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1. Look at Where Your Money’s Going Right Now
So, the raise didn’t happen, huh? That sting feels personal, like when your favorite sandwich shop stops serving your go-to order.
But hey, instead of sulking, you can use this as a wake-up call to see exactly where your money’s disappearing every month.
You’ll be surprised how quickly “just a coffee here” or “a quick Uber there” adds up.
Think of your bank account as a mirror. It shows the truth, even when you don’t want to see it.
Open your banking app, grab your monthly statement, and look for patterns that scream “I could’ve saved that.”
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Open your bank app or use a free tracker like Rocket Money to instantly see your spending categories and spot the leaks.
📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌
2. Cut Out the Stuff You Don’t Really Need
Let’s be real. You don’t need every streaming service known to mankind.
That $10 here and $12 there could easily become $100 you keep every month.
Start trimming the fat from your expenses, and you’ll instantly feel lighter (and richer).
It’s like cleaning your closet. You find stuff you forgot existed and wonder why you even kept it.
The truth is, cutting back doesn’t mean you’re broke; it means you’re being smart about what actually matters.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Cancel unused subscriptions through Rocket Money or review your phone plan on your carrier’s website to downgrade what you don’t use.
3. Learn Something That Can Get You a Better Job
Okay, time for a reality check. You can’t control whether your boss gives you a raise, but you can control how valuable you become.
That’s where learning a new skill comes in.
Take an online course, read books, or watch YouTube tutorials that boost your career value.
You’re basically upgrading your “human software,” and every new skill makes you harder to replace.
When your boss sees that, suddenly, you hold the power in the next salary talk.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Visit Coursera or Udemy, pick one course in your field, and study 20 minutes a day like it’s your daily scroll time.
Bonus Tip: Keep Growing Even When You’re Short on Time
You already know learning new skills can open doors faster than any raise.
But let’s be honest. Between work, life, and the occasional Netflix binge, finding time to read a whole finance or career book feels impossible.
That’s where tools like Blinkist come in handy.
It gives you quick, 15-minute summaries of top books on money, business, and personal growth, so you can soak up big ideas while commuting, cooking, or chilling.
It’s how tons of professionals quietly stay ahead. Learning daily without the burnout.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Download Blinkist, pick one career or finance title like Atomic Habits or Your Money or Your Life, and listen to one summary each morning while getting ready for work.
4. Start a Small Side Gig for Extra Cash
You’ve got skills. Probably more than you think.
Maybe you can write, design, edit videos, or even sell stuff you no longer use.
A small side hustle can fill the income gap that raises didn’t.
And no, you don’t need to start the next big brand. Just something that brings in consistent, low-stress income.
Think of it as your personal backup generator for your wallet.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Try Fiverr, Upwork, or Facebook Marketplace to test a small side gig you can do a few hours a week.
5. Ask for Clear Feedback to Improve
Here’s the part most people skip. They take the “no raise” personally and never ask why.
That’s a rookie move.
When you ask your manager for honest feedback, you get a blueprint for your next raise.
It shows confidence, maturity, and a hunger to grow (aka traits every boss secretly loves).
So instead of walking away frustrated, use the moment to plan your comeback story.
👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Schedule a quick chat with your boss, thank them for their time, and ask, “What specific goals would I need to hit to qualify for a raise next time?”
📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌
And that’s it!
Never forget it…
🍔 A Bigger Bank Account Is Waiting For You!
😉 Dale!
