$15,600 was bellow average wage in the 80's however im sure it was a very comfortable wage at the time, however average wages are skewed by the top end of town although way more now than in the 80's For example average wage currently is 85k however over 75% of people earn bellow 62k..
Also you can't really count the 4 children even though you were getting handouts... children is a choice thing, for example i have put off kids for a number of years until a can afford to bring them up with out any support and not a shoe box apartment...
Your right in saying the cost of living in regards to food and petrol is now cheaper these days but thats where it stops, housing is now prohibitive or even a long term risk where as it used to be a very easy wealth builder.
