How to Money Friday Flight - Richer Refunds, Best Costco Buys, & $3 Dinners (don’t have to be this sad!) #1095
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Jan 30, 2026 Quick takes on richer tax refunds and why tax-advance loans can be dangerous. A tour of best Costco buys that actually make the membership pay. Practical ideas for $3 dinners that do not have to be sad. Tipping norms and NYC’s new tip prompts spark a debate about fatigue and personal rules. Tips to save on rideshares by checking both apps each trip.
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Tipping Is Becoming Ubiquitous And Fatiguing
- Joel and Matt highlight tipping fatigue as prompts expand into more retail situations and digital payments.
- They note new NYC rules nudging consumers toward at least 10% tips and the blurred lines about when tipping is expected.
Decide Tipping Rules Before You Pay
- Decide ahead of time what you feel comfortable tipping in different situations to avoid guilt at point of sale.
- Use an 'order of operations' for tipping so prompts don't pressure you into unwanted amounts.
File Early But Skip Refund Advance Loans
- File early if you're due a refund, because refunds are likely larger this year due to recent tax changes.
- Avoid tax-refund advance loans and read fine print on services that speed your refund for fees or prepaid debit cards.