[marknutter]

I don't think $50k back in 1960 bought you as much as $400k buys you today. Keep in mind how cheap many products and services have gotten due to automation, globalization, and technological advancements. Comparing cost of living in 1960 to cost of living in 2013 as if it's comparing apples to apples is a mistake.

[nilkn]

Well, have you watched Mad Men? That's approximately what $50k in 1960 got you. Most people would probably describe Donald Draper as wealthy in the show. He started at $45k in season one if I remember correctly.