Hi, Carolyn: I don't make a lot of money, but I budget down to the penny so I can afford things I want, like travel.

Good friends of mine in particular have had weddings, showers, surprise parties, baptisms, etc., with no end in sight.

Cheapskate?: Budget for friends as things you want?

If you don't want to bring a side dish, don't.

Re: Cheapskate: I realized I hate bridal showers and baby showers and no longer attend them.

I love my friends, but I'm tired of getting them a bridal shower gift, bachelorette novelty gift, a wedding gift, a baby shower gift.

Concerned about the number of gifts she was losing out on, my sister guilt-tripped a friend into hosting a SECOND BRIDAL SHOWER potluck.

So I had to bring another gift and a dish.

If I ever get married there will be no bridal shower.