As my colleague Tightwad Tod reported last week, Consumer Reports National Research Center recently published survey results that found, among other things, that 30 percent of Americans expect to give less to service providers like delivery people, hairdressers, manicurists and the like.

That still leaves some 70 percent who plan to give tips and gifts as usual—or perhaps more—to the folks who serve them regularly.

How much do people tip at the holidays? That same, savvy CR National Research Center recently asked some 1,900 people nationwide how much they offered in thanks last holiday season. Click here for our findings.

Regardless of your budget, check out CR's timely advice on tipping in these difficult times. —Tobie Stanger