Hi friends and welcome back to Moneygirls quick and dirty tips for a richer life.

I'm Laura Adams. We're getting closer to the new year and you know what that means. It's time to make

some resolutions to improve your personal finances next year.

Don't worry, it doesn't have to be difficult.

You might be surprised at how easy it is to make a few small changes that can transform your financial well-being

and give you more security. In this podcast I'll give you three great ways to

make more money next year. There are three basic financial strategies that you can use to make

more money in the new year. Number one, increase your income by managing your career more

proactively.

Number two, earn more interest by managing the money you already have more efficiently.

And three, invest more by refining your spending plan and cutting your expenses.

Those sound pretty generic, so let's get more specific about each strategy so you can apply them to your situation. Even in today's tough job market,

one of the best ways to increase your income is to ask for a well-deserved

raise or promotion. You may be working longer hours to cover for

laid-off employees and could have picked up some new skills along the way.

Compare what you're making to average salaries or wages in your field and

don't be timid about speaking to your boss if you believe that you should earn more.

Discuss what you've accomplished for the company and remind your employer about the value you bring due to your education, industry experience, personal connections, or time on the job for instance.

If discussing a raise with your boss feels a little awkward,

just remember how beneficial it can be for your financial future.

Here's what I mean. If you negotiate an additional

$3,000 per year, that's an extra $60,000 over the next 20 years. If you invest the additional income in a retirement account,

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