We also have sources for being better in tzedokah – being at home, and giving food rather than money.
There is no contradiction – women are more tuned aware of spending, so they are thinking over these allocation decisions with more precision. I think this is true in our days also.
On a related note, Eruvin – a home owner is presumed to be out for the night if he is staying with his daughter [but not with his son, as an argument with the daughter-in-law may cause him to come back home to sleep]