Your Money

We are all very familiar with the inflation story and how it trickles into our daily lives. However, some of the increases you notice may be self-imposed by new tipping standards.

Around the time of the COVID lockdown, many generous Americans overtipped to thank workers for being there and helping businesses get through the unprecedented period a little easier. Around that same time, cashless transactions became preferred, if not necessary. This introduced those iPad transaction screens at nearly every checkout line in the country.

Businesses can adjust the user interface on tip screens to have a powerful influence on our generosity. Tipping is way up as gratuities have turned into a multiple-choice test. Most customers quickly click through a transaction and would need help changing the amount or bypassing a tip altogether.

But consumers are noticing and beginning to question the purpose and value of a tip, especially at self-checkout lines and transactions with very little interaction. Tipping researchers and labor advocates say so-called tip creep is a way for employers to put the onus for employee pay onto consumers rather than raising wages themselves. In contrast, companies say tips are an optional thank you for a job well done.

Those iPad Screens Are Getting Us to Tip More—Way More
by Imani Moise

Your Life

Is buying premium gasoline really worth it? Premium gas is a higher-octane gasoline that's typically used in high-performance engines. A higher-octane rating means the fuel is better balanced and stabilized against spontaneous combustion, which can cause engine knocking and damage your vehicle. Premium gas may also contain additional or higher-quality additives compared to regular gas. However, premium gas might not be necessary or noticeable for many drivers whose cars will run perfectly fine on regular gas. If your vehicle's manufacturer recommends using premium gasoline, follow that recommendation.

So, is premium gas worth it?
source: Progressive

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