There's good news and bad news about raises this year

Plus: Unequal inheritances are back No Images? Click here   Years and years ago, I horribly miscalculated what I could write off as a freelancer and ended up owing A LOT of money I didn't have.. I was surprised and relieved to find out the scary old IRS offers installment plans that have pretty reasonable terms. If you owe money this year and it's going to be tough to come up with it, check out your options below. We've also got some bad news about raises but good advice for working around it. And a whole lot more.  Janie   Take back your life Despite corporate tax breaks and booming profits, do not expect your company to suddenly become generous sharing that wealth anytime soon. Some 69 percent of surveyed employers said they expected to keep average salary increases to a paltry 3 percent or less in 2019 ― roughly the same as last year. If you deserve more, don't despair: Experts told us what to do about it, including prompting an off-cycle conversation.   How to get more of a raise this year     Deal with it A lot of people are shocked to find out they owe taxes this year, despite the fact that their tax bill didn't increase overall and they've never owed before (you can thank miscalculated withholdings for that). And if it's happening to you, and you aren't exactly prepared to write a big 'ol check to the IRS right now, don't panic: Your options include requesting an extension to pay and even setting up an installment plan with the IRS for as little as $31. Here's how it works.   The payment options if you owe taxes Pro Tip: If you are getting a raise soon, and you've figured out how to live on your current salary, the best thing you can do is automate your direct deposit so that the increase in pay goes straight to your savings. Or you can increase your 401(k) contributions, keeping your take-home pay and household budget roughly the same. After all, it's harder to spend what you can't "see" or access easily.  Want more practical magic? How predatory bank fees are zapping our wealth [HuffPost] It's 2019. We have to start describing women better than this. [HuffPost] More parents are leaving unequal inheritances to their kids [Considerable]    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe