Q: I’m a single mother of two teenagers. This past year, I have been struggling financially. I am working full-time and part-time jobs and can barely make my monthly expenses. My sons have birthdays coming up, but I just can’t see how I can afford the things on their wish lists. How can I help them have happy birthdays this year without all the presents?

Jim: There’s no doubt about it: Times are tough. Your question moves me because it reminds me of my own mom. Like you, she was single, and she had to sacrifice and scrape just to put food on the table for me and my four siblings.

When it comes to their impending birthdays, I’d recommend sitting your sons down and explaining the situation honestly. Let them know that there just isn’t money in the budget for big-ticket items this year. Offer some budget-friendly alternatives. They’re old enough to not have the same sense of entitlement that a toddler would have. Your love for them and your desire to give them a happy birthday will likely mean more than any present.