Potential

There is a lot of potential to be found as a young investor.  I have so far spent the first six years of my professional life capturing as much earnings potential from my career set as I can.  My wife and I have together changed jobs (not careers) eight times to attempt to reach the highest earnings potential that we can in our respective fields.  My wife is a teacher by the way.  She has her Masters Degree and is a Reading Specialist.  I will get into her retirement contribution in the future. 

In 2006 I graduated from college and started planning for my retirement.  Maximizing your employment situation can be the quickest way to accumulate capital for a young adult.  Since 2006 our combined AGI has increased steadily.  Also considering side benefits of better/cheaper health insurance, pensions and retirement matching.  Your take home is not the only thing you should consider when job hunting.
AGI's Since 2006:                  % Change

2006: $33,514.00                    -------------
2007: $66,593.00                       198.7%
2008: $70,048.00                       5.19%
2009: $73,263.00                       4.59%
2010: $91,281.00                       24.59%
2011: TBD Roughly $105,000.00

The opportunity to generate a larger income annually is something that can not be taken lightly.  When you are considering retirement early and want to gain financial independence you may have to take a less attractive job to increase the bottom line.  I believe that for the time being (the next 2-3 years) our household income should see a 3-4% increase in AGI annually.