# Reasonable Expenses
**URL:** https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678
**Category:** General Discussion
**Created:** [February 6, 2022, 6:27pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678 "2022-02-06T18:27:46Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ChrisT](https://forum.rosen.com/u/ChrisT)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2022, 6:27pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678/1 "2022-02-06T18:27:46Z")
What do the courts typically consider “reasonable” for personal expenses such as entertainment, vacations, retirement savings, eating out, etc?
In circumstances where budgets are tight, what is a reasonable amount or percentage of income that is viewed as “reasonable” for discretionary spending?
Thank you
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### Author:  [@Anna\_Ayscue](https://forum.rosen.com/u/Anna_Ayscue)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2022, 3:46pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678/2 "2022-02-07T15:46:38Z")
This is entirely on a case by case basis and judges will make this decision depending on the evidence and testimony presented for both parties. It is highly discretionary.
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**Anna Ayscue**
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - [click here](http://www.rosen.com/diy/)
_The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations._
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### Author:  [@ChrisT](https://forum.rosen.com/u/ChrisT)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2022, 9:24pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678/3 "2022-02-11T21:24:17Z")
Thank you. Is it fair to say that entertainment/retirement/etc. is always “reasonable,” at least to some degree? Or would the expectation ever be that the payer literally just has enough for rent/food but they can’t actually live life?
I understand lavish lifestyles are a different situation, but categorically, is something always considered reasonable or do the courts cut it to bare essentials only when budgets are tight?
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### Author:  [@Anna\_Ayscue](https://forum.rosen.com/u/Anna_Ayscue)
#### Post date: [February 14, 2022, 10:17pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/reasonable-expenses/22678/4 "2022-02-14T22:17:55Z")
It’s my opinion that the court would find some entertainment costs to the payor as reasonable, assuming the payor has the excess funds.
In contrast, judges will often not consider retirement savings as a reasonable and necessary expense for the payor of postseparation support or alimony unless the payor has the excess funds.
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**Anna Ayscue**
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - [click here](http://www.rosen.com/diy/)
_The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations._