It happens every time you go out to eat: You wonder how much to tip your server. There are other situations too, where you might not know if you should tip or not.

Financial expert Aaron Maguire has advice on when it's appropriate to tip.

Does the word (tips) actually mean anything?

Back in the day it actually meant to insure prompt service and was a way to increasing your odds of getting excellent service. Tipping is a social custom that is not required but often expected.

Do you tip based on the post tax or pre tax?

Tips normally should be calculated pre tax, but many people just look at their total bill and base the tip on that amount

Here's the restaurant guidelines:

10% = below average service, 15% = average service, 20% = exceptional service

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping?

On average it can range from 10% to 20%.

If you are at a hotel, tipping for room service, valet, and the concierge is very common.

Bellman usually get $1 to $2 per bag.

Hair stylists/manicurist usually 10% to 15% of your bill.

Housekeeping depending on the level of service: generally $1 to $10 per night, usually paid at the end of your stay.

Are there some things to look out for when we are tipping?

Make sure you always look at your bill to make sure everything is right.

Look to see if a tip was already added to your bill.

Some country clubs will already add a tip on your bill and still have a place for you to add an additional tip.

Know the policy of the establishment you are at: some places have no tipping policies.

For more financial related advice visit www.reliancewealth.com or e-mail Aaron.