Rethinking Something Basic – One Man’s Opinion

President Trump, campaigning in Nevada, proudly announced, if he were elected, there would be “No Tax on Tips.” I didn’t like it; just another example of a politician using the tax code to buy votes.

The Harris campaign quickly followed; they, too, would end taxes on tips. Trump won Nevada by 3%. I was silently irked; two wrongs don’t make it right!

Politicos constantly scream, “Vote for me and I’ll give you more free stuff.” It pits one group of Americans against another. Our country is polarized with politicos and the media fanning the flames. Can’t we just get along, work together, and do what is right for the country?

Trump also campaigned on ending taxes on social security, which benefits me. I’ve long felt taxing Social Security benefits was unfair; we paid the premiums and we’re getting a fraction of our money back. The political pandering still bothered me….

Perspective

My wife Jo continually brings me back to earth when discussing politics; “Why get your blood pressure up over things you can’t control?”

There is one thing I can control. A recent WalletHub survey grabbed my attention:

“Tipping is a very American concept – most people around the world aren’t expected to tip, because employers elsewhere are expected to actually pay a living wage to workers in the service industry. Tipping culture has been expanding fast, and now it’s not just waiters, bartenders or hairdressers you’re expected to tip. More and more establishments where you wouldn’t normally tip are asking for something extra at checkout….

• Tipping Point: Nearly 9 in 10 Americans think tipping culture has gotten out of control.
• Passing the Buck: Nearly 3 in 5 Americans think businesses are replacing employee salaries with customer tips.
• Service Fee Ban: 83% of people think automatic service charges should be banned.
• Tax the Tips: More than 1 in 4 Americans think tips should be taxed (as they are now).
• Tip Suggestion Effect: Nearly 3 in 10 Americans tip less when they’re presented with a tip suggestion screen.
• Social Pressure: Half of Americans say they often leave a tip due to social pressure rather than good service.”

During Covid, I became more generous, particularly at our local restaurants where the servers were familiar faces. Their business was hurting and we felt like we were helping out.

WalletHub’s survey hit home, feeling like tipping culture has gotten out of control. Here are some recent examples where I silently seethed….

• I bought a box of donuts. Up popped the “suggested tip” for the clerk who let me wait while chatting with a friend on the phone, and finally put them in the box. I had to search for “no tip” and didn’t appreciate the glare that followed.
• I detest the machines on restaurant tables forcing customers to process their own payments. I recently grabbed the damn thing and hit “pay bill.” Our bill contained a “processing fee” for using a credit card.
• The suggested tip choices were 20% – 25% – 30%, nothing lower. I silently scrolled back and left a 15% tip, and was angry when we left the restaurant.
• Restaurant prices have skyrocketed. Recently, Jo and I went out for a soft drink, burger and fries. (Please don’t tell RFK Jr.) Our favorite waitress brought the bill, and a 20% tip ran the bill to almost $60. Even fast-food prices are ridiculous.

The dictionary defines TIP as “To Insure Promptness,” adding, “give them some money to thank them for their services.”

Having survived tongue cancer, I require a lot of liquid to help swallow, I can’t risk choking. I normally ask the server to keep an eye on my drink cup. The good ones immediately bring a second cup, and I generally drain them both to get through a meal. I’m not complaining, happy to be cancer-free and enjoying a nice dinner with family and friends.

We’ve occasionally seen servers chatting among themselves, ignoring their customers while my cup goes dry. I have to stop eating while everyone else finishes their meal.

It’s embarrassing when everyone else is done and I’m not close to finished. Many times, I stop and don’t finish my meal. I cringe when it comes time to leave a tip.

I was surprised the survey showed only 3 in 10 tip less when the tip is suggested. Tips should not be assumed; they should be earned. If the suggestion is in line with realistic norms, and the service was good, I don’t have a problem with it.

Special Offer ONLY for Miller On The Money Readers! As you know, I’ve mentioned Richard Maybury’s Early Warning Report often, and I’ve been a reader for many years. Richard’s world outlook is unique, and his letter provides great education you will not find elsewhere! For a limited time, he is offering Miller on The Money readers a phenomenal deal. Click here right now to subscribe for just $99. This saves you $201 OFF the regular subscription price! You’ll immediately be emailed the current issue and 4 FREE Special Reports. I encourage you to click here and take advantage of his special offer while you still can.

Credit Cards

Most people don’t remember life before Visa or Master Card. Big shopping malls were in vogue. Department stores like Sears, Macy’s, etc. had their own charge cards, and did booming business because they could offer credit. A mall contained 3-4 big stores, surrounded by dozens of smaller businesses. The big boys sold on credit; the smaller retailers were cash only; having no means to offer credit. Visa and Master Card became the salvation of small businesses. For a fee, they could sell on credit without risk of non-payment.

A local business owner friend lamented about the credit card merchant fees he had to pay. Why not give a discount for cash? He explained part of the agreement with the credit card company prohibited two-tiered pricing. Credit card companies wanted people using their cards without penalty. Apparently, that policy has changed.

NerdWallet reports the average American has 3.9 credit cards. Savvy consumers know which ones give the best rebates for food, restaurants, gas, you name it. Big Box retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer rebates for using their cards, encouraging consumers to use them for all their purchases. NerdWallet also publishes “15 Best Cash Back Credit Cards of April 2025.”

The rebates can add up over a year, check it out….

Service Fees

Many businesses have introduced two-tier pricing, cash and a higher price for using a credit card. Bankrate explains:

“Seeing retailers offer discounts for cash payments — or assess fees when customers pay by credit card — is becoming more common than ever.

…. Many businesses take responsibility for the merchant fees that come along with processing credit card payments by incorporating them into their pricing.

…. In most U.S. states, adding convenience fees to credit card transactions is legal, but there are still rules businesses must follow when doing so.

…. When a business chooses to pass on its fees to a customer …. there are protocols that have to be followed. For one, the business has to notify the appropriate credit card associations and clearly disclose that it charges a fee for the use of a credit card. Credit card surcharges can’t exceed the cost of accepting the card or 4 percent, whichever is lower, even if it costs the business more than that amount to process your credit card payment.

…. As the U.S. moves toward a cashless economy, the subject of credit card processing fees passed on by small business sellers becomes more topical.”

I understand why 83% of the people surveyed reacted negatively about these charges. I don’t appreciate the surcharge for the credit card I’ve used for generations without penalty. It won’t be long before these fees will become the new normal; it’s like 3-4% additional sales tax on every purchase.

As WalletHub reminds us, “Tipping is a very American concept – most people around the world aren’t expected to tip, because employers elsewhere are expected to actually pay a living wage to workers in the service industry.”

I’m with the 90% who feel the tipping issue is getting ridiculous. Our favorite pizza place raised prices 44% over the last two years. If customers tip a constant percent every time, servers got a 44% raise. Now, they are likely to get another when tips are no longer taxable. While I am happy for them, it doesn’t feel fair.

I used to enjoy tipping, feeling like I’m helping out, rewarding good service and being appreciated by the server. Lately, a nice meal with friends is dampened with the feeling of being ripped off when we are leaving. It’s one thing to add a nice tip in appreciation for good service; but quite another to feel like it’s demanded regardless of the level of service. Maybe it’s time to push back and expect more employers to actually pay a living wage to workers in the service industry.

Readers are encouraging me to write more “opinion” articles, sharing feelings about what I see going on in the world. When it comes to tips, the WalletHub survey helped me understand I am not alone with my feelings. I’m hoping this article hits home with our readers as well.

I’m not sure how it will shake out, other than to say I am scrutinizing the bill more carefully, and the tip percentage is no longer automatic. Tips will continue, but I’m becoming more selective. I’ll confess a pleasant smile from a friendly server has a lot of influence…. New norms abound in lots of areas, and will likely be applied to how Americans tip!

Help keep us online! I love it when readers thank me for “telling it like it is” for providing content they won’t find in the mainstream media. I’ve been sent to Facebook purgatory a few times – they didn’t approve. Free speech isn’t appreciated in all circles. When I started Miller On The Money, I vowed to keep our newsletter FREE! I’ve kept my promise – our weekly letter is an expensive hobby. Donations are our primary source of financial support, and what keeps us going. We don’t peddle your name to anyone. I’ve turned down proposals from advertisers, feeling their offerings were inappropriate for our readers. Readers pitching in to help offset our cost are much appreciated. It’s strictly voluntary – no pressure – no hassle! If you want to help, click the DONATE button below. You do not have to sign up for PayPal to use your credit card. And thank you all!

On The Lighter Side…

Boy, the stock market has been on a wild ride for the last couple weeks. I update things every Friday. When the dust settled last Friday, I was down 1% from two weeks earlier, no big deal. I’m surprised how metals have jumped around with gold hitting new highs.

If you want to get your blood pressure up, just flip around between the various news channels. You can take your pick between ‘The sky is falling,” and “Happy days are here again,” with more than enough stupid name calling – all blared with maximum hysteria. No one knows for sure what’s going to happen and freaking out with each market blip isn’t going to help.

Our AZ weather has been as nutty as the market; we are starting to see triple digits. Pollen counts have been awful and I must be getting allergies because I’ve had a tough time with nasal congestion. From what I am reading I am in the majority. Stuffy nose hampers nap time. Much like the funky market, this too shall pass.

We plan to head east to Indiana in May, hoping to arrive around Memorial Day. Cooler weather will be nice.

Quote Of The Week…

We’ll share two quotes this week:

“Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse. Millions of tiny moments that create your love story.” — Unknown

“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.”

— Simone Signoret

And Finally…

My wife Jo shares some clever quotes for our enjoyment:

• “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” —Elbert Hubbard
• “I’m not offended by blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb. And I also know that I’m not blonde.” —Dolly Parton
• “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” —Lucille Ball
• “Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet service to see who they really are.” —Will Ferrell
• “The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it.” —Shirley MacLaine
• “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” —Jim Carrey
• “Taking naps sounds so childish. I prefer to call them horizontal life pauses.” —Unknown
• “If we’re not meant to have midnight snacks, why is there a light in the fridge?” —Unknown
• “The advantage of growing up with siblings is that you become very good at fractions.” —Robert Brault

And my favorite:

• “The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy.” —Sam Levenson

Until next time…

Dennis Miller

“Economic independence is the foundation of the only sort of freedom worth a damn.” – H. L. Mencken

 

Affiliate Link Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking these links, we will earn a commission that goes to help keep Miller on the Money running. Thank you for your support!