One thing you didn't really bring up is the sort of life you want to have. Generally speaking, people think of an annual salary as a end in itself, when it is really a means to an end.
For example, if you are living in a small town and making $155K/year, your standard of living is likely significantly higher than someone making $250K/year but living in Manhattan or Soma.
You can double your salary by finding a second job. You'll make $310K/year, work 80+ hours a week. Would you be willing to do that? I imagine probably not.
Finally, what sort of time frame are you on? Specifically, do you want to make more $$ to pay for kids next year? More vacations? Retirement?
Investing $25K/year in an index fund will increase your long term net worth / assets, but it won't feel like you've increased your salary, especially in a market where you might lose money one or two years in a row. This might also make it impossible to pay for daycare, cribs, and nannies if you're ultimately doing this to pay for kids.
So ask yourself (or tell us): (1) what are your goals / why do you need the money, (2) how much are you willing to sacrifice to get it, and (3) what is your risk profile?
If you want some reading material, this is a good blog: http://www.freedomthirtyfiveblog.com/
For example, if you are living in a small town and making $155K/year, your standard of living is likely significantly higher than someone making $250K/year but living in Manhattan or Soma.
You can double your salary by finding a second job. You'll make $310K/year, work 80+ hours a week. Would you be willing to do that? I imagine probably not.
Finally, what sort of time frame are you on? Specifically, do you want to make more $$ to pay for kids next year? More vacations? Retirement?
Investing $25K/year in an index fund will increase your long term net worth / assets, but it won't feel like you've increased your salary, especially in a market where you might lose money one or two years in a row. This might also make it impossible to pay for daycare, cribs, and nannies if you're ultimately doing this to pay for kids.
So ask yourself (or tell us): (1) what are your goals / why do you need the money, (2) how much are you willing to sacrifice to get it, and (3) what is your risk profile?
If you want some reading material, this is a good blog: http://www.freedomthirtyfiveblog.com/