Mike, do you have debt? Just yes or no - I don't care about the amount.
If you do, I would highly suggest taking a second look at what you are spending - APR, payment terms, etc.
Moreover, if you are scraping by month-to-month, what are you doing buying lunch? Let's assume you go for something cheap... say $6.00 including drink. That's $30 per week, just on one meal. Add in the coffee every morning (that you buy, right?) and you're at an easy $45 per week on food, that you don't buy at the Grocery Store.
My wife and I spend about $300 per month on Groceries, and that includes baby formula (not included are: diapers, shampoo, and other baby items like snacks and juices). Per person, that's about $100/mo.
Let's say you eat "well". In that, I mean name brand items, meats, breads and snacks. $150 per month for food should be entirely inclusive, right up to dessert and snacks.
However, if you are buying lunch & coffee most every day (and let's reduce that dramatic number for arguments sake) you're spending about $120 per month outside of your food budget, on a mere single meal per day, plus a morning jolt.
You don't need just a raise, Mike. I think you need to re-think your spending habits.
And no, I'm not the stove calling the kettle black. I am well aware this is something I need to do as well.
