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MONEY DECISION GUIDE

What Should You Do With a Pay Raise?

Give new recurring income recurring jobs before lifestyle costs absorb it.

Compare the old and new take-home pay so you plan with the increase that actually reaches your account.

The IRS recommends checking withholding after a major income change. Its estimator can help employees review federal withholding.

Protect current essentials and minimums, then decide whether your cash reserve needs reinforcement.

Review any employer match and costly debt before assigning the increase to longer-term saving and other goals.

Keep a deliberate flexible portion if it makes the plan sustainable. You choose the amounts and move the money yourself.

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Educational planning only—not individualized financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. You review the plan and move your own money.