I can only think of two things that are not negotiable and they are death and taxes. Other than that everything else is up for grabs. The fact that everything is negotiable doesn't mean you will get everything just the way you want it. What it does mean is you can at least ask for what you want.

My husband had an unfortunate car accident. He was waiting his turn to make a left-hand turn, and a woman in the van in front of him decided to back up. She didn't notice my husband behind her. Her foot slipped and she stomped on the accelerator. The van smashed into our car. The good news is my husband is fine. The bad news is the car is totaled.

After having the car looked at by the adjuster, the insurance company told us how much money they would give us for the car. Both my husband and I agreed it wasn't enough so my husband made a counteroffer. I told my sister we were negotiating with the insurance company and she said, "I didn't know you could do that. I thought you had to take what they offered you." I explained that everything is negotiable. When you negotiate you are not guaranteed to get what you want, but if you don't negotiate you are sure not to get it.

It never hurts to negotiate. There are a few key strategies that will help you before going into any negotiation. First know exactly what it is you want. Do your homework. My husband did research on the Internet and used the Kelly Blue Book site to determine the value of the car. He was able to use this research when negotiating with the insurance company. Second, go into every negotiation with a Win/Win attitude. The idea isn't to beat the other person. The idea is to come to a decision that both people are happy with and can live with. Thirdly know what you are willing to walk away from.

There are times when you simply will not be able to come to a mutual agreement. Know what your deal breaker is and be willing to walk away from the deal if it does not meet with your values and needs. Although some people look at negotiation as conflict it really is more about finding a favorable solution for both parties. If you go into it with the belief that both sides can win you can come out with a much better solution for all parties involved.

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD is a human potential expert who has supported thousands of people in becoming wealthier, healthier and happier by providing daily motivation, information and inspiration through her award winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. For her free report, “How to create more Wealth, Health and Happiness by Tapping Into the Power of Daily Action” go to http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/daily_action.htm