SMART MONEY - THE FINANCIAL DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Sometimes, one thoughtful shake-up can make a big difference.

"I spent money on myself to land a better job and the big raise I deserved."

L'OREAL THOMPSON PAYTON, 36 EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

I was working in external affairs for a nonprofit, and I learned from some peers in similar roles in the same sector that I was underpaid by nearly $30,000. I tried to negotiate a raise, but I was told, in so many words, "Sorry, we're a nonprofit. There's nothing we can do." Determined to find a job that would pay me what I'm worth, I decided to hire a career coach, which-at $100 an hour-was a hefty investment for me on my salary. She helped me update my résumé, make a five-year plan, and come up with a list of nonnegotiables for my next job.

One day while scrolling LinkedIn, I found a listing for a director of communications role at a nonprofit that felt like it was created for me. The job description even stated that the ideal candidate should scroll X (Twitter at the time) every morning with coffee-something I still do to this day. Plus, when I visited the company's website, I was thrilled to see that the staff was diverse (one of my nonnegotiables!). After a few rounds of great interviews, I got the job and increased my salary by $30,000.

Receiving the offer and then quitting my job came with a surprising range of emotions. I was pissed that I had been underpaid for so long. That's never a good feeling! But I was proud that I advocated for myself and didn't settle for just any job.

"I diversified my investments to make progress toward my financial goals."

SIANNA SIMMONS AFARI, 33 PEACHTREE CITY, GEORGIA