Welcome to Bearish Banter, where this episode dives into the wallet-draining world of Tipflation. What’s that, you ask? It’s the sneaky rise of digital tipping prompts popping up everywhere—from your morning coffee run to parking meters. What used to be a token of appreciation is becoming a mandatory-feeling nudge, leaving consumers guilt-tipping their way through life. We unpack the subtle ways Tipflation chips away at daily budgets while putting workers in a precarious spot—undervalued and underpaid if tips fall short. Those pop-up screens? They're not just awkward; they’re reshaping spending habits and stressing folks out. But fear not! We explore alternatives to counter this tipping tidal wave. Want to take control? Carry cash, set firm boundaries, and support businesses committed to paying a living wage. The episode wraps with a rallying call to rethink tipping as a whole. Dignity for workers and fairer practices? Now that’s a tip we can all get behind.