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As prices rise on everything from a loaf of bread to home heating fuel, 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. 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 one can do just that:

- The easiest method for increasing take-home pay is to adjust your 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 you owe taxes.
Take a moment to calculate the proper withholding level 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 hitched, head to the payroll office and make that change on your Form W-4.

- 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 you're able to pick up the extra duties and you know you can handle it, why not ask for a pay increase or stipend to pick up the work? Doing so would allow the company to save on costs not only related to the salary of the other position, but benefits and training as well.

- Opt out to medical and dental benefits if you can. Some organizations allow you to sign a waiver opting out of benefits plans.
With medical insurance costing upwards of $3,000 per year for single coverage, employees opting out add up

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