There’s one important thing to remember when you get a raise: Maintain your current standard of living. Too many people get a raise at work and say, “Great! I’ll go on that vacation!” Sure, you can do that. Then, “I’ll buy that new sofa I’ve been wanting!” Uh oh. And then, “I think I need those new shoes. What? I’ve been working hard!” And then you want to kill yourself because you’re swirling into a downward spiral of spending.