Appropriate to Include my Expected Pay Raise in 2014 Budget?

December 2, 2013 9:49 AM

I'm in the process of writing a budget for my department for 2014. I've just been given a title bump with the promise that a pay raise will be coming when cash allows. Should I include my expected pay raise in the 2014 budget as a line item for my salary? I haven't been told what it is, but I have a good idea what it should be.
posted by grubby to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Best answer: I say yes. Otherwise you're going to end up having to scramble/beg/borrow from another line item.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:31 AM on December 2, 2013

Best answer: I've just been given a title bump with the promise that a pay raise will be coming when cash allows.

I think I'd seek clarification about what "when cash allows" means, because it sounds to me like they're probably trying to put off the raise for more than a month.
posted by jon1270 at 10:39 AM on December 2, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Definitely yes. If the budget is approved as submitted, they will no longer have any reason to deny giving you the raise. Just point to the budget and say they've already given you the money, it's just not showing up in your checking account!
posted by trivia genius at 10:48 AM on December 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

Best answer: hell yes. your duty to write a budget means you must use the most accurate, up-to-date assumptions at your disposal, including the assumption of a pay raise based upon a promise from your boss; you would be remiss otherwise. if you don't put it in there, you might not get it, and i'm sure they'd be happy to continue paying your old salary for your new, upgraded title and duties. this is business, not a love-in.

"when cash allows" is bullshit anyway when it comes to paying the troops. i can tell you without looking at your books that the cash is available right now.
posted by bruce at 10:49 AM on December 2, 2013 [2 favorites]

Best answer: "When cash allows" sounds like mañana to me. It is prudent to include it in your budget. It is imprudent to include it in your personal spending plans.
posted by epo at 10:55 AM on December 2, 2013