That Britney Spears has been burning through her estate, once estimated at well over $90 million, has often made headlines, but specific figures as to her yearly expenditure have never actually been made public. With papers filed with an LA courthouse just recently, it has emerged that in less than a year, Britney spent over $10 million, most of the money going on security, staff and housing arrangements, TMZ informs.

According to papers filed by Spears’ conservators, between February and December 2008, the star spent a total of $10,116,678.23, which means just a little less than what she made. Most of the money went on housing arrangements, Britney often switching residences and staying in posh hotels, her entourage (including handlers and management), clothes and her diet regime, and auxiliary staff. However, the biggest chunk of the money went to Kevin Federline and court fees, which she was forced to pay by an older court ruling.

“From March to December Brit blew $447,633.69 on security alone. Six months of household repairs and maintenance ran her $49,387.22. Britney also spent $625,000 to pay Kevin Federline’s lawyers, as ordered by the courts. In the docs, the payments are referred to as ‘Federline Fees.’ K-Fed ain’t doin’ too bad either – from March to December, Britney kicked over $178,818.00 in child support payments. Grand total expenses for Brit between Feb. and December – $10,116,678.23.” TMZ writes, adding that the star coughed up $3,400 just to hang out the Christmas lights.

Ironically enough, other reports in the media have it, Britney is not as generous when it comes to her two boys as she is with her personal safety and whims. For instance, it is being said, while she easily takes out almost $7,000 a month for bills on her diet and exercise regimes (necessary to keep her in top shape for her current Circus tour), she only spent just under $180,000 for her boys in almost a year.

Then again, Britney Spears being one of the most successul pop stars of the moment, it’s not like she can’t afford it, glossy e-zines are pointing out. Her ongoing tour, the Circus Starring Britney Spears Tour, has proven immensely successful so far, despite initial unfavorable reviews and some minor setbacks along the way. Circus hits the UK next month.