When to turn down a raise (yes, sometimes)
Three scenarios where I've said no to a raise on paper, and the math behind each call.
The PayRaiseCalc blog
Notes on raises, taxes, and why the headline number is almost never the real number.
The COLA fight, when a 3% "raise" is actually a pay cut
Cost of living adjustments, CPI-U vs CPI-W, and how to read a raise letter after the BLS release.
Is a promotion always worth it? A spreadsheet view
New title, new hours, new stress. When the comp math says yes and when it doesn't.
State income tax: how geography eats your raise
Nine zero-tax states, nine high-tax states, and what a $10k raise really nets in each.
Should I max my 401(k) after a raise?
The pre-tax shield, employer match, Roth vs traditional, and when to actually push to the $24,500 limit.
Bonus vs raise, which is actually better?
A $10k bonus looks big. A $10k raise compounds. How to evaluate when HR offers you both.
Hourly to salary math, and the 1099 trap
Annualizing hourly, comparing to W-2, and why 1099 rates need to be 25% higher to break even.
Is 3% a good raise in 2026? Depends on CPI
March 2026 CPI-U ran 3.3% YoY. A 3% raise is a 0.3% real pay cut. The math, and why it matters.
Negotiating a raise: the 3-email playbook
Impact, market data, specific ask. Three emails that have netted me (and friends) a combined six figures.
Bracket creep explained, with real 2026 numbers
The math behind "I got a raise and lost money" (you didn't), and why inflation adjustments matter.
Need to run numbers first? Head to the pay raise calculator. Got a post idea? Send it over.