How to Know When It's Time to Ask for a Raise

Greetings, and welcome to the 22nd edition of the Wallet Wellness Newsletter in 2026 - your midweek source of practical financial tips to elevate your money management skills!

We hope you got a chance to read the last edition, where we discussed wealth habits you can practice on any income. This week, we focus on why people tend to forget money lessons after receiving a salary.

As always, be sure to check out the Concept Corner below for a deep dive into the money concept of the week.

Let’s dive in!

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MONEY254 TIP OF THE WEEK

How to Know When It's Time to Ask for a Raise

Many people wait until they're frustrated or financially stretched before asking for a salary increase. But the best time to ask for a raise isn't when you need more money, but when you've created more value.

Here are four signs it may be time to have that conversation.

1. Your responsibilities have increased

If you're doing significantly more than what you were originally hired for, your salary should reflect that. 

Taking on additional projects, managing people, or handling more complex tasks are all indicators that your role has grown.

2. You've consistently delivered results

A raise is easier to justify when you can point to measurable achievements. Perhaps you've increased sales, improved efficiency, reduced costs, or successfully led important projects. 

Employers are more likely to reward demonstrated value than effort alone.

3. Your skills have improved

Professional development has value. If you've gained certifications, mastered new software, or developed expertise that benefits your employer, you've increased your market value. 

Your salary should reflect those new capabilities.

4. Your pay no longer matches the market

Salaries change over time. If professionals with similar experience and responsibilities are earning significantly more elsewhere, it may be time to review your salary. 

Researching industry salary trends can help you make a well-informed case.

Prepare Before You Ask

Timing and preparation matter. Instead of focusing on rising living costs or personal financial pressures, build your case around the value you've delivered.

Document your achievements, quantify your impact where possible, and explain how your contributions have benefited the organisation.

Asking for a raise isn't about demanding more money; it's about ensuring your compensation reflects the value you bring.

The strongest requests are backed by evidence, not emotion. When your responsibilities, skills, and results have grown, your salary deserves a review too.

Concept Corner

Zero-Coupon Bond

A zero-coupon bond is a type of bond that does not pay regular interest (coupon) payments during its life. Instead, it is sold at a discount to its face value, and the investor earns a return when the bond matures and is redeemed at its full face value. For example, you might buy a zero-coupon bond for Ksh80,000 that has a face value of Ksh100,000 and matures in five years. You won't receive any interest payments during those five years. At maturity, however, you'll receive Ksh100,000, earning Ksh20,000 as your return. Read more

Money Tips & Career Advice

MONEY254 #MONEYTOK

How Well Do You Understand Wealth Building? (Kenyan Examples)

Most Kenyans believe wealth is built by buying land. While land is a valuable asset, it is only one part of a much bigger picture. Wealth is built by owning different types of assets, each serving a different purpose, from preserving money to generating income and growing value over time.

The difference is understanding how these assets work and how they fit together. Many people focus on one and ignore the rest, and that is where they get it wrong.

Watch the video to understand the different building blocks of wealth.

@money254hq

How Well Do You Understand Wealth Building? (Kenyan Examples) Most Kenyans believe wealth is built by buying land. While land is a valuabl... See more

That's it for this edition of Wallet Wellness. We hope these financial tips have added some energy to your hustle. Stay tuned for more practical insights in our next edition of "Wallet Wellness" next week, and watch out for Money Weekly in your inbox this Friday.

Also, don’t forget to download the Money254 App on the Google Play Store, and remember that we can help you compare over 300 loans, savings accounts, current accounts, and more if you’re thinking about your next product.

Cheers to your wallet's well-being!

Money254 editorial team.