I believe they are college age children. And while $168,000 sounds like a lot to most of us, in Washington DC, especially if that means maintaining a temporary home in DC along with your permanent residence elsewhere, that is a middle-class wage. Whatever your level of income is, it probably sounds like a lot, too, to someone who makes considerably less.
Was his family used to living on a seven figure income? Could there be pressure from the wife to return her to the lifestyle to which she was accustomed?
But, he does need to build up a nest egg for the famaily, since he probably can not buy anymore life insurance.