How to live well (well beyond your means, that is)

I'm disturbed by this "special edition" article by Forbes.com.

"We are not talking about great riches," the article says, yet these fictional families drive expensive cars, have two homes, and send their children to private schools. Oh, and they only save 1% of their income. The authors admit that "this may not be the most fiscally prudent way to behave, but it is the norm in this country," but I feel that portraying these folks as "living well" and not "living stupidly" is irresponsible. Especially when the article ends with, "So, are you ahead of the game or are you behind?"

It's scary to me that someone might think they're doing something wrong because they don't live like these families.