Soon to be 65, I plan to retire in the next few years. To afford this, I will stop tipping now. I have been a waitress, so I know the value of tipping.

It is just that back then, we did not have Obamacare to provide us with health care, and minimum wage was paid to high school kids working at McDonald’s, wait staff who earned tips, or as an entry level job to get your foot in the door.

Now the minimum wage is to be a “living wage.” So I no longer feel the need to tip as you will be earning a living wage and have medical care. As your employer will pass on the increase to me the consumer, I will use the money I save by not tipping to be able to afford to go out to dinner after I retire and am living on a fixed income. My eating out will provide you with a living wage. Thus, my not tipping is a win for the both of us.

Carol Fraley, Federal Way