<< The third explanation is that “expectations are high.” >>
Expecting to be able to afford food and shelter isn’t unreasonable.
My daughter and husband have 4 kids. She home schools. He’s sole provider. They use to spend 300 a week on groceries now it’s 500. That is with a half cow in freezer. One in diapers. That is for food, cleaning supplies, laundry, TP, paper towels, etc.