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how to get a raise
Do you think you should get more allowance? How you talk to your
parents will be key.
Pick a good time to talk. If your dad is talking on the phone and
trying to feed peas to the baby, that is not the moment to march
in and make your case.
Don’t rely on comparisons. If you get 50¢ and every girl you know
gets $5, OK—you can point that out. But if you get $5 and you’ve got
a friend who gets $8, save your breath. Most parents want to use
their own judgment—not the neighbors’.
Say you’ll do extra work around the house. If it’s your job to sweep
the kitchen after dinner, offer to load the dishwasher, too. If you give
more, you may get more.
Say you’ll pay for more of your expenses. Your parents might think
it’s a good deal if you start paying for your own movies and treats.
Show your parents that you’re responsible with the money you
already have. Most adults are going to feel better about giving
money to a girl who saves a third of her allowance than to a girl who
blows her entire wad at the mall every payday.
Accept no for an answer. Your family’s financial situation could
make it impossible for your parents to give you more in allowance.
Your parents also might just disagree with you about what the right
amount should be. Either way, if you keep your cool and accept their
decision with good grace, it could help you a year from now when
you ask again. For now, turn your mind to ways to make money on
your own.
Which sounds more like you? Take note of your answers.
1.
“Where’s that gift card you got for your birthday?”
asks your mom. You say . . .
a.
“In my dresser drawer. I’m still thinking about
what I want.”
b.
“Beats me.” (In fact, it’s under your bed, along with a petrified
licorice rope and some dust balls the size of Chicago.)
2.
“That will be four dollars,” says the saleswoman. You . . .
a.
hand her the money.
b.
say, “Uh—.” You didn’t check the prices. You have only $2.51.
3.
You keep your money . . .
a.
in the bank on your desk.
b.
in piles all over your room. And at the bottom of your back-
pack. And in the
