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Queen of Free: Budgeting for birthday gifts

On 13Sunrise this Sunday, Cherie shared some ideas and strategies for helping celebrate birthdays without breaking the bank buying expensive gifts.

INDIANAPOLIS — We all like to celebrate milestones in the lives of those important to us. But birthdays – and birthday gifts in particular – can be expensive, as Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free explains. 

On 13Sunrise this Sunday, Cherie shared some ideas and strategies for helping celebrate birthdays without breaking the bank buying expensive gifts.

In her weekly blog, Cherie said pulling back on spending can start with a difficult conversation. That just means talking to the special people in your life about limited means. But don't wait to have this talk right before a birthday when expectations have already formed.

Instead of spending money on "stuff," try to spend time forming "moments" together that will be remembered longer. Time can also be spent on a project like cleaning or organizing something as your gift.

Birthdays are constant, but they still somehow sneak up on us. So Cherie keeps a "birthday box" for kids parties that contains items bought on clearance like toys, jewelry, candles and craft items that can serve as last-minute gifts when an invitation shows up.

Cherie also buys occasion cards in bulk for birthdays, weddings, funerals and anniversaries. But writing a personal note will likely be more appreciated.

A $5 card is perfect for a child's birthday gift. Target is one of Cherie's favorite because the recipient can "find just about anything." Or, for a person who has enough "stuff," consider a donation in their name to something they support.

Watch Cherie's full segment on 13Sunrise in the video player:

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