It's not just about knowing your worth, it's getting paid for it too. In honor of Black Women's Equal Pay Day on August 13th, let's talk about it. As women, we often undervalue ourselves when it comes to negotiating salary and pay. Not to mention that most adults consider talking about money- very taboo.

Being paid $0.62 cents for every $1 dollar costs us not only money but time. It takes a black woman 19 months to make what her white male counterparts will make in 12 months! EVERY YEAR WE ARE 7 MONTHS BEHIND! 

As friends, we felt the need to share a few pearls with you. 

The reality is your starting salary is what sets the foundation of any additional earnings as you move up in your career. So if you don't ask for what you want out the gate, you can eventually set yourself up towards running behind the rest of your tenure.  Let THAT sink in. 

Already in your job? All is not lost you can consider negotiating an increase in your bonus potential to catch up. 

When interviewing, you can always ask a company what the salary range is for a position. However, they can not ask you what your prior salaries were.  

Check out this article in Forbes.  Here's an updated list on which states and local areas that have Salary History Bans-yes there are bans and it's actually illegal, and the list is growing. It's good to know what the legal rules are on salary history bans in your area.

Every job expects you to negotiate. The first offer is generally the low ball offer. It is what the employer is comfortable with. They WANT you to take the first offer. 

Don't!!!  

Push the envelope. There is always SOMETHING in the contract you can negotiate. The worse they can say is "No". You have nothing to lose. They like you that's why you are being interviewed. Have a walk-away number-and don't undercut yourself. 

Know & negotiate your worth. 

We'll even throw in a lil' bit of Bible into this convo-"You have not because you ask not."

Below we've included some Negotiation Resources for you. 

1. Harvard Business Review: 15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer
2. Essence's Unbossed Podcast: Pay Me What you Owe Me
3. Here are some Wage Empowerment Resources from the American Association of University Women. 
4. 7 Tips to Negotiate Like a Lawyer by Shay M. Lawson Esq. 
5. Check out a few books on how to negotiate :

• Women Don't Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation
• The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Secure a Seat at the table
• Corporate America & the African American Woman
• Expect to Win