Hiring a marachi band for my husband's first-ever birthday party wasn't in my budget, but I did it anyway — and I've never been more sure of my approach to money

• I barely had any money, but I wanted to give my husband a nice birthday surprise even if it was hard.
• If I'd listened to financial advice, I never would've been willing to take the plunge.
• The future is more uncertain than ever, and I'm glad I lived for the present.

It December 22, just a few hours before the clock struck midnight. It marked another trip around the sun for my husband, Francisco. I was texting with Gerardo, the front man of a seven-member mariachi group. Was his band available to play a house party in just 24 hours?