After seven years as a New York hotel concierge and 10 years running a concierge firm, ­Michael Fazio has his opinions on holiday tipping. But if you think he recommends playing Santa with every service employee who crosses your path, guess again.

As you come to grips with how much to tip people for the holidays, your own finances should be the main consideration. To keep control of spending and give appropriate gifts, you need to plan ahead.