Budgeting Meets Bingo: My 2025 Money Goals

One thing I appreciate about being born in the first week of February is that I can push the start of my new year out about a month or so. This allows me additional time to get my mind right before I commit to whatever version of “new year, new me” that I’ve conjured up.

Though I don’t get started on anything new in January, I use the month to reflect on what I ought to get started on and draw inspiration from what other people are doing.

As I scrolled through the many ‘#goals’ posts in my Instagram feed, I noticed that there’s been a shift in the presentation of this year’s resolutions. Vision boards seem to have fallen out of fashion. 2025 is all about the ‘In & Out’ list and the Bingo Card.

It’s unclear what the prize is for resolution bingo, but I love a good game, so here’s my card for the year:

Everyone has their things they like to spend their extra money on. For some, it’s the latest tech release. For some, it's nice shoes. I’ve never been that into material possessions. Instead, I like to spend my extra income on two things: experiences and convenience.

Lately, I’ve noticed that life has been getting a little too convenient. The lunch that I could’ve easily picked up on my own gets dropped at my front door. For the privilege, I pay double the price.

The Amazon purchase I had to have right away sits delivered and untouched in my entryway for days after its arrival. I halfway think I like the rush I get from pushing the checkout button. A trip to the casino might be cheaper.

My main money goal in 2025 is to make spending less convenient. If I need something, I need to get it from somewhere other than Amazon, either at a physical store or another online retailer where the pain of having to pay for shipping will keep my purchases to a minimum.

If I’m going to eat out, I need to get up and go get a meal myself. No more grease-stained brown paper bags on my doormat. If I can kick my Amazon and DoorDash habit, I’ll consider 2025 a financial success.