So far I have done some problems that are best solved using generating functions. These mostly contain variable coefficients. A simple one is $H(n) = (n+2)H(n-2)$. I have found solutions to these equations using mathematical induction, which requires a bit of conjecturing (by checking the result for initial values) and then proving it. But what about bigger equations,* is there a definite way of solving them and obtain a simple formula (without resorting to generating functions)?
edit: *Functions like $H(n) =f_1(n)H(n-1) + f_2(n)H(n-2) + \cdots + f_k(n)H(n-k)$. Where $f_1, f_2,\dots, f_k$ are functions of $n$.