Answer the following three questions to give yourself a raise and get more out of your paycheck:

1. Did you receive a tax refund last year? Do you expect to get another for this year?  If so, then consult with your tax accountant and consider decreasing your automatic withholdings from your pay check for taxes.
2. Are you paid biweekly?  If so, then check whether you are on a 24 or 26 pay period cycle at your employer.  If the latter is true for you, then there are likely two months out of the year where you will receive one extra paycheck.  Bank this extra paycheck.  Investment the extra cash wisely, for example, repay debt.
3. Does your employer offer employee discounts for retailers or services?  Check with your Human Resources department.  It is not uncommon for civic organizations or service providers that receive donations or do business with employers to offer discounts to employees.  We’ve seen this concept apply to everything from discounted tickets from museum entrance fees and entertainment venues to discounts for mobile phone services (e.g., for as much as 20% off).