HOLIDAY TIP BREAKDOWN

The baby sitter, the newspaper person, the guy who shovels your walk, the mail carrier, the UPS guy, the Fedex gal, the nanny, the day school teacher, your car mechanic, and on and on it goes. It's that time of year again. Do they all deserve a Christmas tip? If so, how much? Do you give a Christmas tip if they aren't Christian? Do you give a Christmas tip when you're not Christian?

Lots to figure out here and these days it's more of a minefield than ever. Let's start with some basics. It isn't a Christmas tip. Consider it an end of year tip. It's for good service received and for future service. Yes, Virginia, in some cases the tip is almost a bribe, but that's the way it is. Even if the service was poor, stiffing someone is a bad idea. If you skip the tip and never say anything, they'll just think you're cheap or ignorant or some derogative combination. It's also bad because many people rely on end of year tips. Consider who is getting these tips. It isn't high paid executives or wealthy heiresses. It's regular working stiffs, and these days being a working stiff isn't all it is cracked up to be.

Honestly, the Frugal Yankee doesn't know all the ins and outs of this tipping quandary. When I try figure this out, it almost makes my head explode. What is the correct amount? Will I under tip? Will I over tip?

Since I'm a savvy Frugal Yankee, I know it's time to ask an expert. Luckily for us we such an expert, Jodi Smith from Mannersmith.com.

We asked for help and she kindly assented. We recently aired our conversation You can hear a podcast the entire conversation by going to HOLIDAY TIP BREAKDOWN on our site, FrugalYankee.com. Here are some highlights.

Get prepared. Before you start filling envelopes with checks or cash, make a list. Who are you tipping? Then put numbers next to the names and make a budget. Start this right after Thanksgiving.

You need to determine the correct amounts. Jodi's web site, www.Mannersmith.com has help. Here's her very useful list.

Be sure you can give a tip. Some business, notably the US Postal Service, will not allow their personnel to receive cash, and they limit the dollar value of a gift. A little research may be in order for the people on your list.

Another tip on tipping, if you give cash or gift certificate, hand it directly to the person it is intended for. Sad to say, sometimes cash and gift certificates fall into the wrong hands.

I have more tips and ideas at our web site, Frugal Yankee.com.