Dear Annie: I recently started planning a joint destination birthday celebration with a dear friend. There are a few other women invited to join us in celebrating a milestone birthday. We are very much looking forward to it and have been talking about it for a few years.

I booked the accommodation after all women agreed they could attend. The per person cost is not exorbitant; however, it could be a bit more than some are comfortable with.

Since I booked it, I messaged the group and asked each person to reimburse me their share. But there have been a few who said things like, “Money is a little tight right now, can I send it next month?”

I have the funds and am willing to cover the entire cost of the accommodation for the group, because I just want to celebrate with these people and not cause them any financial hardship.

I’m afraid they won’t take me up on this and will just fight me on it. I also feel bad I didn’t just offer this from the beginning.

Is there something I can say to convince them to just let me treat them to the cost of the accommodation?

They will still have to buy flights and meals and such, and I know it can be a lot to people in this economy and at their current stages of life.

Thanks for your advice. — More Money More Problems

Dear More Money More Problems: Just tell them that you have decided to cover the cost of accommodations.

People are allowed to change their minds, especially in an act of generosity.

It is very nice of you to want to treat your friends, and I’m sure they will be grateful.

Happy birthday, and I hope you all have a wonderful celebration.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].