I have to say no.