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If you think tipping has become out of control, you're not alone. "Tipflation" is invading more interactions in all kinds of places, from asking customers to tip at fast-food self-serve kiosks to being prompted when checking out at retailers where you rarely tipped before.
Deciding when tipping is necessary has become stressful, especially now that most people are looking for ways to lower financial stress and save money instead.
It's good practice to tip some workers, but don't feel guilty about skipping a tip for the following people.
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Anyone where the tip is already included
Some restaurants may automatically add a 20% tip for waitstaff, especially for large parties. Some restaurants may note that parties of six or more receive an automatic gratuity.
It may be a nice gesture to add a tip for extraordinary service or if you want to include a little extra, but you don't have to tip on top of one already included, especially if you're looking to stretch your restaurant budget.
Teachers
Your kids might have some great teachers you want to reward throughout the year for their work.
Specific times of the year, like the holidays or the end of the year, can be great opportunities to give a teacher a gift. Tips, however, are frowned upon and may violate employment rules for teachers.
Coaches
Like teachers, coaches also shouldn't be given tips after a sports season or at the end of the year.
Instead, consider a nice gift for a coach who has made a good impression on your kids and their teams.
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Medical staff
It can be tough if you spend time in the hospital and need care from nurses and doctors.
You may appreciate their work, but you don't need to tip them. Instead, consider leaving a positive review or sending a gift to show your appreciation.
Accountants
You may be pulling together all the documents you need to take to your accountant before the tax deadline, but you don't also have to bring cash.
Accountants may invoice you for their hourly work on your taxes or accounting documents, but they're still considered a professional position that doesn't require an additional tip.
Lawyers
Lawyers are like accountants in that they may charge you by the hour. But like accountants, they're also considered professional employees who don't need an additional tip.
You can reward lawyers in other ways, such as with gifts or other forms of appreciation, for the work they have done for you.
Package delivery workers
You might get plenty of packages from online retail sites to your home, or you may have a specific person who delivers things to your workplace.
Package delivery workers usually don't get tipped, so it's not another expense you have to incur after paying for shipping costs.
Cashiers when you pick up takeout
Ordering takeout on a Friday night from your favorite restaurant?
You probably want to tip your delivery driver if you choose to have food dropped off at your house. But you don't have to tip if you're doing the work of picking up the food yourself.
Bartenders at an open bar
You might go to a party or wedding with an open bar, which means you don't have to pay for drinks as the host is covering the cost.
The host is also probably covering the cost of the tip for open-bar service, so while there may be a tip jar on the bar, you don't have to tip the bartender.
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Buffet attendants
You might be used to tipping waiters for their service when they bring food to your table, refill water glasses, or handle other requests.
Buffet attendants also may serve you food, but you don't have to tip them like someone who comes to your table to help you.
Home services technicians
There may be plenty of times when a service technician, such as plumbers, electricians, or HVAC technicians, comes to your house.
Technicians don't usually expect a tip, so skip that cost after paying a technician to repair or maintain different systems in your home.
Workers in other countries
Traveling can be a great way to see the world and learn about other cultures, including learning which cultures tip and which don't.
It's a good idea to do some research before you visit another country to see what kind of tipping culture they might have, as some places may not tip at all.
Government workers
Government workers may be helpful when renewing your license at the Department of Motor Vehicles or approving building permits in your local government office.
It's a good idea to avoid tipping these types of workers. It's not necessary, and depending on the official you're tipping, it could be perceived as a bribe.
Salary workers
A good rule of thumb is to tip workers who rely on hourly wages, such as waiters or housekeepers.
Don't worry about tipping anyone in a position that is usually a salaried job with an annual wage where workers may not be as reliant on extra cash.
Flight attendants
Flight attendants may serve you food on your next travel adventure, but that doesn't mean you have to tip them the same way you tip a waiter.
Flight attendants are not dependent on tips, and some airlines may even forbid them from accepting tips from flyers.
Bottom line
Tipping may be good etiquette in some circumstances and required in others, but you don't always have to tip whenever you're asked.
Instead, consider saving that money. And don't forget to use one of the best cash back credit cards so you can earn extra perks or points from the purchase.
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