I just gave myself a raise!

[mm1970]

It's no secret at my work that not only is there no money for raises, but that we laid off 20% last year and cut the pay of only the lowest paid employees by 10%. Added to that all the employees who have joined in the last two years make a lot more than the previous with no adjustments to the older employees. Fun times.

So I decided to give myself a raise. Here's what we have done
Christmas. Replaced the old washer. Getting a rebate. Saving money on water. That was our gift to each other.
Refinanced the house. Cut the payment $700 a month.
Changed our after school care to one that is $200 a month cheaper.
Stopped soccer for my kid. He didn't like it anyway.
Did not travel for any holiday, and have no plans to for months. Savings probably $3000 per year.

[soccerluvof4]

Thats some nice savings!

[Nords]

It's no secret at my work that not only is there no money for raises, but that we laid off 20% last year and cut the pay of only the lowest paid employees by 10%.

How much did the highest-paid employees cut their salaries?

Sounds like you're wise to take matters into your own hands.

[greenmimama]

That is a great way to think about cutting costs, it sounds much more positive.