<prompt> Human: I planned to meet my mom in DC for my brothers graduation in July. She and I dont live in the same state. She just told me she booked a hotel thats over 200night for 4 nights which I know she cant responsibly afford and neither can I and wants me to look for flights so she can fly to me and then we fly up together. I never even planned to fly because I can drive there and back for 80 of gas! She was so excited to tell me I didnt have the heart to tell her I dont want to fly and she shouldnt have booked a hotel without us shopping around. This is NOT in my budget, and Im still in the build a 1000 emergency fund stage while simultaneously saving for a move in August. Just stressed out...Edit: I didnt actually expect anyone to reply with practical advice as I was just frantically typing, so thank you all!With a calmer mind and heart rate, Im going to take some of the advice. Im waiting for my mom to send me the hotel info so I can find out if its refundable. Tomorrow, Im going to compare some pricing for airbnb vs hotel, driving and parking costs vs flying, and Im sure theres a thread for freecheap things to do in DC. Once I know for sure what I can afford, Im going to tell her what my limit is, plan with that, and enjoy myself within the limit I set, and no more.  <response>: Hotels in DC are expensive and 200 may actually be a great rate. If she cant afford that you may need to think about staying outside DC and taking the metro in more added expense though.I would just flat out tell her you plan on driving to save money. If you stay in DC parking is extremely expensive. This may be another good reason to stay outside DC and taking the metro. 