Terrell Owens — Birthday on a Budget

Terrell Owens turns 38 today … and he’s getting wiser with age … because instead of dropping a fortune on a birthday blowout … the financially strapped football star has decided to celebrate on the cheap.

For years, T.O. would spend thousands of dollars to honor his special day with high-end bashes all over the country.

But now that he’s low on green … Owens has decided to do the responsible thing … and have a low-key birthday dinner with his GF and some close friends.

Owens has been telling friends he feels “humbled” by his recent financial troubles … insisting he’s “more grateful for those that love him and have stayed in his corner.”

As for his future in the NFL … we’re told T.O. is still confident he’ll be back in the league by the end of the year.