Great Expectations is what I'm gonna have gotten myself into.
I'm doing cakes for free as gifts for family friends, but if someone EXPECTS that I make a cake for their special event, how do I go about telling them that it's going to cost them, when it didn't cost their friends anything?
You gave some as gifts and if someone has to ask for something its not a gift. You have the right to give gifts to some or all of your family friends without another person, no matter how close, to expect the same. Good luck and you have some lucky friends. Personal gifts like you're doing are wonderful.
Thanks! And welcome to CC!
I just don't want them to EXPECT that they are getting it for free. Like asking for it and not even considering giving a payment. I don't want it to be awkward. I mean if they THINK they are going to get it for free, how do I break the news? 
Circumstances change.
Now that I'm retired, I can't afford (literally) to be as generous as I would like (or as I used to be).
If you're willing to supply the talent and labor for free; I think that paying for the ingredients, etc. is a real deal for a toothsome and pretty cake.
I would hope that a reasonable friend knows you're not making money by gifting your cakes - and after a certain point, unlimited gifting becomes a serious drain on your finances.
Your generosity is unlimited, unfortunately, your income is not!
BTW, I think GE is my least favorite CD novel. But I can really get into A Tale of Two Cities. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Sounds like now, don't you think?
P.S. At the time the cake is requested, I would express my enthusiasm and delight..and say something along the lines of:
"I'm happy to MAKE the cake for free, if you can supply the cost of the ingredients."
Circumstances change.
Now that I'm retired, I can't afford (literally) to be as generous as I would like (or as I used to be).
If you're willing to supply the talent and labor for free; I think that paying for the ingredients, etc. is a real deal for a toothsome and pretty cake.
I would hope that a reasonable friend knows you're not making money by gifting your cakes - and after a certain point, unlimited gifting becomes a serious drain on your finances.
Your generosity is unlimited, unfortunately, your income is not!
BTW, I think GE is my least favorite CD novel. But I can really get into A Tale of Two Cities. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Sounds like now, don't you think?
Lol. 
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