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Beyond that, talking aboutmoneycan be downright uncomfortable!

Women reading paperwork at table

Adam Hester / Getty Images

As nerve-racking as it is, don’t let fear keep you from improving your financial situation this year.

Think about it this way: Asking for a raise is a serious investment in yourself.

Here, the best tips to not only get you more money, but themostmoney possible.

Read on to find out how to all but guarantee you’ll get a killer raise.

Create a performance plan.

You’re after slam-dunk success in yourcareer.

“What would provide so much value to your boss that a raise seems like a mere triviality?

Then meet and exceed the expectations of the performance plan.”

“So aim higher by talking about what you both see in your future for the organization.”

Keep a kudos file.

But you’ll have to do more than simply stating you’re a superstar.

“Think of the meeting from your boss perspective.

The message you want to send is: ‘Without me, it would fall apart!'”

Start with a search on what your peers in your profession are bringing home.

She recommends contacting recruiters, browsing job postings, and researching your company’s finances to start.

“Ask if someone can reveal the range of pay grades within your job title,” she says.

If your official connections won’t confess, try your mentors at other companies.

What do you think my peers are earning at your company?"

Role play with a friend.

Negotiating a raise may not come naturally to you, but chatting with your friends probably does.

Let them give you a difficult timewithin reasonto prepare you for any obstacles your higher-ups may throw your way.

“Its OK to have your ideas in front of you,” she says.

Be prepared to talk numbers.

It’s a way to show exactly what you’re worth.

Even though the money probably comes from different places, you’re likely still making a valid point.

“Amplify it accordingly.

Because $20,000 over two years is significantly less than $200,000 over two years,” says Salemi.

Kaplan adds that you should get as specific as possible when you spit out numbers.

“Anything great youve done should absolutely be measured in facts and figures,” she says.

Ask for more than you think you’ll get.

Requesting exactly what you want is the surest way to snag a lower raise than you’re hoping for.

That’s why speaking up about your value is so important!

Also key: don’t sell yourself short.

Almost as important as how much you ask for iswhenyou ask.

“I wouldnt advise having the meeting within three months of your new fiscal year.