As the Republican party puts their agenda into action, the poorest Americans are going to be facing cuts to their benefits. The new healthcare plan will cause millions to lose their insurance. In the past, I’ve encouraged people to donate to non-profits and free clinics that support the poor. But, you can also help people more directly.

Tip. Tip generously. Tip at every opportunity. Tip anyone who accepts tips. Tip your server. Tip your bartender. Tip your valet. Tip your hairdresser. Tip your barista. If you’re eating some place that doesn’t have a drive-thru, you probably have higher wages than your server. Odds are good she has been put in a tough spot, either losing health insurance or facing premium increases. If you’re a liberal, think of this as reallocating wealth to help those in need. The government under the new administration isn’t going to do it, so you can do it yourself. If you’re a conservative, you understand that it’s the responsibility of individuals rather than the government, so you, also, have this opportunity to do it yourself. Yes, some of these people have greater needs than others, but nearly all of them have greater needs than their customers.

I can’t raise the minimum wage. I can’t fix the broken economy, or the broken healthcare system. I can give an extra $5 to Bianca the barista and $10 to Ken the single father who makes my drinks.  And the cash I tip goes directly back into the economy. Tipped employees are buying diapers and groceries and haircuts of their own. Economic stimulus and helping the less fortunate by one small action. I can’t get a better bargain.