The article lists factors such as inflation, geography (the coasts are more expensive), kids, and healthcare, but not underlying reasons.

Some people want larger homes, more cars, bigger lifestyles (over-the-top weddings as an example), communication and entertainment (expensive cable, internet, and phone providers, just to start). And the allocation or misallocation of resources within the health "care" system is another reason that average income doesn't seem enough.

The few tips at the end -- live modestly, save a lot, and don't get hung up on status -- are barely a start.

The goal of "living the dream" is left unexamined or unquestioned.