Money can be a hard topic to discuss, especially when it comes to your salary. If you tie your self-worth and internal value to the amount of money you make, talking about money can be embarrassing or anxiety-inducing.

Asking for more money can be a nerve-wracking endeavour, too, even if you completely deserve a raise. Sitting down with your boss to discuss salary can be incredibly uncomfortable. But one thing cannot be doubted: if you want a raise or a promotion, most of the time, you will have to ask for it. Here is some tips.

Consider your timing

Preparing for this important discussion is crucial, but so is selecting the exact right time to ask as well. When does your company plan for its budget? Be cognizant of this date so you know not to ask for an impossible number. Try asking for a raise after you successfully complete an important project, when you have an annual performance review, or when your manager is less stressed and in good spirits.

Justify your desired salary

You don't want to go into a meeting with your boss to ask for something without justifying why you deserve it. Compile a list of your accomplishments that have benefited the company in major ways, address your points with logic and quantify what you bring to the table with data (like sales, executed projects, or awards).

After you have done the proper amount of preparation, expect your boss or manager to ask questions, try to negotiate, or compromise. Remember to ask and negotiate with tact, and above all else, believe that you are worthy of the raise you deserve.

Know your number

After all the research, consider all the factors in your life and figure out what you believe is a fair amount of money to ask for. Think of your current salary, what you found out about the job market, and how you’re living. Again, never mix personal issues when you do this – sharing your sob story such as needing a raise because you can’t make rent or you need to cover other personal expenses isn’t going to fly.

Don’t ask for a raise after a bad performance

Performance reviews are there for a reason, so it would be seriously strange to ask for a raise around the time your boss called you in to discuss poor performance ratings. Stick to your accomplishments. Companies would gladly pay more to people who add great value to the company.

Have a backup plan in case things don't go your way

Your manager might deny your request for a raise not because you don't deserve one, but because there's a freeze on salary boosts for the time being. If that's the case, be prepared to ask for another type of compensation. That could be extra paid time off or more flexibility with your hours.

Additionally, make it clear that you'd like to revisit the topic of a raise in the somewhat-near future. If there's a freeze on raises through the end of the year, for example, then ask your boss to schedule a follow-up meeting for early January 2022.