by Sommer Winters

Created on: January 26, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2010

As prices rise and the recession continues to linger, more and more people are looking for creative ways to increase their bottom line by way of their paycheck. The current instability of the economy makes it tough for the average worker to seek employment elsewhere for the prospect of higher pay, especially if job security is sound. In addition, bluntly asking for a pay raise that is not accompanied by greater responsibility may be viewed unfavorably by management.  This has been the case even for unionized workers who tend to have more leverage with employers than others.  It would seem that one's hands would be tied; however, that simply is not the case.

Hourly employees are fortunate in that if a boost to the paycheck is needed, working a few hours overtime or forgoing a day off to pick up an additional shift may do the trick. For those that are strictly salaried employees, those options to beef up a paycheck simply don't exist, which means you must get more creative than your hourly counterparts. Included here are just a few of the ways that anyone, hourly or salaried, can do just that:

- The easiest method for increasing take-home pay is to adjust payroll withholding exemptions. Many of us have been taught over the years to claim either zero or one exemption to guarantee not owing the IRS come tax season. What that does for most workers is provide for a tax refund. There is simply no good logic for allowing the government to have an interest-free loan at your expense. Not to mention that same courtesy is not extended if taxes are owed.  Take a moment to calculate the proper withholding level according to IRS guidelines and go from there. Visit your company's payroll department and ask for a Form W-4 to make this adjustment.

- Be sure your filing status is correct. This is especially important for newly married people. You'd be amazed at the difference in withholding for single versus married. The moment you get married, head to the payroll office and make that change on your Form W-4.

- Head back to school.  In many professions, simply having more education increases your salary.  Teachers, for instance, are not only paid according years of experience, but also education beyond their bachelor's degree.  Those in technology and healthcare fields also see boosts in income with more education under their hats.

- Offer a way to save the company money. Here's an idea: is there a current job vacancy that you know how to do? If

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