5 guidelines for holiday tipping

Holiday tips are a way to thank the people who make your life easier. So why is it so hard to figure out whom to tip and how much?

Guides published by etiquette experts don’t always agree on what’s appropriate. What people actually do is another matter altogether.

Only about half of Americans give any holiday tips, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey, and those who do tip often give less than the amounts recommended by etiquette experts. For example, 56 percent of those who had housekeepers gave them a tip, and the median amount was $50. The manners mavens at the Emily Post Institute suggests the tip equal the cost of one visit, which according to HomeAdvisor averages at $167.

In my latest for the Associated Press, some guidelines that may help you decide whom to tip, and how.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 reasons to be petrified of Bitcoin. Also in the news: A ‘Born Spender’ goes on a spending fast, how to stop your grown kids from ruining your retirement, and how to hide gifts from your partner when you share bank accounts.

3 Reasons to Be Petrified of Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency reaches an all-time high.

How I Ditched Debt: ‘Born Spender’ Goes on a Spending Fast
Changing their ways.

How To Stop Your Grown Kids From Ruining Your Retirement
Protecting your future.

How to Hide Gifts From Your Partner When You Share Bank Accounts
Tips for holiday giving.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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A Good Retirement Savings Option for the Self-Employed
Consider a Solo 401(k).

Study: These Jobs Could Mark You as a Risk for Late Payments on Personal Loans
Is yours on the list?

Ask These Questions Before Giving a Cell Phone This Season
What you need to know before making a purchase.

The Financial Perks of Not Celebrating Christmas
The upside to being The Grinch.

Gift cards aren’t gifts

gift-cardsIf it’s the thought that counts, then gift cards don’t count much at all.

They’re popular, granted. Six out of 10 people responding to National Retail Federation surveys this year said they wanted to receive gift cards for the holidays, and more than half said they planned to give them.

The rest of us may think of gift cards as a cop-out. Gift cards are what you give when you don’t have a clue what makes the recipient tick and can’t trouble yourself to find out.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why it makes more sense to give cash this holiday season instead of gift cards, and why the search for the perfect gift still matters.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

iStock_000087400741_SmallToday’s top story: Why to avoid financial planning over the holidays. Also in the news: What President Trump will mean for mortgage rates, things banks and credit unions do that you don’t know about, and how waiting for Black Friday deals can really pay off.

Why to Avoid Financial Planning Over the Holidays
Don’t add stress on top of stress.

What the Trump Effect Means for Mortgage Rates Next Year and 5 Years From Now
What will happen to your mortgage under President Trump.

4 Things Banks and Credit Unions Do You Might Not Know About
Be informed.

Turns Out, You Really Can Save Big on Black Friday
Some deals are worth waiting for.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Pile of Credit CardsToday’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for November. Also in the news: How credit card rewards can help pay for the holidays, what to do if your parents don’t have a retirement plan, and the pros and cons of a joint checking account with your parents.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for November 2016
Preparing for holiday spending.

How Credit Card Rewards Can Help Pay for the Holidays
Every little bit counts.

What to Do If Your Parents Don’t Have a Retirement Plan
An important conversation.

Helping out Mom or Dad with a joint checking account? Watch out
The pros and cons.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

635515781002297417-D12-PRIMES-GRINCH-30-3881065Today’s top story: An identity theft checklist for the holidays. Also in the news: How to save for retirement while paying off student loans, defending yourself against financial bullies, and 25 ways to improve your finances in 2016.

Your Holiday Identity Theft Checklist
Beware the identity theft Grinch.

5 Ways To Save For Retirement While Paying Off Your Student Loans
It’s not impossible.

5 Ways to Defend Yourself Against Financial Bullies
Stand your ground.

25 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016
Every bit helps.

Want better holiday deals? Try haggling
It can’t hurt!

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Re-Evaluating your airline miles credit cards. Also in the news: Saving money on school expenses, avoiding awkward money conversations at the holiday dinner table, and finding the best life insurance plan to fit your needs.

Do You Need to Re-Evaluate Your Airline Miles Credit Cards?
Changes to several programs has made some frequent travelers unhappy.

How to Save More Money on School Expenses
Don’t let school supplies drain your wallet.

How to Navigate Awkward Money Conversations at Your Family’s Holiday Dinner
AKA “How to avoid a food fight.”

Tips for Picking the Right Life Insurance Plan
Making sure your plan best suits your needs.

Will FlexScore Replace Credit Scores?
A new way of determining credit worthiness is on the horizon.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Credit card backgroundToday’s top story: Four credit card strategies to get you through the holidays. Also in the news: Bank of America teams up with Khan Academy, how to recover from a setback in retirement planning, and how to make saving money a little less painful.

4 Holiday Credit Card Strategies
Don’t go into holiday shopping without a battle plan.

Tips for Recovering from a Financial Setback in Retirement
Don’t let a momentary setback derail your long term goals.

Khan Academy Teams Up with Bank of America
The duo will offer personal finance lessons.

5 Big Budgeting Mistakes Most People Make
Tracking your actual expenses is absolutely crucial.

5 Ways to Make Saving Money a Little Easier
Simple tips to take the sting out of saving money.