HOLIDAY GIFT
Guide
TIPS FOR TIPPING AND BUDGETING FOR HOLIDAY GRATUITIES.
COURTESY OF METRO NEWS SERVICE
the rate of spending during the holiday is any indication, generosity is in full force come the end of the year. During their second annual holiday debt survey, the financial resource MagnifyMoney found consumers who took on debt during the 2016 holiday season started the New Year an average of $1,003 in the red. That marks an increase of 1.7 percent over 2015. Rather than finding themselves in debt again next January, shoppers inclined to use their credit cards this holiday season must recognize the importance of budgeting for all holiday expenses —including those that may not immediately come to mind, such as gratuities for service providers. Gratuities are gestures of kindness and appreciation during the holiday season. Although gratuities are not entirely necessary, many etiquette experts say certain people, particularly those who provide year-round services, are worthy of a little extra money this time of year. Consider thank-you notes for those people who don't land on this year's gratuity list. The following is a list of service workers whose efforts throughout the year are typically worthy of gratuities come the holiday season.
POSTAL WORKERS: Postal workers face the elements each and every day to make sure letters and packages arrive on time. Their work is made even more challenging during the rush of the holiday season, when mail flow increases considerably. The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash gifts, but gift cards or other tokens of appreciation can be fitting. NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON: Gift the equivalent of one month of the subscription price, which may be between $10 and 30. 42 • 2017 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE by Bangor Metro & Bangor Daily News
PHOTOS: LENTA, NERTHUZ/THINKSTOCK
Plan for HOLIDAY GRATUITIES If
