Budget cushion?

[Anonymous]

I'm moving from a crazy, high-paid biglaw job to a much more modestly paid government job. My husband (also a fed) and I have never really had to pay much attention to our budget, because we've always had plenty left over, which we have put into savings. Fortunately, we have about 18 months of expenses in savings and safe investments. But now, as I plan to move to a much, much lower-paid job, I'm trying to map out a budget for us. I do NOT want to touch the savings. So I want to at least break even, and preferably be able to save at least a few hundred per month.

For those of you who have been responsible to budget, how much wiggle-room do you give yourself for unanticipated expenses?

[Anonymous]

10%

[Anonymous]

The starting point is a realistic budget that is tied to your real take home pay. Wiggle room is for truly unanticipated costs, not irregular but anticipated costs like the eventual break downs or repairs needed on your car.