How to Negotiate a Raise in a Tough Economy (w/ Brown Ambition’s Mandi Money)

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Jun 9, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a career coach and personal finance expert, provides invaluable insights on negotiating raises in today’s challenging economy. She shares tips on understanding your market value and building a robust professional network. The conversation also dives into the pros and cons of Roth and traditional retirement accounts, emphasizing the importance of tax diversification for financial flexibility. Mandi's expertise empowers listeners to confidently enhance their earning potential and make informed retirement decisions.

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ANECDOTE

Mandi's Career Growth Story

Mandi Woodruff-Santos grew her salary from $30K to $300K by quitting six times in 10 years.
She built her career through confidence growth and finding her distinct voice as a Black woman in business journalism.

ADVICE

Know Your Market Value

Always know your market value before negotiating salary.
Talk openly with peers about pay to gain confidence for your negotiations.

ADVICE

Create and Showcase Your Work

Create your own projects to demonstrate skills and generate job opportunities.
Use self-initiated work as a reason to network and attract employers.

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Learn how to negotiate higher pay and choose between Roth vs. traditional retirement accounts with confidence.

How can you negotiate for a raise in an uncertain economy? Should you invest in a Roth or traditional retirement account? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss career strategies and retirement planning to help you maximize your earning potential and long-term savings. Joined by Mandi Woodruff-Santos, career coach and host of the Brown Ambition podcast, they begin with a discussion of salary negotiations, with tips and tricks on understanding your market value, making a strong case to your manager, and building a powerful professional network.

Then, Sean and Elizabeth discuss how to balance contributions between Roth and traditional retirement accounts in a Q&A with listener Mitch. They cover how your tax bracket impacts retirement planning, the pros and cons of Roth 403(b)s vs. IRAs, and why tax diversification can give you more flexibility in retirement. They also explore the strategies behind reaching Mitch’s financial goals, like early retirement and family financial protection.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to negotiate salary, Roth vs traditional 403b, Roth 403b vs Roth IRA, retirement savings strategy, salary negotiation tips, career change strategy, how to ask for a raise, Roth IRA contribution limits, high income retirement planning, 403b Roth vs traditional Roth, tax diversification retirement, FIRE movement tips, early retirement accounts, high income Roth IRA eligibility, job market 2025, negotiating compensation without a job offer, professional networking tips, LinkedIn career growth, career storytelling, raise during midyear review, 401k vs Roth IRA, no 401k match strategy, high income investing, saving for retirement as a nurse, dual income retirement planning, maximizing 403b contributions, 529 plan strategy, how to build an emergency fund, term life insurance for parents, trust setup for families, how to grow your salary over time, and career moves for higher pay.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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