Libby Hill

Dear Libby,

My friends have a lot more money than I do. It’s not a problem like they’re snobby about it or anything; it’s just that I feel bad about it.

One of their favorite weekend activities is hitting a movie in the theater, then going out to eat at a sit-down restaurant. Sometimes we go bowling or head downtown for some drinks.

I think all of this is fun, but I can’t really afford it. They’re always encouraging me to come, saying it’s not a big deal for them to cover my ticket or grab my tab at the end of the night. Sometimes I let them and I feel really guilty.

I don’t want to stop socializing with these people, but I don’t want to be a burden for them.

I really don’t have time for a second job, and I need the money I have for groceries, and rent.

-Broke Buddy

Dear Broke,

Being broke sucks, believe me, I know and while it sounds like your friends really care about you and truly want to help you out, I understand your hesitance about taking them up on their offers. You do have options though.

For instance, plan some fun activities ahead of time like a board game tournament or a movie marathon of movies you and your friends already own.

And if that doesn’t work you’ll just have to start telling your friends no. Eventually they’ll get the picture.

Libby can help you! Ask her at [email protected].