Rebecca, I find that most men I know, in spite of their interest in money and financial issues, have trouble understanding how much daily expenses actually are. My husband chokes every time I come home from buying underwear and socks for the boys. It's not that I buy them from the most expensive shops, but I get stuff I know thay can wear and wash more than twice before holes apear. I buy at oone of the cheaper stores when I can, and adjust when what they have is too flimsy or doesn't fit well. It's simply that he, hubby, is not out having to track these prices week by week, year for year. Most men don't, and so they get a bit panicked when they see the tab without thinking that hey, this is what a LOW maintanance wife can manage.
Reality doens't always strike when it should ! HUggs.