Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin - Holiday Tipping 101

Episode Date: December 20, 2021

Today, Nicole answers the question from a listener: “Do I really have to tip my super?” Tune in to find out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Well, it doesn't. Charge for wasting our time. I will take a check. Like an old school check. You recognize her from anchoring on CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg. The only financial expert you don't need a dictionary to understand. Nicole Lappin. Are we in the holiday spirit yet?

Are we filled with cheer and switching out our pumpkin bread for gingerbread? Of course we are. There are some things that are givens around the holidays, but there are also plenty of things that aren't as black and white or rather red and green, white and blue. Like this question we got from money rehabber Cameron. Hey, Nicole, it's Cameron from Brooklyn. My question for you is how much should I tip the people that work in my building? I was just talking to my friends about this. Some people, they've never tipped anything. Other people say they throw a hundred bucks. What should I tip the people that work in my building? I was just talking to my friends about this. Some people, they've never tipped anything.

Other people say they throw a hundred bucks. What should I do? Big fan. It's such a great question, Cameron. And I know I say that about all the questions we get, but we seriously do get the greatest questions here at Money Rehab. And this one, sir, is no exception. So let me settle this for your friend group. You do have to tip your doorman, and you have to tip your super. If you live in an apartment

building or condo complex, you probably have daily contact with your doorman, and your superintendent has probably gotten you out of some pretty sticky situations. It is standard to tip these folks around the holidays, but also don't you think you should? They really are the MVPs of your building. And so it's only right that you show them a little love around the holidays. Tipping varies widely by region, as rent does. So asking your neighbors, especially those who have lived in the building for a while, is a good way to figure out how much you should be tipping. If you're still not sure, calculate 5% of your monthly rent and offer that as a cash tip. Homemade gifts like cookies or candy are also a nice reminder that you appreciate the work

they do for your home. There are four other VIPs that I often get questions about around holiday giving etiquette. So let's turn these question marks into action items once and for all. Number one, personal employees. If you have a housekeeper, nanny, personal trainer, dog walker, or any other person who is regularly working in your home, they come first. The custom is to tip them a day's wages. But I also like the idea of giving them an extra day off if you can manage. After all, they probably have holiday shopping of their own to tackle. If you do go the cash route, tuck it inside a festive card with a thoughtful note from the whole family. Gift cards are also a nice gesture, but unless

you know their tastes, keep it generic. Visa or Target gift cards are usually a safe bet. Number two. Teachers. Don't tip your teacher or your child's teacher. Just don't. It's inappropriate for someone who is so intimately involved with your or your child's development and could even be seen as a bribe. Instead, opt for a small, thoughtful gift like a wall calendar or a plant for the classroom. And remember to keep it secular, especially if the teacher works at a public school. If you or your child has more than one teacher, it's completely acceptable to give a gift only to those who have had a particular impact or someone you have formed a close connection with. If you are going that route, just delicately imply to that teacher that the gift was a special gesture just for them.

Essentially, you don't want them going around bragging to other teachers that they're the favorite. Number three, servers and bartenders. Now, there's technically no Emily Post rule that more substantial tipping at restaurants or bars is necessary around the holidays. But of course, if you feel compelled, I would go right ahead. Remember, this is a hectic time of year for any waitstaff, so make sure to let them know in any which way, whether it's an extra note or extra money, that you appreciate their time and their service. Now, if you are going out on Christmas morning or on New Year's Eve Eve, then give them extra money. Don't be an asshole. Number four, mail carrier. You may not see him or her every day, but your mail carrier is probably the busiest person you know this time of year. Just remember that U.S. Postal Service regulations prohibit them from collecting a tip

or gift worth more than $25. A small cash tip left inside a holiday card is fine. I usually do a small cash tip left inside a holiday card and a little box of chocolate. I mean, it's so nice for them to open your mailbox only to find something addressed to them. Otherwise, leaving out brownies, candy canes, or other treats is always appreciated. For today's tip, you can take it straight to the bank. While it is absolutely true that it is the thought that counts, cash is a thought that counts the most. The people that work in your building definitely would appreciate homemade cookies. So would I.

But they probably need cash more than they need the carbs, right? After all, we all know that good old cash is the one size fits all gift that no one returns. So if your spending plan allows for it, show your appreciation with some cash. If your end of year spending plan is a little bit tight right now and you're having a hard time scraping cash together, listen to Money Rehab episode 173, Holiday Gifts That Won't Break the Bank. That's all for today's episode. Until next time, I'll be crossing my fingers that you made the nice list so you get some holiday gift love in return. nice list, so you get some holiday gift love in return.

Money Rehab is a production of iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Nicole Lappin. Our producers are Morgan Lavoie and Mike Coscarelli. Executive producers are Nikki Etor and Will Pearson. Our mascots are Penny and Mimsy. Huge thanks to OG Money Rehab team Michelle Lanz for her development work, Catherine Law for her production and writing magic, and Brandon Dickert for his editing, engineering, and sound design. And as always, thanks to you for finally investing in yourself so that you can get it together and get it all.