Whether you think you deserve a raise or just wish you could get one, it’s time you understand that you don’t have to ask the boss for one.  Dust off your employee benefits manual and check out the many sources of cash that may already be yours for the taking. Over the years here are several ways I did just that.

Transportation and commuting expenses:  Many employers pay for your ride to work, especially if you live and/or work in or near metropolitan areas.  Look for mass transportation programs such as car pools, van pools, trains, and commuter buses. For many people I know (including me), these types of programs cost between $50 and $150 per month (which is $600 to 1800 per year!) and they don’t pay one red cent of the cost because their employer does. Stop driving your car, paying outrageous gas prices, and keeping up with more maintenance costs than necessary.  An added benefit:  eliminating the stress of commuting and gaining the ability to nap or read casually twice a day is priceless.

Employer-paid training and education: After the huge loans I repaid for my undergraduate degree, I was determined not to do the same for my graduate degree.  And so, I took full advantage of my company’s tuition reimbursement program.  They reimbursed me thousands of dollars in college tuition to obtain a work-related master’s degree in counseling.  An added benefit:  When I had to do my practicum and internship hours, I was able to get credit for the hours I worked at my full-time job.  Not having to get a second job or do a volunteer stint like many of my classmates was priceless.

Income tax breaks: Although it was difficult at first to get the hang of paying for child care and then being reimbursed later, it was worth the exercise in patience and planning.  For several years I earned thousands of tax-free dollars by taking advantage of my employer’s flexible spending accounts (FSA) program.  These programs, usually for child care or medical expenses, simply reduce your taxable income. But, a few words of caution: There is usually a limit, you have to enroll and decide on your contribution amount at the beginning of the year, you are stuck in the program for the year unless you have significant life events, and you could lose money if you don’t plan accordingly.  An added value:  Saving money by spending money that I had to spend anyway was priceless.

What ways some other ways to get a raise just by taking advantage of your company benefits? 

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