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Not until I fully semi-retired did I realize the term of being "on a fixed income." Of course, it is my personal choice to no longer put in 40-hours or more per week. So when I consider my retirement income, I have to make wiser choices in the spending category.
That doesn't mean I don't indulge in an occasional lunch or dinner out. But just because I am limited in my spending doesn't mean I have changed how I treat others who serve the public.
Even before the COVID pandemic caused us to retreat to the supposed safety of our homes and curb our eating-out spending, I believed it was only right to properly tip servers, delivery folks and others who rely on tips to fill out their earnings.
If I can't afford to tip, and in many cases, over tip, then I should stay home. It's not fair to those who rely on that little extra cash at the end of the day.
I have found that there are many workers who are greatly surprised and grateful for being tipped. Even a $1 tip to the fast food line worker seems to be especially appreciated.
Recently I had a discussion with several friends on the topic of tipping. Among our collective questions were: Who should you tip? How much should you tip? Can you give gift cards rather than cash?
We all agreed that wait staff and delivery workers in the food business expect and should receive tips. However, a truly bad experience in a restaurant could affect the amount of tip that is extended. Just remember that many businesses have worker shortages, and not everything can be blamed on your server if something goes awry.
Bartenders and baristas also should be high on your list of those to tip. Also, your barber or stylist appreciates a little extra coin in their tills.
What about other delivery workers? Yes, we agreed that the guys who delivered your new washer or sofa could use a tip to cover their lunch. The same for moving company workers who go the extra mile to assure your belongings get to you safely and intact.
Gift cards in lieu of cash might be the way to go, especially during the holiday gift-giving season. Some businesses do not allow workers to accept cash tips but look the other way if gift cards are provided. Think about your trash collector or postal worker. They might appreciate a gift card when holiday spending tightens their own budgets.
From an early age, I learned to appreciate the value of a dollar, especially when I earned 50 cents an hour checking baskets at Oglebay's swimming pool. A dollar may not go as far as it used to, but you just make someone's day a little better if you share yours with others.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.