Don't Ask for What You Want - Ask For what you need
When taking a loan or an advance, take time to calculate what you need - don't ask for what you want, but ask only for what you need. Many people make the mistake of asking for more than they need.
If you have other money sources that cost more, then you can justify asking for more, but try to keep within reason - you don't want to be dinged in high interest rates and fees unless absolutely necessary. Anytime you get a loan or advance, the cash you get costs something - is it worth the extra payments to get what you just extravagantly want?
Think it all through - are you trying to meet your house payments and other bills for two months when you can go back to work? Add it all up and ask for that amount. If you are also thinking to add on some new clothes or other luxury, think again. You'll be paying so much more for them by using the loan or advance money for them.