budget breakdown, episode three

mckenzie mack's budget overview for feb 2025, incl. a 5-digit social media income, content creation tips, and splitting expenses with a partner

Mar 11, 2025

Welcome to the third episode of Budget Breakdown, where I feature finance creators’ budget for a designated month — this includes their real numbers for income, expenses, and savings/investments. In addition, they answer my questions about their 9-5, academic and career trajectory, side hustles, and/or monetization surrounding their social media presence. Most importantly, I end each breakdown with lifestyle-related questions to shine light on their qualities outside of just finance.

I am so delighted to feature

Mckenzie Mack

as my third guest on this series — please give her a warm welcome.

What is your name/username?

Mckenzie Mack (Instagram & TikTok)

How old are you, what is your job title and field, what type of city do you live in?

29, Project Manager in Tech, Medium Cost of Living

Where did you attend? What degrees do you have?

B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Management

Is your degree related to the career you're pursuing at this moment?

Yes 🙂

What do you use to manage your finances?

I use my own tool, the Annual Budget Planner. I used to use budgeting apps but they were never quite what I was looking for, so I created my own!

What are your short-term finance goals?

Max out all of my retirement accounts in 2025 and hit Coast FIRE to retire at 55.

Do you recommend any finance books/creators/podcasts that have been integral to your financial independence journey?

Psychology of Money: it’s so important to understand your own money psychology, but also to understand others! This book gives you a lot of empathy for those who may seem like they have weird money views - when you look at the circumstances they grew up in, their money mindset makes total sense!
I Will Teach You to be Rich: great step by step guide for getting started with personal finance.
The Money with Katie Show: my favorite podcast!!! I love the way she discusses practical financial topics, while also diving into systems. Why are things the way they are? How can we imagine a better world? And how do we manage our money in the meantime?

Net Worth:

I have $313k in investments (incl. 401k, Roth IRA, HSA, and taxable brokerage account).

Income:

9-5: $4,257.33
Social Media: $28,000.00 - this is not a usual amount. I usually pay myself $3000 per month from social media, but I got a quarterly bonus this month. I make money primarily from digital products and Brand Partnerships
HYSA interest: $253.45

Total: $32,510.78

Spending:

I’m doing a No Buy Quarter January - March.

Rent*: $1,412.00
Electric*: $131.85
Groceries*: $320.28
Restaurants: $0
Coffee: $0
Fun Money: $0
Personal Care: $33.95
Pet: $117.06
Subscriptions: $25.11
Travel: $ 395.00
Fun Sinking Fund: $109.60
Student Loan 1: $480.65
Student Loan 2: $421.13
Student Loan 3: $488.02
Donation: $2,500.00

Total: $6,434.65

*These expenses are split 50/50 with my partner, so these are my half of the bill

Sinking funds:

Health: $50
Home: $20
Car Insurance + Taxes: $85
Vet Visits: $50

Total: $205

Investments

401k: $2,278.96
HSA: $304
Employer Stock Program: $250
Taxable Brokerage: $25,318.87

Total: $28,151.83

What are some tips for someone starting out with content creation?

Find something you can talk about every single day without getting bored. Acknowledge that you are scared to post, but post anyway!

Tips for someone who wants to start monetizing on social media?

Focus first on being consistent and creating high quality content. Put your email in your bio - brands will come to you!

Most lucrative side hustle so far?

Content Creation

Advice on creating reels?

Good lighting and clear audio will be your best friends!

How do you and your partner split expenses?

We split housing and food 50/50, but most everything else is vibe-based. We don’t tally who pays for what. Since we both make similar incomes and are open about our finances we’ve never had any issues!

3 things you cannot live without:

My cats!!!! My Macbook (chronically productive). And my Aquaphor lol.

I'm currently listening to:

Audiobook: Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir By Ina Garten

(I watched her every single summer growing up!!!)

I'm currently reading (and the last book I rated 5 stars):

Last book I rated 5 stars: Down the Drain - could not stop reading!!

Things you love:

Coffee, spreadsheets 🤓, content creation, volleyball, reading, walks

Things you've regretted spending money on:

I honestly can’t think of a thing!! I really healed my relationship with money over the years and don’t really ruminate on past purchases anymore (thankfully)

Your last day of earth meal spread:

Chicken Biryani (and raita) but it has to be made by my friend’s mom!!! She recently taught me her recipe and that’s all I eat now LOL

Items on your wishlist: