going broke on $500K salary!

commentary on the article about "going broke on a $500K salary"..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/fashion/08halfmill.html?ex=1391922000&en=968d31bce373490a&ei=5124&partner=facebook&exprod=facebook

does it have to be that way?
do we really get all that much enjoyment out of a life style described by the author of that article?

is everything there necessary?

ultimately, do those (things) makes us *happy*?!