When working up the nerve to ask for a raise, some people tend to focus on how the money would affect them in their every day life. You need to cover your cost of living increases? You haven’t seen a raise in a while? You have big financial goals? Sorry to say, your employer doesn’t really care whether you want more money for a bigger house, your kid’s college education, or your Roth IRA—your employer cares about their bottom line and keeping a good employee. Remember, YOU are that good employee. So, when negotiating pay or asking for a raise, emphasize the overall value you bring to the company. Focus more on what you’re worth to them, rather than their worth for you.