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Saving for the engagement ring is only half the battle. Once you’ve agreed to a date to tie the knot, you’ll need to start estimating your costs for the big day. The average wedding cost more than 30k in 2019, according to Wedding Wire. If you spent $30K+ on your wedding costs, you would be spending the amount of money 48% of American workers earn in a year.

And with couples underestimating their wedding costs by a staggering 45%, it is easy to see why couples are overwhelmed with the monetary requirements of a modern-day wedding. With so many details, most couples are looking for ways they can save money and still feel like royalty on the big day.

While some costs are fixed if you are having a traditional wedding with guests, you can save on other costs by thinking outside the box or reaching out to friends and family for help. It is possible to have the wedding of your dreams without spending the down payment for your future home.

Check out our in-depth guide below to help you prioritize your wedding costs. Plus, we share our favorite money-saving hacks.

How Wedding Costs Changed Over the Years

According to BuzzFeed, a 1974 wedding held in San Francisco a few days after Christmas cost $2,000. The $2,000 total included a traditional ceremony at Grace Cathedral, a large church in the heart of San Francisco. The guest list included 300 attendees, a cocktail reception at Marine’s Memorial Club (a historic San Francisco hotel), and a 5-tier cake from a local baker. Plus, it included engraved wedding invites, a professional photographer, flowers, and wedding attire.

Adjusted for inflation, the same $2,000 wedding cost in 1974 would be equivalent to $10,000 in 2017. However, after recreating the 1974 wedding, the actual cost today would be over $47,000, a 370% increase.

After researching the costs, this massive increase is largely due to the growth of the wedding industry. With $72 billion spent annually, a wedding day is more than a celebration, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Professional services who link arms with the wedding industry including photographers, bakers, and stationery companies continue to raise their costs to accommodate wedding couples who are willing to pay for unique, personalized touches. From photo booths and live bands to lavish destination weddings, the possibilities are endless and so are the costs.

Who is Paying?

Traditionally the bride’s family covers the majority of the wedding costs, while the groom’s family chips in for extras like the rehearsal dinner. However, today it is socially acceptable for the bride and groom to pay for their wedding, especially if they have lived together for a significant time.

75% of couples paid for at least part of their wedding in 2017, according to the Brides American Wedding Study. However, in 2018, the number of couples decreased to 58% that chipped in for the big day. This decrease in financial involvement from the bride and groom suggests that the trend may be headed back in their parents’ direction.

The lack of financial stability among couples is largely in part to going over budget. While some couples are forced to pull back and skip the extras, other couples are asking mom and dad for help. To alleviate stressful family discussions about financial responsibilities, use the below suggestions as a starting point to help keep your budget on track.

Bride’s family financial responsibilities:

• The wedding gown
• The photographer and videographer
• The wedding ceremony, decor, flowers
• The reception venue, food, music, wedding cake, and drinks

Groom’s family financial responsibilities:

• Rehearsal dinner
• Wedding gift

Bride’s financial responsibilities:

• Wedding ring for the groom
• Wedding gift(s) for the groom
• Gift(s) for bridesmaids
• Hair and makeup

Groom’s financial responsibilities:

• Engagement ring
• Marriage license
• Officiant fee
• Gift(s) for groomsmen
• Honeymoon

Average Wedding Costs (most expensive to least)

• Reception Venue $6,700-$15,000

The cost of the reception venue includes a series of miscellaneous charges that can add up quickly. In addition to the venue rental fee, be prepared to pay for an open bar, catered food, table, chair, and linen rentals.

To save money consider booking the reception venue during a non-peak day or month, opting for a cash bar or cheaper alcohol options, buffet-style meal and skipping upgrades like chair covers, large centerpieces, and fine china.

• Catering $6,700+ ($70 per person)

If food is not included in your venue fee, be prepared to pay up if you want a gourmet meal with waiters. If a formal dinner isn’t important to you, there are several ways to save some green.

Know your budget

Know your total budget for catering before you meet with the caterer. If your budget doesn’t match your food preferences, the caterer may be able to provide alternatives that can decrease costs.

Brunch or lunch vs. dinner

Consider timing the reception for brunch or lunch instead of dinner. Guests will often eat smaller portions earlier in the day. They also tend to drink less which can save you a bundle on an open bar.

Choose comfort food over out of season ingredients

There are so many creative options for foodservice. Serve burgers, pasta, or hire a local food truck. Avoid expensive out of season ingredients that are hard to source in large quantities. Your guests will appreciate the personalized touch and probably won’t mind chowing down on comfort food either.

Dessert only

Who says you have to feed the masses? If a meal isn’t in your budget, choose a reception time that is in between meals. Offer an ice cream sundae bar to go along with your cake. Guests can choose between different flavors or different toppings for a custom sweet treat.

• Band $3,900 – $4,500

If LIVE music is important to you, be prepared to shell out a large portion of your wedding budget. A good band can cost approximately 3x what a DJ charges.

While a band can provide a live visual performance for your wedding, it’s often difficult for everyone to enjoy one genre. Consider choosing a band as a priority if you have a local band in mind, the band is part of your love story, or you dislike the thought of your guests selecting the tunes.

• Photographer $2,400 – $3,000

The average cost of a wedding photographer is over $2,000 and that usually doesn’t even include video. Although skimping on photos isn’t recommended, there are several ways you can cut costs if the budget is appropriated for higher priority items.

To save on costs, find a photographer that provides the digital files of your photos so you can own your memories and make prints as you please. Always ask to see a portfolio of work if you go this route. They should be able to provide relevant samples. Never pay a photographer in full upfront. You should be able to place a deposit and then provide the balance after viewing the photos.

If your preferred professional photographer is out of your budget, ask them if they would consider lowering the price if you asked for less of their time or for less final photos to pick from. Sometimes if you book in the offseason, they may be willing to provide a mini session or package discount that could save you hundreds.

If you can’t afford specialized wedding photographers, seek out a newbie photographer, a student photographer, or even a friend who’s always posting pics to social media.

• Wedding Planner $1,850 – $2,000

If you are highly disorganized, would rather do anything than make appointments, or worried you will go over budget, a wedding planner is a wise investment. They often have industry discounts that could save you the amount of their fee, and keep the stress level to a minimum.

• Ceremony $1,800 – $2,400

Whether the ceremony is in a church or outdoors, expect to pay a decent amount to rent the space. You can cut costs by getting married at a church or organization that you already belong to. Depending on how well you know them, you could save hundreds or even score the location for free if you agree to do any necessary clean up afterward.

• Videographer $1,800 – $2,000

Having a video of your big day can bring back memories of the big day. Plus, having updated equipment and an editor can provide a quality final product. Keep in mind you most likely need to hire a separate company even if you already have a photographer.

To save on costs, rent a video camera and have a trusted friend or family member capture the big moments. You can rent a 4K video camera from BorrowLenses.com for under $200.

• Flowers $1,800 – $2,400

The more exotic, the higher the costs. Out of season flowers and bouquets created by designers can add up.

To save money, choose in-season flowers from a discount warehouse like Costco or a local farmer’s market. Gather your bridesmaids, some floral tape, and create custom bouquets for a fraction of the price.

• Dress $1,700+

This is traditionally one of the areas where brides go over budget. They can often get starry-eyed when they find “the one.”

You can save money by purchasing a dress off the clearance rack, purchasing last year’s floor model, or even thrifting one on eBay. Just be aware that any alterations can add significant cost ($100-$500) depending on what is needed.

• Decor $1,400 – $2,400

Need an Instagram worthy wooden arch or centerpieces dripping with crystals? Especially if you have a specific theme in mind, you can easily go over budget purchasing everything retail.

Always rent wedding decorations whenever possible using local apps the Neighborhood app or Facebook Marketplace. Wedding decorations are only needed for a few hours on your wedding day so you can save big if you find someone who needs to declutter.

• DJ $1,000-$1,300

Music is essential for a wedding reception. Whether you are dancing the night away or need a little distraction for your guests waiting for the wedding party to arrive, a DJ can keep the mood upbeat.

A DJ has all of your guests’ top songs by their favorite artists at his fingertips and you can even provide him with a playlist before the big day. You don’t have to worry about an awkward break since most DJ equipment can keep the tunes going even when he needs to take 5. Plus, DJ equipment takes up less space than a full band, so you won’t be tripping over wires or sacrificing the dance floor.

Communicate with the DJ about any requests or questions you have before the big day. Don’t forget to ask if there are any extra costs such as if the party goes past your allotted time, etc.

You can save money by setting up a playlist through an iPod, speaker system, and microphone. However, it can put a damper on the day if you have technical difficulties or your uncle has a little too much to drink and decides to guest DJ.

• Wedding cake $500-$600

While giant skyscraper tiered cakes are still popular, couples often opt to be creative when it comes to the wedding cake. You can easily get away with cupcakes, homemade pies, donuts or a favorite family dessert recipe. Just don’t skimp on the sugar and your guests will be satisfied.

• Invitations $550+

Invitation cost varies depending on the method used (ink printing, letterpressed, foiled, etc.) and the number of guests you will need one for. Plus, don’t forget about the postage, RSVP cards, and the time assembling and mailing your paper cards.

You can cut the budget for invitations by going for an electronic option. Evites or even invites by text are becoming increasingly popular, not only to lower the cost of invitations but to increase the RSVP engagement and electronically keep track of your guest list too.

Create electronic invitations using a website such as Paperless Post, Evite, or Wedivite. Basic designs (some with ads) are free. Premium options offer customization, professionally designed templates, and more.

• Officiant $300-$400

If you are getting married in a church, often one of the pastors of the church can perform the ceremony for you for a fee (usually less expensive if you are a member of the church.)

If your wedding is less formal, you can have a friend officiate your wedding. However, the rules can be tricky to make sure it is legal so you will need to do a little research.

First, make sure it is legal where you are getting married to have a friend officiate, use a website like TheMonastery.org to help them get ordained, and find out if they need to register with the local court. Plus, you will need to coordinate any ceremony words with them and make sure they file your marriage license within the stated time.

• Favors $200-$450

Although favors aren’t a necessary wedding line item, they often give your wedding a personal touch. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and by investing in favors, you can do just that.

It’s important to treat your guests to a thank you gift for taking time out of their schedule to attend and possibly even splurging on a mini-vacation if they don’t live close. However, you don’t have to spend a lot on favors to impress. Here are our top five DIY favors for less than $1 per guest.

• Homemade cookies (“All you need is love and a few cookies”) Setup a table full of different flavored cookies with patterned paper bags. Your guests can pick and choose as they please and even save a few for later.
• Seed packets (“Watch love grow”) Purchase vegetable or wildflower seeds and add a handful of them to small paper envelopes. You can also personalize them with a custom sticker or stamp.
• Glow sticks (“Let love glow”) It may seem a bit unconventional but think about how much it will amp up the fun when everyone starts dancing.

5 Extra Ways to Save on Your Wedding Costs

1. Just elope. If you are worried that the final guest list could cause World War 3, or you simply don’t have the cash to put together a large wedding, eloping could be the answer. However, your wedding day will be one of the biggest milestones in your life. Before choosing to elope, write a list of pros and cons to make sure it is the right decision for you.
2. Nix tradition. It is perfectly fine to get married on a weekday or in December. Save money by scheduling your wedding on non-peak days of the week (i.e. Saturday) and weekends from June through September. You can also save money by calling your preferred venue(s) and asking if any dates would warrant a discount due to low or no bookings.
3. Reexamine your guest list. Every guest on your list has a fixed cost which includes invites, food, favors, and any rented furniture to seat them. Consider paring down your list of extended family and friends or not allowing “plus ones.”
4. Volunteer your family or friends. If you have friends or family that have creative talents, ask them if they would provide you with goods or services for your wedding for a free or discounted rate. You might have ties to a caterer, a cake decorator, DJ, videographer, florist, or seamstress.
5. Forgo the fancy dinner. If you plan your wedding in-between meals, you can get away with not serving a 3-course meal. You can also consider having a buffet-style meal to eliminate the cost of a waitstaff or an hors d’oeuvres option that provides light refreshments without the high cost of a formal dinner. However, if you do decide to skim on the food, be clear about this in your invitations.

Average Costs by Location

Wedding costs vary widely by location. You will generally pay more in a large city than a suburb or small town. Keep in mind the higher wedding costs in larger cities figure in popular wedding venues and higher-priced services. You can save money in a large city by choosing a more intimate venue or having your ceremony and reception at your church (there are often discounts for members).

Northeast

• New Jersey $38,000
• Massachusetts $37,000
• New York $36,000
• New Hampshire $35,000
• Maine $27,000

 (Manhattan, NY $90,000+)

Midwest

• Illinois $27,000
• Wisconsin $25,000
• Indiana $22,000
• Ohio $22,000
• Missouri $21,000

 (Chicago, IL $51,000+)

South

• Georgia $23,000
• Florida $22,000
• North Carolina $21,000
• Tennessee $19,000
• Mississippi $15,500

(Southern Florida $43,000+)

West

• Hawaii $40,000
• California $33,000
• Washington $31,000
• Utah $28,000
• Arizona $22,000

(Los Angeles, $43,000+)

Anticipate Extra Costs

Alterations

If you purchase a dress that is too long or needs to be taken in, expect to pay $100-$500 on top of the price of the dress.

Extra postage

If you have chosen a printed invite and added extras like an RSVP card or embellishments, be prepared to pay more than a forever stamp to mail your invites.

Out of season flowers

Need specific species or colors of flowers for all of your bouquets and floral arrangements? Importing flowers can drive up the cost quickly. Consider using locally grown or in-season flowers to keep costs down. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment too.

Setup/clean up costs

If your event venue isn’t all-inclusive be prepared to pay for setup costs of any tables, chairs, decor, etc. You may also be responsible for garbage removal and general cleaning after your event is over.

Overtime

If your event goes in overtime, any service workers such as a band, DJ, photographers, etc. will expect a specified hourly fee after their initial time is up.

Tipping

You may feel generous on the big day while you are on cloud 9, but tipping all of your hired services including music, officiants, caterer, driver, hotel concierge, and more can add up.

It’s Not About the Price Tag

While the U.S. average wedding cost is over $30,000, keep in mind you don’t have to spend nearly that much to enjoy your day. Plus, averages can get skewed from millionaire weddings that are the exception.

The big day should focus on the celebration of the close relationship you share with your significant other. Your wedding day should reflect your current budget and not bring debt into the marriage.

Choose a few high priorities off the whole list and invest in them. For example, if your dress is important, invest in a boutique experience and adjust the budget for other categories as necessary. Keep a spreadsheet of all your costs or enlist a wedding planner to keep you accountable.

If you are having difficulty narrowing down your wedding budget, consider decreasing the number of guests. A lower guest count can make the event more intimate and narrowing down extended family and friends to under a hundred guests can cut your costs in half. Making sure you stay on budget and staying out of debt will make you much happier in the long run.

No matter your budget, there are always creative ways to have your dream wedding day. Memories are more important than any over the top expense. Keep it simple, and save the extra cash to purchase a home, start an emergency fund, or for growing your family.

The post How Much Does The Average Wedding Cost? appeared first on Wall Street Insanity.

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You might be in the market for a personal loan to pay for an unexpected expense like a car repair or medical bills. You may even seek a personal loan to consolidate your existing debt.

Unfortunately, not all personal loans are equal. While it is important to research personal loan options including fees, rates, and repayment terms, it is even more critical to determine if your chosen loan company is legitimate.

Even if you are financially savvy, you can fall victim to a personal loan scam. Educate yourself on the red flags so you can protect your identity and your money.

Scammers use several different tactics to take your money and run. Plus, you are more likely to be a victim if you have been denied a personal loan in the past.

Of the 3 million identity theft and fraud reports filed in the U.S. in 2018,  25 percent of those cases reported money was lost. And it’s important to note that we aren’t talking about a few thousand dollars. In 2018 alone, loan scams and fraud accounted for nearly 1.5 billion in US dollars.

Legitimate Personal Loan Companies

Apply for a personal loan to instantly get an online quote. These online lenders will give you a no-obligation rate in just a couple minutes without affecting your credit score.

• Credible: This loan marketplace provides personal loans from $1,000 to $100,000. In just two minutes, you will get up to 11 quotes from lenders.
• Upstart: With personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000, Upstart goes beyond your credit history. It will take your job history and education into consideration when giving you a rate.

12 Signs Of Personal Loan Scams

Protect yourself and your financial security by learning how to spot scams. Learn what you should look for in a legitimate personal loan company and how to proceed if you are a victim of a financial scam.

1. No Credit Check

Lenders make money by collecting interest on a personal loan. A top way they can judge whether or not you will pay them back is by viewing your credit history. Lenders may additionally request to look at your income or bank account(s). If a personal loan lender offers to skip this step or doesn’t require a co-signer when you have bad or no credit, this is a red flag.

Applying for a personal loan requires the lender to check your credit twice. They will do a “soft” inquiry first to make sure your application information matches. A soft inquiry does not affect your credit score. Once you agree to the lender’s interest rate offer, the lender will do a “hard” inquiry which can temporarily affect your credit score but it necessary to secure the loan.

2. Upfront Fees

Some personal loans add origination fees to the total loan. This is a small percentage that is taken from your original loan amount. Since this fee is rolled into the loan, you won’t receive the full amount you originally asked for. Lenders do this so you don’t have to pay them upfront to receive your money.

If you are new to personal loans, you might not realize the way they work. Personal loan scams often begin with a lender requesting money upfront. This is counterproductive since you have a lack of money in the first place.

Lenders are required to disclose all their fees upfront and not all personal loans have origination fees. Never send money to a lender to receive a loan.

3. Random Forms of Payment (Debit Card, Gift Cards, etc.)

Most people can recognize a personal loan scam in which money is needed upfront. Since money is scarce when you seek out a personal loan, it makes sense to hesitate before you send a stranger money to receive money.

Online lenders now use a different game plan. They often ask applicants to provide them with the applicant’s debit card information. They claim it’s only for collateral to ensure that the loan is paid back. Before you know it, they have zeroed out your bank account and went silent.

Never give out your bank account information or respond to a lender offers that require you to send them a wire transfer or store gift cards.

4. The Lender Calls You

A qualified lender should never call you to offer personal loans. According to the FTC, it’s illegal for a lender to offer loans over the phone that require an upfront payment.

Also, be wary of personal loan offers you receive in the mail and salespeople offering them at your doorstep.

5. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

A legitimate personal loan company will offer you loan options and leave it up to you to decide whether or not to act.

Common personal loan scams include high-pressure sales tactics that try to force you to make a decision, often within 24 hours. Never work with a personal loan company that makes you feel uneasy or feels untrustworthy.

6. Unregistered Lenders

All lenders are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to register their services in each state they do business in. Even if a lender is 100% online or a non-U.S. company, every lender must be registered to do business legally in the U.S.

The states the lender is registered in should be visible on their website. If the lender’s website does not state this information, you can call your State Attorney General’s Office (where registrations are approved) to verify the personal loan company you are researching. You can also find local scams by searching your State Attorney General’s website.

Look to see if the company is operating under its required bank charter. This information should be provided on the website or available via customer service.

7. No Physical Address

If you already have doubts about a personal loan company, the absence of a physical address could be the tipping point. Although this isn’t always a sign that a personal loan company is fraudulent, it’s best to steer clear of companies that only list a PO box or worse no address at all.

Google map the company address. Some personal loan companies list the address of an open field or empty lot.

Don’t be fooled by online-only companies. They should still meet all the requirements of a brick and mortar lender. By not using a physical address, a personal loan scam can be nearly untraceable.

8. Unsolicited Emails

Email scams are a popular way to play on people’s emotions since they think the email is specifically personalized for them. Unfortunately, these phishing scams collect unsuspecting victim’s sensitive bank account information and more.

Any email that promises a personal loan rate that is too good to be true is a scam. Another way to spot spam emails is to look for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Remember licensed personal loan companies rarely advertise through email. They often advertise on websites, social media, and TV.

9. Emails with Links or Attachments

Never click on a link or download an attachment in one of these emails. Always send it straight to your spam or trash folder.

Participating in these email scams can compromise your personal or financial information and even get your identity stolen.

10.Spammy Email Address

If you think an email you receive is from a legitimate personal loan, an easy way to verify this is to look at the email address from the sender.

For example, if the company is Your Best Personal Loan, the email address should include the company’s website URL, i.e. debbie@yourbestpersonalloan.com. If the email address looks like this xxyi@tekcs.eidk.com, chances are it’s a scam.

11. The Website is Not Secure

A website that is secure not only helps protect the company that owns the domain but can protect your privacy as well. Inputting information on an unsecured site can allow your information to be hacked or even sold.

Some scam websites can mirror legitimate ones making it difficult for the average user to identify if a site is secure or not. Only provide personal or financial information on websites that feature an “s” after the “Http” in the website address (i.e. https://). Both the added “s” in the URL and a padlock symbol signify that the site is secure.

12. The Request for Personal Information

If a lender reaches out to you first via phone, email, or in person, do not give them any personal information. Legitimate personal loan companies advertise in traditional media such as relevant websites or TV.

A customer representative from that lender should always be able to explain to you why they need any personal or financial information for your loan. If you have questions, ask the lender before providing the information or signing any loan paperwork.

I’ve been scammed. What do I do now?

While it may be embarrassing to be a victim of a personal loan scam, you should still report it. Think of all the people you could help by warning them of your mistake.

• Report the scam. Contact the FTC, Internet Crime Complaint Center, your state’s consumer protection office, even the Better Business Bureau (BBB). For specific theft cases, you can contact your local police department and file a report.
• Gather any financial or personal data that was provided to the scammer.
• Check your credit reports for any unusual activity, and continue to check at least once per year.
• If any unusual activity appears, place a fraud alert on that account through the financial institution. (This step will make it harder for scammers to open accounts in your name.)
• Consider changing your online passwords that contain sensitive personal and financial information.

Unfortunately, you may never see the money that you gave to the scammer, but you can protect your financial future and identity by being aware of scams and choosing a good lender.

A Good Lender Can Be Recognized in the Following Ways:

• Legitimate contact information. Do your research. A legitimate personal loan company should provide its state license number, physical address, a valid phone number as well as a contact name. All of the information should match public records.
• Easy to reach customer service. Talk with a representative using the provided phone number. You should be able to speak with someone or leave a message and get a callback. The customer service team should be able to answer any questions you may have and even offer personal loan advice.
• Runs your credit history. The lender should have an interest in your credit history even if they know you have bad credit. Your credit history provides the lender with the information they need to set the interest rate and understand your financial situation.
• Provides personal loan terms in writing. All loan terms should be provided in writing so you can make an informed decision. They will also go over the terms should you have any questions.
• Maintains a good reputation online. Google search the personal loan company’s name online to see if anyone has reported it as a scam. Online forums are a great resource for asking if anyone has information on the company or is a current customer.

Where to Find Good Personal Loans

Credible:

Get personal loan offers in amounts up to $100,000 from up to 11 lenders in just two minutes just by answering a few simple questions.

Credible is an online loan marketplace, offering no-obligation quotes that don’t affect your credit score. Credible offers a Best Rate Guarantee. Under the guarantee, you will be paid $200 if you find a better rate with another lender (terms apply).

Upstart:

Along with your credit score, Upstart takes into consideration things like your education history, area of study, and job history when determining your rate. You can borrow $1,000-$50,000 and can check your rate online.

Check your rate without lowering your credit score. Upstart provides cash in hand within one day of your loan approval. Make the required payments or pay it off early, there is no pre-payment penalty when using Upstart.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Always use common sense when applying for a personal loan. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Research the company that you want to get a personal loan through. Contact their customer service if you have any questions before agreeing to any loan terms.

If your credit score needs work, consider working to improve it before seeking a loan to get a better rate if there isn’t an immediate need for it.

Personal loan scams and identity theft are on the rise. It’s not going away anytime soon, so don’t be an easy target. By following the above tips, you can avoid falling victim to this invasive crime.

The post 12 Signs Of A Personal Loan Scam appeared first on Wall Street Insanity.

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There are no set-in-stone rules for tipping, but tips are always expected and appreciated in which workers are paid the minimum either per hour or by commissions. The workers you tip are serving you in some compacity and by tipping them, you are showing respect for their help.

According to a recent US Consumer Reports survey of over 1,000 American adults, 27% noticed an increase in tipping situations compared to a couple of years ago. And with the increase in tipping situations, there is even more confusion regarding the process.

It’s important to know how much to tip. Underpaying can create a lack of service while overpaying can affect your wallet. We can help you be confident in common tipping situations and show you when it’s appropriate to be generous if you have the funds.

Why do I have to tip?

Tipping is not required; it is a personal choice that you make when someone serves you. By choosing to tip you are encouraging the service worker to consistently excel at their job while providing the money they need to live independently or raise a family.

In a perfect world, service workers would be paid a fair wage for their work. Unfortunately, for example, the current average wage of a general food service worker is under $12. Other services such as delivery drivers and valet workers earn less than minimum wage. The low hourly amount is not considered a livable wage in the United States and therefore voluntary tips are requested to make up the difference.

Yes, the system is flawed. While a server has the potential to make an unlimited amount of money serving you food through tips, line cooks often make minimum wage with no tip option. However, if you have a bad experience or bad food, its best to speak with the manager directly. The manager or owner can offer a discount or free meal to compensate for your bad experience. Use this method instead of simply not leaving a tip.

While you may think it’s unfair that the price of your takeout or morning coffee continues to rise, keep in mind that any extra profit generally goes into the owner’s hands and not the employees who prepare it.

How do I calculate a tip?

The easiest way to leave a 15-20% tip is to use the doubles method. This is a great way to leave a fair tip without trying to complete math equations or downloading a fancy tip calculator on your mobile phone.

The first way to determine a tip is to double your bill and move the decimal point. For example, if your meal total is $15, take $15 times two ($30), and then move the decimal point once to the left. Your tip will be $3 or 20%.

You can also double the tax. Keep in mind this can vary widely depending on the tax rate in your location. For example, if your bill is $15 and the tax is 8%, your total tax would be $1.20. Double the tax ($1.20) and your total tip would be $2.40 or 16% of your bill. In this example, doubling the tax results in a lower tip, however, if the tax rate was higher you may end up giving more using this method.

What is the standard tip?

The standard tip across the board is 15% to 20%. You should also consider tipping more if you requested more service than usual, your pizza guy drove through a rain/snow storm, or your kids left a mess that only caution tape could cure.

Take a few minutes before you go out to eat or travel to think about the amount of money you will need to tip. Add the amount you are comfortable tipping to the total cost. Can you still afford to go out or take that trip? Don’t skimp on the tip or you may notice a dip in service.

Even when given a standard range, it can cause anxiety to tip in certain situations.  You don’t want to look cheap, but you don’t want to spend all your discretionary income tipping either. Instead of avoiding restaurants, letting your hair grow wild, or hitchhiking versus calling an Uber, consider using our tip guide below for everyday tipping suggestions.

10 Common Tipping Situations and How Much to Tip

1. Restaurant Server

10% to 25%

When dining in a restaurant, it’s important to tip your server for a job well done. Keep in mind they are probably earning less than minimum wage and your tip contributes to their overall pay.

Servers are responsible for getting your food out to you hot and fresh from the kitchen. They also provide drink refills, handle special dietary requests, and take your food back to the kitchen if it’s improperly prepared.

Tip generously when you are impressed with the service. Servers who are paid well and have a loyalty to the restaurant have less turnover, which can provide a better overall experience.

2. Bartender

$1 per drink in cash or 15%-20% if paying with a card

If you are going out for drinks, chances are you won’t just be having one. When tipping a bartender, it’s important to carry a few small bills. You can tip on the card when your tab is complete, but having a few dollars in cash to tip your bartender after the first round will ensure you have a better overall experience.

If tipping in cash, a general rule of thumb is to leave $1 for every drink. If you are drinking in an upscale bar, consider leaving $2 per drink. If you must tip on your card, tip 15% to 20% of the total bill.

Tip generously if you order a specialty drink that requires time and knowledge to prepare. Also, consider tipping more if you frequent the same bar and go there often because you like the service.

3. Barista

$1 to $3 depending on the complexity and quantity of order

While you can get away with not tipping your barista, at least 20% of their salary is based on the tips they receive. Leaving $1-$3 or even your spare change from your order is acceptable.

Think about it this way, most of us don’t order a black cup of coffee at our favorite coffee shop. We order it with extra pumps of caffeine, whip cream, or milk alternatives and our day would certainly get off on the wrong foot if the drink was botched.

Tip generously if you order a specialty drink or you are a regular customer.

4. Food Delivery

$3 to $5, or 20% if ordering for a large party 

You have your food brought to your front door because you don’t have time or want to put in the effort to pick it up yourself. It should be easy for us to give up a few dollars for this convenient service.

Most delivery drivers earn less than minimum wage and some even pay for their gas. Your driver isn’t required to have a pleasant conversation with you or even greet you, but they still drive to the restaurant, make sure your food doesn’t shift or get cold in transit and bring it to your front door so you don’t even have to change out of your comfy clothes.

Tip generously when a delivery charge is not already included or they have to brave bad weather to get your food delivered on time.

5. Hairdresser

10% to 25% depending on the complexity and cost of the service

Tipping a hairdresser or barber can be stressful, especially since it’s more complicated than dropping a $1 bill into a jar. While most people tip for hair services, it’s not required. However, if you plan on using the same hairdresser, tipping can build a better relationship between the two of you. Tipping lets the hairdresser know you like their service and appreciate their hard work.

If you are going to a hairdresser for the first time, 10%-15% is the norm. However, going to a new hairdresser is a delicate process in itself as you may not like the result. If the final cut is less than stellar, as awkward as it may be, let your hairdresser know. Tipping is common if you like your haircut/style to help establish a positive relationship. Only tip on the high side if you are planning on coming back though.

If you have a favorite hairdresser and request them each time you need a haircut (or emergency hair surgery after you have tried to DIY box color your hair), 20%-25% tip is the goal you should shoot for. Again, if you always tip your hairdresser 20%, but you have a mediocre experience, communicate it instead of not leaving a tip. Any reputable salon should agree to help fix the issue at no cost.

Salon helpers deserve tips too. If you have a separate hair washer or color assistant, $5 to $20 is suggested. The amount varies depending on the level of service and how much time they spend on your hair.

Tip generously if you have been going to your hairdresser for a long time or they spent a long time (over 1-2 hours) on your hair.

6. Masseuse

10% to 20% of the service cost 

Before tipping at a spa, check to see if your services are all-inclusive or a tip has already been added to the final bill (common for destination spas). You can also ask the front desk about tipping policies if you are unsure.

A masseuse who works for a spa only receives a portion of the cost of the massage. If you liked the treatment, tip 20%. Bonus points if you tip in cash. Cash tips can be taken home the same day. If you tip on a credit card, a masseuse will likely have to wait until the spa adds the tip to his or her regular pay.

Tipping in cash can be more cumbersome at a spa where you are changing in and out of a robe and may not be near your handbag. Try seeking out a tipping envelope inside the spa when you arrive or use the pocket of your robe to hold cash so you can offer the tip at the end of the session.

Tip generously when you are pleased with the service.

7. Manicurist/Pedicurist

10% to 20% of the service cost

While the average nail technician makes more than minimum wage, they are also shelling out a significant amount of money for tools, equipment, supplies, and salon booth rentals. These hidden costs can affect their livable wage, which increases the need for tips.

The average cost of a pedicure is under $40, and a manicure $20. Even if you splurged for both services (assuming no discount for the combo), an acceptable tip range would be $6-$12.

Tip generously when you receive both services, your feet and hands need extra care, and with the addition of nail art.

8. Movers

$10 to $40 per person

In the United States alone, over 35 million people move each year. Moving companies don’t include tips in their quotes so tipping is appreciated (especially after 3 flights of stairs).

You can use a percentage method to tip movers (10% – 20%). However, using this method generally requires more math and a lump sum that is handed over to the foreman or manager of the move. Tipping each mover in cash directly ensures that each person receives 100% of the tip and it is divided equally.

Tip generously when the move requires multiple flights of stairs, an abundance of heavy items, when fragile items like family heirlooms are properly taken care of, or the movers correctly followed detailed specialty instructions.

9. Taxis and Rideshare

10% to 20% of the total fare

If you are using a traditional taxi service, 10% to 20% of the total fare is common. Keep in mind this percentage applies to the United States, some other countries do not tip service workers.

Rideshare services were created with an all-inclusive mindset with no need to tip. However, currently, the major rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and Fasten, all have in-app tipping features that allow you the opportunity to tip your driver anonymously after your trip is complete.

Tip generously if your driver knew the best route, helped you with bags or luggage or provided an exceptional experience.

10. Valet Parking

$2 to $5 (drop-off and pick-up)

If you have never valet parked before or have and are still confused about what to tip, you are not alone. Using a valet service can be free or paid. Valets make an average of $4 an hour and rely on tips to make a livable wage.

You may think tipping the valet only when retrieving your car is necessary. However, tipping is requested both when you drop off the car and when you retrieve it. You may have a different valet for each service, and the only way to ensure they both get a tip is to tip them separately.

Preferential treatment is often given to people who tip a valet above and beyond. Even if a parking garage is full, a large tip might just secure you a spot.

Tip generously when you are driving a luxury car, you forget something in your car that a valet has to retrieve, you lost your claim ticket, or when you prefer a specific parking area or spot.

You can’t go wrong tipping too much.

Don’t view tipping as a requirement but more as a responsibility. Always consider how much to tip on top of the service you are receiving to calculate the total cost.

Put yourself in their shoes. Whether you have worked in the service industry or not, keep in mind how little most service workers make. If you appreciate their hard work, tipping is the best form of acknowledgment.

Regardless of the service, the amount you tip says a lot about you. Give generously when you can afford it. A kind tip respects the service worker and provides an overall better experience for both.

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