How to Boost Your Salary Without Getting a Raise

Depending on how you get to work (car, public transit, bike), some employers offer benefit programs to cut your commuting costs. They will either directly pay you a tax-free subsidy each month or deduct the benefit from your paycheque before calculating the amount that needs to be withheld for taxes.

By coming in earlier and leaving earlier (or arriving later and leaving later), you can speed up your commute home. Or maybe your company would consider their staffers working extra hours each day so it's a four-day work week instead of five — all of which add quality of life without costing anything extra. And if you can convince your boss to allow you to telecommute once a week, that will help save so much in the long run.

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If you're lucky, some employers pay employees for vacation time they don't use. If you find employment elsewhere, you can include your unused vacation in your final paycheque (though unused sick or personal days don't play a factor). While many people with one foot out the door tend to use that vacation time, try to hold off and wait until you get to your new job. That way, you'll have a little extra to use when you take a week off from your new company.

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Employers nowadays are recognizing the value of helping their staffers stay physically and mentally fit. Whether they pay for all or a portion of a gym membership, host training sessions in the office, pay entrance fees for races, or even equip you with a fitness tracker, take advantage of anything and everything.

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If you're paying for job-related expenses out of your own pocket, like travel or business lunches, most companies will reimburse you. And if they don't pay you back directly, they can subtract them come tax time because expenses incurred for work are not considered taxable income.

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It can be anything, from admissions to local attractions, tickets to sporting events, subscriptions to magazines or streaming services, or even extra swag from vendors. If they're giving it away, grab hold. Think of all the money you just saved.

Plus, if you want great discounts and perks, check out the Canadian jobs with the best discounts.

Aside from retirement contributions and those damn taxes that get deducted from every paycheque, there are also the premiums for any insurance programs you're signed up for. But if you're healthy as a horse and don't go to the doctor often, you might not need all the extra coverage. So opt for a plan with a lower premium and a high deductible; you can always increase it, if need be.

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Piggybacking on the last point, if you're married and your spouse's plan is superior to your own, it might be cheaper to join his/her plan and keep yours super-basic (if you have to sign up, at all).

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Costly business suits required in the office can add up; if your office keeps it smart and business casual, that could be saving you plenty.

Companies are happy to keep well-trained those who are ahead of the rest of their field on staff, plus who doesn't like to broaden their knowledge? A win-win.

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If you're not signed up, enroll ASAP. Because the money you decide to contribute is taken directly off your paycheque before you pay any taxes on your income. While it reduces what you actually take home, in the long run it lowers the amount of income taxes you'll owe. Short-term gain for long-term security. If you're fortunate, some employers will match a portion of an employee's contribution. Free money!

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