Yes unexpected expenses are painful. I usually try to farm out as little of our needs as possible because of the unpredictable nature of their costs when doing so.

In addition you almost have to keep a critical eye on things then as well. I do not feel there is a paranoia factor involved because I still seem to get caught up occassionally in what is today.

So my approach always leaves somewhat of a constant backlog of things to get caught up with. That is a real understatement at times. Also for too many reasons to list the approach I use is certainly not for everyone.