2025 is shaping up to be a pretty exciting year! If all goes according to plan, I’ll finally wrap up grad school by the end of it. As an international student, though, this whole period feels like a weird in-between—kind of like a liminal space where I’m juggling academic deadlines and thinking about what comes next. Until my final thesis revisions are approved after my viva, I’ll be on my student visa, which will likely keep me tied up until November or December.

The final stretch of this PhD journey has a bit of a rhythm to it. From what I’ve heard, the time between submitting the thesis and defending it is less intense work-wise but way more stressful mentally. The plan is to submit my thesis in June, then spend July and August prepping for the defense, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the slightly lighter workload.

Of course, I’ll still need to work a bit. My income streams over the last few years have been a bit all over the place, and none of them have been particularly great. I can either hop back to the U.S. for short work stints within my visa’s travel limits or work 20 hours a week in the UK. Neither option is ideal, but they’ll help cover expenses.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m crossing my fingers for a job that’ll finally bring some financial stability. If that happens, 2025 could be my last year of super-tight budgeting and dipping into savings. At the same time, it’s also probably my last chance to enjoy the flexibility that comes with being a student, so I want to make the most of it. With that in mind, here are my financial goals for the year:

1. Max Out My Roth IRA for 2024:
   I’m a little behind on this one, but I’m confident I can hit the max by the end of January or February. It’s nice to check this off and feel like I’m still on track with my long-term financial goals.
2. Max Out My Roth IRA for 2025:
   This will probably be a late-in-the-year accomplishment. Back in my pre-PhD days, I used to max these out early in the year, giving my savings extra time to grow. Those were the good old days of more optimal finances. Now, just getting it done by year’s end feels like a win. Hopefully, by 2027 or 2028, I can get back to being ahead on this.
3. Max Out My HSA:
   Health savings are a must, so funding my HSA is a no-brainer.
4. Go to Egypt with My Boyfriend and Family:
   I’ve been dreaming about this trip with my boyfriend, brother, and sister-in-law. A week-long vacation to Egypt is going to run around $3,000, but it’s totally worth it for the experience.
5. Best Friend Summer Adventures:
   Every summer, my best friend visits for two weeks, and it’s always a blast. We hit up tourist spots in London, take a weekend trip somewhere in the UK, and usually do a long weekend in Europe. These adventures usually cost $2,000–$3,000, but they’re one of my favorite parts of the year.
6. Anniversary Getaway with My Boyfriend:
   In May, we’re planning a little trip for our anniversary. We’re keeping it budget-friendly—under $1,000—but it’ll be nice to celebrate with a change of scenery.
7. Save $1,200 for U.S. Car Insurance by June:
   Keeping my U.S. car insured is a necessary evil. It’s cheaper than renting a car during my visits, assuming my trusty Toyota Matrix doesn’t betray me again!
8. Buy a Used Car in the UK:
   After some unexpected car drama last year, I’ve realized I need a car in both the U.S. and the UK. I’m planning to buy a used car here for £4,000–£5,000 and aim for one with decent resale value since I’ll probably sell it in a few years.
9. Find a Second Online Adjuncting Gig:
   A little extra income would go a long way, so I’m on the lookout for another teaching job online.
10. Pay for a Graduate Visa:
    When I graduate, there are a few options for staying in the UK. After some discussions with my boyfriend and considering work opportunities, I’ve decided to apply for the Graduate Visa. PhD students can stay in the UK for three years after graduation with minimal work restrictions, opening up lots of doors in the arts that have been closed under my current visa. The catch? It’s going to cost around £4,000 for the visa application and the three years of NHS fees, all paid upfront.
11. Bonus Goal: Start Refilling My U.S. Car Savings Account:
    If things go well financially, I’d like to start saving for a new car in the U.S. by year-end. My goal is $25,000 by 2028–2029 to buy a new Toyota Camry.

Looking Ahead

2025 is going to be a year of big transitions, but I’m determined to make it count. With some smart planning, I can juggle savings, spending, and all the adventures I want to squeeze in before life gets a little more structured. How about you? What are your goals for 2025? Any fun trips on the horizon?