Disclosure: WE DON’T SELL ANY COURSES. We make money through product suggestions located in our content as an affiliate. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The ideas presented are Money Vice editorial team’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. We’re not licensed financial advisors. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.
1. Do the Work Like You Already Got Promoted
👉 In a Nutshell: Start doing the job you want, not just the one you have.
If you want a raise, act like it’s already yours.
You don’t wait to be handed more responsibility. You take it.
Imagine your boss watching and thinking, “Wait, did we already promote them?”
That’s how you stand out without saying a word.
You’re not just an employee anymore… you’re the upgrade they didn’t even ask for.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Think Bigger: Look at what your manager does. And start doing pieces of that.
Step 2: Level Up Your Output: Finish tasks better, faster, and with zero babysitting.
Step 3: Volunteer for Stuff: Take on one project that shows leadership (without being annoying).
2. Use External Leverage: Having a F-You Fund
👉 In a Nutshell: Save enough money to walk away if you had to.
When you don’t need the job, you negotiate differently.
It’s wild how your energy changes when you’re not desperate.
You stop saying “please” and start saying “here’s what I need.”
An F-you fund gives you power. Silent but deadly.
You walk taller, talk clearly, and suddenly, your value feels obvious.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Open a Separate Account: This money is untouchable. Treat it like a backup parachute.
Step 2: Save Weekly: Even $25/week stacks up if you don’t touch it.
Step 3: Keep It Quiet: No one needs to know. But you’ll feel the shift instantly.
3. Show Them the Results You Bring
👉 In a Nutshell: People don’t pay for effort. They pay for results.
You can work hard all year, but if nobody sees the impact, it’s invisible.
So stop talking about how busy you are. And start showing what changed because of you.
Did sales go up? Clients happier? Things smoother?
Put it in their face like a billboard on I-95.
You’re not bragging. You’re building your raise case like a lawyer.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Track Wins: Write down everything you improve, fix, or grow at work.
Step 2: Create a “Brag Sheet”: One page with bullet points of measurable results.
Step 3: Bring Receipts: When it’s time to talk raise, pull that list out like a weapon.
4. Make Sure They See What You Do
👉 In a Nutshell: If they don’t notice your work, it doesn’t exist.
You could be the hardest worker on Earth… but if it’s all behind-the-scenes?
It’s giving “invisible.”
You don’t need to be loud, but you do need to be seen.
Think of it like posting your highlights. Just for your boss.
Otherwise, someone with half your talent but better PR might get the raise instead.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Send Updates: Quick weekly emails or recaps to your manager go a long way.
Step 2: Mention Wins Casually: Drop results in conversation, don’t wait for reviews.
Step 3: Document Everything: When someone thanks you, screenshot it. You’ll use that later.
5. Ask What You Can Do Better
👉 In a Nutshell: You can't improve what you never ask about.
Sometimes the best way to get ahead is to just ask.
But most people are scared of hearing the truth.
Not you.
You show you’re serious by asking what’s missing. And then fixing it.
That alone makes you look more mature than half the team.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Ask Directly: “What would make me stand out more around here?”
Step 2: Listen Without Arguing: Just nod and say thank you (even if it stings).
Step 3: Apply Fast: Make one visible improvement that week to show you’re coachable.
6. Choose the Right Time to Talk
👉 In a Nutshell: Timing your ask is half the battle.
Imagine asking for a raise right after your boss got chewed out in a meeting.
Bad move.
Now imagine asking after you just crushed a big project.
Bingo.
Energy and timing matter more than you think. It’s all about catching momentum.
Like waiting for a green wave on Biscayne.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Wait for Wins: Bring it up after a big success or team milestone.
Step 2: Check Their Mood: You’ll know when they’re relaxed. Use that window.
Step 3: Book It: Schedule a proper 1:1. Don’t just blurt it out in the break room.
7. Use More External Leverage: Have Other Income Streams
👉 In a Nutshell: The less you need them, the more they want you.
Nothing gives you swagger like knowing you’ve got money coming in from somewhere else.
Whether it’s freelancing, Airbnb, or flipping stuff on eBay…
That extra stream gives you options. And options are powerful.
They can feel that energy when you walk in the room.
And trust me, they notice.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Pick One Hustle: Choose a side income that won’t burn you out.
Step 2: Build Quietly: Don’t make a scene. Just grow it on the side.
Step 3: Let Confidence Build: When you don’t feel trapped, you negotiate better. It shows.
8. Be the Person Who Fixes Stuff
👉 In a Nutshell: The problem-solvers are always the ones who rise.
You know who gets promoted?
The one who steps in when everyone else steps back.
Be the “I got it” person. Not the one who needs hand-holding.
That energy is rare, and it stands out immediately.
Fix stuff without being asked, and suddenly people see you as a leader.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Spot Issues Early: Don’t wait for a problem to get ugly.
Step 2: Offer Solutions Fast: Come up with ideas. Not just complaints.
Step 3: Build a Fix-It Rep: Be the one people go to when stuff breaks down.
9. Make Their Job Easier When You Ask
👉 In a Nutshell: Make saying “yes” the easiest option on the table.
When you ask for a raise, don’t just say you want more money.
Make it a no-brainer.
Show the value, bring the receipts, and be clear about what you’re asking for.
If you do it right, they’ll feel like they’d be dumb not to give it to you.
Like getting offered a boat upgrade for free. Who says no to that?
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Prepare Your Case: Combine your results, feedback, and timing into one smooth ask.
Step 2: Be Clear: Say what raise you want. Don’t dance around it.
Step 3: Make It Win-Win: Explain how it benefits them, not just you.
Hi! I'm the founder of Money Vice and a passionate personal finance enthusiast.
Here we love to talk about money using a unique type of blender, where we combine juicy chunks of money lessons, slicing them into bite-sized steps, and sprinkling some South Florida vibe for that little zing! (the perfect cocktail to learn how to stack cash to achieve financial independence).
