Need website where I can find out what the cost of living increases have been over the last 5 years?

[429CJ]

My girlfriend wants to ask her boss for a raise. She hasn't had one in 3 years. It would be helpful if she knows how much the cost of living has increase over the past few years.

Thanks a bunch

[Quilla]

http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/steccpi.html

[Fudd]

The US gov keeps good states on that info - I think it's the bureau of labor standards web site. Google it - it will come.

[429CJ]

WOW, that was fast!!
What a great site FreeRepublic is!!

Thanks a lot!!

[conservative cat]

Good question- my husband is in the same position (no raise in over three years). We have had two children in the time since he last had a raise!

[RebelBanker]

Here is a link to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' table:
ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/cpi/cpiai.txt

[rwa265]

All kinds of information here:

http://www.bls.gov/

[OldFriend]

The most important factor in asking for raise in outlining what you as an employee have contributed to the firm. Have you initiated any new ideas that made the company more productive? Have you gone out of your way to help new employees?

You need to stick to what you have done for the company not what you want the company to do for you.

[keat]

Word of advice (this doesn't apply if your girlfriend has a government job):

Employers are less concerned about the cost of living or an employee's economic condition (house payment, number of kids, etc...) than they are with what the employee contributes to the company and what they would have to pay someone else for the same job.

Focus on achievement and comparable wages for the same position at other companies.

[ElkGroveDan]

Marry her so she can quit and be a stay-at-home mother -- you cad!

[RainMan]

Ping for later eval

[kallisti]

My company bases increases on performance, however cost of linving changes are considered also. Your advice on researching comparable wages is pertinent also, however be advised that some websites post inflated data.

[429CJ]

Actually I would be a very lucky man if she would marry me but she is reluctant because of a couple of bad choices in the past. She just turned 50 and is beautiful and has a body that any 20 year old girl would be thrilled to have. She turns heads everywhere we go in public. I wish I could post a picture of her in her bikini when we were in Hawaii last November but she would kick my a** if I did. As great looking as she is she is pretty modest. Oh well, I'll keep treating her like a princess and maybe someday.....