I'd have to disagree, I live in New England in a second or third tier city and know many families making $250k/y who are comfortable sure but its not Lifestyles

I'd have to disagree, I live in New England in a second or third tier city and know many families making $250k/y who are comfortable sure but its not Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. As others have pointed out, there's not much margin there if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, i.e. owning a home, paying your bills, saving for retirement for two and saving for college for 2.5. I'd agree with others sentiment here, the median income being 53k/y is the real problem. There is no excess capital to redistribute from the top of the 95% to the bottom. It just doesn't exist anymore.