It’s the beginning of a new year — and the perfect time to evaluate certain purchases. Indulging in small luxuries is part of living a joyful, balanced life. And, according to experts, these expenses can even improve your 2025 financial goals.
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“Luxury doesn’t always mean wasting money,” said Andrew Gosselin, certified public accountant (CPA), personal finance expert and senior contributor at Coupon Mister.
“Sometimes, the right indulgence can double as a smart financial move. Over the years, I’ve seen people invest in things that not only feel great to own but also help them reach their financial goals. It’s all about being intentional with what you buy.”
Below is a list of things to buy that will help you meet your goals this year.
Personalized Savings Tracker
“My best tip is to purchase a visually engaging, customized savings tracker that aligns with your goals, such as a poster or app with progress visuals,” said Max Avery, a chief business development officer at Syndicately.
He said seeing your achievements grow in real time can motivate you to save more consistently.
“For instance, you can set up a $500 fund for your next vacation or save for down payments on real estate properties,” Avery added.
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High-Quality Reusable Water Bottle with Built-in Filtration
“I encourage you to invest in a sleek, durable water bottle with a built-in filter to save on bottled water purchases,” noted Avery.
He said a high-end bottle ensures you’ll use it daily, reducing waste while keeping you hydrated on the go.
“It is an investment that pays off in terms of health and reduced expenses,” he explained. “This way, you could save up to $200 annually on bottled water if you switch to a reusable bottle.”
Smart Power Strips
According to Avery, energy-saving power strips with surge protection allow you to control and cut off power to devices when not in use.
“These tech-savvy tools save money on electricity bills while protecting expensive electronics,” according to the expert. “According to Energy.gov, standby power costs an average of $165 per year to a U.S. household. That is about 8% of your annual electricity bill.”
For this reason, he recommended going for power strips that have more outlets and work with your home Wi-Fi for easy monitoring.
“It is a worthy investment to have in the long run,” Avery concluded.
Vintage Watches
“Vintage watches are not just accessories; they’re investments,” said Gosselin.
He said brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe are known to hold their value and often go up over time.
“I’ve worked with people who picked up a classic watch thinking it was just a treat, and years later, it’s worth double — or more,” Gosselin explained. “The trick is knowing the market and sticking with brands that have a strong resale history.”
Collectible Wine
Then there’s collectible wine. According to Gosselin, high-quality vintages, when stored properly, can appreciate over the years.
“I’ve seen clients buy a few bottles from a good year and, down the line, those same bottles became a lot more valuable,” he revealed.
“And here’s the best part: Even if the investment doesn’t pay off, you’re still left with a bottle of wine you can enjoy. It’s one of the few investments that works out either way.”
Coins and Stamps
Coins and stamps are another solid choice Gosselin recommended.
“They may not sound exciting, but they’ve been a reliable option for generations,” he said.
Gosselin noted rare pieces, especially ones with historical significance, tend to do well, particularly when the economy hits rough patches.
“These aren’t casual purchases, though. It takes research and some understanding of the market,” he said.
“But if you make thoughtful choices, these kinds of items can do more than just look good on a shelf — they can actually add to your financial stability while you enjoy them. It’s a rare balance, but it’s possible.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Little Luxuries To Buy That’ll Help You With Your 2025 Financial Goals
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