12 Tips for Getting the Raise You Deserve

Earning more money will make it easier for you to achieve your financial goals, whether they involve saving well for retirement, buying a home, or putting your kids through college. If you're eager to boost your earnings, here's how to do it.

5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.

There are apt to be a number of core skills you'll need to do well at the role you're in. If you want a pay boost, work on getting better at them. That could mean taking a class or simply learning more from the people you work with.

ALSO READ: 3 Financial Moves to Make After Getting a Raise

A great way to become more valuable at work is to develop a skill no one else can claim. For example, if you learn a new accounting software that will help your company operate more efficiently and you're the only person in the accounting department with that knowledge, it will help make the case for more money.

Soft skills are those that apply to any job, like time management, communication, and organization. Boosting those skills could be your ticket to a higher payday, too.

Being willing to step up and do more at work is a good way to add value to your team. That's something your employer may be willing to reward in the form of a pay boost.

ALSO READ: Starting a New Job in 2021? Make These 3 Retirement Planning Moves Right Away

A mentor can help you grow your professional skills and work your way to the top. And as you climb that ladder, a higher salary could be yours. If your company doesn't have a mentoring program in place, reach out to someone higher up who you feel you can learn from and ask for help.

5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.

Getting certified in a specific skill is a good way to show your employer that you're committed to it. And that, in turn, could lead to more money.

Having a reputation as someone who steps up and helps out could really make the case for a raise. Offer to jump in if a colleague is struggling with a deadline, or be willing to give your co-workers' weekly reports a read before they submit them so you can help catch errors before they go out. Accommodating others could go a long way.

ALSO READ: Why Bad Hires Happen, and How to Avoid Them

If you got a performance review at the end of the year, your manager may have called out areas you could improve upon. And if you do indeed manage to overcome some of your shortcomings, that alone could make the case for more money.

A lot of people are working remotely these days, but it pays to stay in regular contact with your manager. It'll be a lot easier to talk about a salary boost when it's not the first conversation you're having in weeks.

Having a good sense of what you're worth is important before talking salary with your boss. Spend some time researching salary data online. If you can prove that you're statistically underpaid given your level of experience and job title, that alone could help you snag more money.

5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.

You may not get the raise you want the moment you ask for it, so gear up for that possibility and don't be afraid to negotiate. If you're looking for a $5,000 salary bump, you might go in and ask for $7,000 so that if your boss counters with $3,000, you can meet in the middle. Or, you may need to settle for a smaller raise than what you'd really like, but remember -- a modest raise is better than none at all.

ALSO READ: Is It Really Possible to Retire a Millionaire on an Average Salary?

If you can't boost your income at your main job, get a second one. There are plenty of side gigs you can do safely these days, whether it's dog walking, online tutoring, or web design or telemarketing from home.

You deserve a wage that allows you to live comfortably and achieve your financial objectives. If you're not satisfied with your salary at present, fight for a higher number -- one that allows you to cover your bills with enough money left over to save, invest, or get closer to attaining near- and long-term financial security.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.