HOW did people AFFORD our treasures--when they were new?

[rca2000]

I recently got that SS flat-chassis Zenith set, as you all know. Well, the seller ALSO sent me a brochure he had for the set. In it is my set and a price it cost in 1973, maybe late 1972 $630.00 Today--that is OVER 3K!! That money today will get one a 70" 4K flat panel--that will NOT last ANYWHERE near as long as the 25DC56 sets.


I know things were made to last much longer in the old days--BUT just HOW did people afford them? I have 2 big screens myself--but they cost me NOTHING--both were trash finds I fixed. Otherwise--I could NOT afford much of any tv set.

How did people afford these sets then--unless people were MUCH better off then--than now? Was the economy in the 60's to mid-70's THAT much better than now??