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Invoice & payment

Bonus Tracker

Structuring performance incentives professionally.

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Defining Performance Incentives

In the Philippines, 13th-Month Pay is a legal right (PD 851). In the US/UK/AU, it does not exist. When you don't get it, you feel cheated. When you demand it, the client feels extorted.

The Fix: “Performance Bonus”

Don't ask for a handout. Ask for a reward. Keep a “Win Journal” throughout the year (e.g., “Jan 10: Saved client 5 hours”). Use these wins to justify your bonus.

The Holiday Bonus Script

Use this in November/December. Cite specific wins.

“Hi [Client], as we approach the holidays, I wanted to ask if we could discuss a year-end performance bonus? In the Philippines, we have a custom called '13th Month' which covers holiday expenses. While I know it's not required for contractors, I'd value it as a reflection of the wins we achieved this year, specifically [Win #1] and [Win #2].”
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The Win Journal Strategy

You forget 90% of the value you deliver. By December, you can't remember what you did in March. The fix is a Win Journal.

How to Log a Win

Every Friday, write down ONE thing you achieved. Use the format: Action + Result.

  • “Optimized images on homepage → Improved load speed by 0.5s”
  • “Found a cheaper software alternative → Saved $40/month”
  • “Create a template for inquiries → Reduced reply time by 50%”
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The Ask

In December, don't ask for “Holiday Pay”. Ask for a performance review based on your Win Journal.

The Evidence-Based Bonus Request

Send this in early December. It bridges the '13th month' gap gracefully.

“Hi [Name], happy holidays! Reflecting on this year, I'm really proud of what we built, especially [Win #1] and [Win #2]. \n\nIn the Philippines, we have a tradition called '13th Month' that helps with holiday expenses. While I know that doesn't apply to contractors, I'd value a performance bonus as a reflection of the results we achieved together this year. Looking forward to doing even more in 2026!”

Straight answers

Bonuses outside base invoices are easy to forget or dispute. Tracking them with dates, criteria, and confirmation protects income you earned.

Any compensation outside base invoice, performance bonus, rush fee, referral fee, or discretionary top-up agreed verbally or in writing.

Yes when possible. Separate line items create a clear record if payment timing or amount is questioned later.

Document wins that support bonus conversations.

win-journalUse the Win Journal

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