How a 25-Year-Old Marketing Manager Balances a $107K Salary, Book Club Nights, and Marathon Dreams!

Welcome to Money Diaries

Explore the financial habits of real people as we break down their spending over a week. Today, we’re featuring a 25-year-old marketing manager from New York making $107,141 a year.

Personal Overview

• Occupation: Marketing Manager
• Industry: Technology
• Salary: $107,141
• Location: New York
• Assets:
  • Checking: $500
  • Savings: $1,909.45
  • HYSA: $13,108.08
  • Roth IRA: $18,768.83
  • Roth 401(k): $58,023.05
  • HSA: $3,898.03
  • Employee Stock: $44,461
  • Brokerage: $30,724
• Debt: $0
• Paycheck (bi-weekly): $2,505
• Monthly Expenses:
  • Housing: $2,600 rent
  • Utilities: ~$120
  • Subscriptions: $113
  • Yoga Membership: $60

Daily Spending Breakdown

Day One: Monday

Morning: Wakes up with a gentle alarm and enjoys coffee and breakfast.
Afternoon: Errands before hosting a book club, spending $82.61 on groceries.
Evening: Hosts friends for a cozy night discussing Ina Garten's memoir.

Day Two: Tuesday

Morning: Attends barre class, costs $5.23.
Afternoon: Works and records a podcast, then heads to French class.
Evening: Considers training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

Day Three: Wednesday

Morning: Meets an agency for coffee, receiving a free latte.
Afternoon: Orders Secret Santa gift on Amazon, spending $23.
Evening: Enjoys pizza with boyfriend before heading to a winter market.

Day Four: Thursday

Morning: Attends barre class with a friend, enjoys hazelnut lattes afterwards for $8.08.
Afternoon: Gets a haircut for $113.
Evening: Attends a glamorous holiday party with boyfriend.

Day Five: Friday

Morning: Struggles with a missed meeting but has a good recruiter call.
Afternoon: Spends $16.85 on a salad while waiting for a train to D.C.
Evening: Enjoys dinner at a Shabbat dinner with friends.

Day Six: Saturday

Morning: Goes to yoga for $5.
Afternoon: Brunch and shopping, spending $43.46.
Evening: Attends the Wizards game for $51.

Day Seven: Sunday

Morning: Returns to NYC and spends $48.59 on groceries.
Evening: Prepares a cozy dinner with friends.

Financial Insights

This Money Diary showcases the balancing act of managing a healthy salary while enjoying life in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our marketing manager reflects on her spending habits, including her luxuries and practicalities, all while contemplating a half marathon!