Okay Item 1: Did your boss give you any indication throughout the year that he was dissatisfied with your performance. Maybe it has to do with budget issues and nobody received a raise. If that isn't the case and if he didn't give you any indication he felt you were performing poorly AND since this is the first time in 7 years you didn't get a merit raise it is perfectly logical that you would have a conference with your boss about this sooner rather than later. Very simply ask to meet with him and say something to the effect of: "Boss, I was very surprised not to get a merit raise this year. I feel I have really contributed and have produced some quality work this year and would like to know why I wasn't provided a raise. Are there areas of my performance that you are disatisfied with and if so what are they and how can I improve."
Item 2. If she is asking for money that would cause you to constrain your lifestyle or impact putting bread on the table, simply be honest with her. "Hey Sis, I would really like to help out but based on my financial situation right now I really can't. I'm sorry.
Item 3. I think you need to cool it a bit with Mr. A I think he is getting into a comfortable situation of using you for what he wants and once he's satisfied your needs/emotions are not a concern to him. Seems to me he is cake eating.
Oh and yes GO BLUE. Great game on Saturday however I feel we are a one dimensional - one player team and if Denard goes down, the losses may start to accumulate.
