5. Get a Raise

· Current situation: You're making $40,000 a year.

· Getting ahead: Asking for a 5% raise is well within reach -- which means you'd be pulling in an extra $2,000.

The biggest deterrent to getting a raise is your own expectations, says Jack Chapman, author of 'Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1,000 a Minute.' "Most people don't have any belief that any significant raise is possible," he says. "But it is."

Whether you're earning an hourly wage or a salary, it's up to you to prove to your boss that you've earned a raise. No need to wait for a formal review -- you can do the asking at any time. "Make sure you know you've earned it," says Chapman. "Then make sure your boss knows that you've earned it." Start by acting and dressing for the position you want. "The people who get $10 an hour are typically producing $10 an hour," he says.

Jot down things you've done that have set you apart from other workers or helped the company's bottom line. Research what others in your position are pulling in. Try Salary.com, which can tell you what workers in your region with comparable experience are earning. Then set up a meeting with the boss to discuss your job track. (Here are more tips on sealing the deal.)

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