Making moves to climb the career ladder can be exciting, and the right moves can propel you toward the job you’ve always dreamed of. To make the most of a new job offer and ensure your next step takes you in the right direction, consider these best practices for evaluating job offers, assembled by Brumbaugh Wealth Management Founder and CEO Kim Brumbaugh.

1. Start with the salary. Plot your job offer on a spectrum according to what you expected it to be as well as where it stands in comparison to others in similar jobs, then dig a little into what you can expect for pay raises in the future.
2. Bundle up the benefits. Figure out what benefits come with the position and what bonuses, commissions, profit sharing or other perks are available.
3. Tally up the intangibles. Try to quantify a dollar amount for the new hours you’ll work, the scheduling flexibility, travel required, commuting costs, wardrobe updates, child care changes and compatibility with your spouse or family. Even go so far as to familiarize yourself with your new work environment and coworkers to see whether they’re a good fit.
4. Put it all together. Spend some time thinking about — or writing down — each of the pros and cons associated with your new job offer. Then decide if the total package is worth it to you.
5. If your answer is no, negotiate. Don’t leave a potentially good opportunity on the table without articulating where it comes up short. Figure out what it would take for you to say yes, then specify those terms in a counteroffer. The company may just take you up on it. Either way, you’ve got nothing to lose.

In everything, don’t be afraid to take your time. Accepting the challenge of a new job is a major decision, and a key to wealth building is making the right moves at the right times.

Glean more career and financial advice from the wealth of knowledge at Exton’s Brumbaugh Wealth Management through previous VISTA Today coverage here.