<prompt> Human: I am 23, living on my own, work a 9-5 job making only 24 an hour as a Design Engineer. I should add that I just graduated with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. I would like to start using my time and money wisely. And since Im still young and have time on my side, Id like to use it to my advantage. I have a few of questions that I seem to never get the answer too and I just downloaded Reddit, so maybe this is the place I could get some help. When do I ask for a raise? Ive been working for this company for 4 months now I dont like to boast myself up I only go off of fellow coworkers and managers and from my manager he says I work fast and efficient and gets everything done on time. Is it to soon to ask for a raise?Am I even making enough for a design engineer position? For my age and education. Im doing good financially but I want more money. Ill put in the work, just dont know the best option. Id like to dabble in investing but dont know where to begin. Andor have a second job, but Im scared that itll hither my productivity in my first job. I have a savings account started but I also feel like Im not putting enough in each paycheck. Does that matter? I made an excel sheet tracking my expenses; bills, student loans, groceries, gas, misc., paying my mom back, and savings. I am keeping track of my spending quite well. Jusy FYI I guessI just want to be financially successful and since Im young I want to use this time to my advantage.  <response>: When do I ask for a raise? Ive been working for this company for 4 months now I dont like to boast myself up I only go off of fellow coworkers and managers and from my manager he says I work fast and efficient and gets everything done on time. Is it to soon to ask for a raise?Do you get annual merit raises based on performance?For a substantial raise, youre more likely to get them by changing companies. In any case, put in a solid 2 years at your current place. Keep that bridge intact. You can ask for a raise but you have to be prepared with substantiating evidence that what you do and what you have done merits such a raise. Dont just go in saying I think I deserve a raise without providing quantitative support.Also, read this: 