How much dough is your position worth? Before you ask for a raise, you need to know how much money you can realistically expect for the work that you do. Do a bit of detective work to find out the salaries of others in your profession. If you are close enough to others in the field to ask what they earn without offending them, do so. You can also look online to find out the average salary of someone in your position. Once you have a ballpark figure of a competitive wage, you will be able to figure out an amount to request from your current employer.

You need to go above and beyond your required duties, and show your superiors that you are skilled, motivated, and loyal. If you see that something needs to get done, do it. Don't wait to be asked. Take initiative, and demonstrate that you are on top of things. Get things taken care of, and do it well.

You will also need to make sure that your efforts don't go unnoticed. When it is appropriate, point out the things that you have done. Do not boast or gloat, but throw in a casual,"by the way, I saw that we needed such-and-such, so I went ahead and did it" during conversations with your boss.

Despite your best efforts to be a model employee, you may not be approached with an offer for a raise. It may be tough, but you will probably need to have a talk with your boss and request one.

Set up a time when there are no distractions, and you are able to have a private conversation with your boss. Point out how hard you have been working, and that you are having financial issues (if that is indeed the case). Explain that you love working for them, but really feel that you should be earning more money.

They may say yes, or they may say no. There's not much you can do after pleading your case. Even if you don't get an immediate raise, however, if you have followed the above steps you are most likely in an excellent position to receive a pay increase in the near future.