Is his job pretty stable. Maybe something is going on there that he is afraid he could loose his job or downsizing. My daughter in law lost my son 6 years ago. She had to finish raising 3 children[ last one will be in college]and she lost her job about 7 months ago,trying to live from unemployment. She said wherever she goes she is told she is over qualified. She has downsized where she lives and doesn't know what else to do. So maybe he is worried about something or just really scared about this economy. I can't say I blame him but good luck.