5 Years Debt Free | reacting to paying off $200,000 of debt | aja dang

Hey everyone, it's Aja Dang and I'm excited this year marks my 5 year DEBT FREE ANNIVERSARY. I cannot believe how long it has been since I've had no student loans, no car loans and no credit card debt. As I think back on my journey, I'm proud to say that this is still one of my biggest accomplishments. Today I'm reacting to my debt-free announcement video 🎉 Through consistent budgeting and focus on personal finance, I've learned valuable lessons about maintaining financial freedom. My path to simple living and achieving my financial goals has taught me that slowing down can help you appreciate your progress even more. 💕 Thanks to everyone who has watched and supported me along the way.
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[@JamieKateAdoc]

I can't believe that was 5 years ago! I loved following your journey!

[@WendyVaz]

Cried so much rewatching this video with you, I found you thru your debt journey and you've been such an inspiration for me to go debt free (finally achieved it last year!) and also keep on going to rebuild that financial confidence. Thank you thank you thank you so much for documenting and sharing your journey with us!

[@fritopie233]

Im a 31 year old male. I'm not your typical viewer. I came across your first video the exact same time I got into paying off my loan. You were a huge motivator and it didn't feel as lonely on this journey. I fuckijg paid off my loans with you! I don't watch your videos often but I think of you at times and check on you to see if you're doing well in life. Seems like you're doing great, life sure does fly by! Happy for you aja! And thanks for helping me and others with the long journey.

[@marshmallowbuns]

I can’t believe it has been 5 years! I am so happy for you. I’m sorry to hear you get hater comments regarding your monthly budget. Don’t let them diminish your accomplishment. You worked really hard and it paid off. I know so many people who don’t have the discipline to pay off debt even when their salary increases. Instead they let lifestyle creep take over and live paycheck to paycheck. It takes a lot of hard work and grit to delay gratification. So happy for you!!!

[@VS-fo9py]

Wow! 5 years?! I came across your videos over 6 years ago and followed along your journey and rooted you on and cried when you cried when you did your debt free scream. You are an inspiration. I was also on my debt free journey, that’s how you were in my feed. I followed Dave Ramsey as well and paid off my debt and mortgage at 43 years old.

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉

[@taylordeal4154]

I remember crying at my desk at work watching this 5 years ago. I have always been so good with money but i made some big purchases this year (house that needed renos, land, and a honeymoon/wedding) so now i get to do my own debt payoff journey. I have a 2 year plan to knock out $33000. Im so confident I can do this after watching you do it ❤

[@misswiss278]

ignore the haters, GIRL YOU DID THAT!!!!!! while also being such an inspiration to us out here

[@MBabyakTV]

The same people who diminished your accomplishments by saying it’s because you make a lot of money are the same people who make excuses as to why they can’t do the same. They will always be stuck and unhappy until they realize they’re the ones holding themselves back. $200k is a lot of money! You did that!! 🎉 And you’re continuing to thrive by being mindful with your money.

[@MissGammons]

Time flies! I remember all the videos and crying when you posted the video of being debt free. I still share your experience with loved ones who are struggling financially. I helped my mom, who was recently divorced, get out of $13,000 of credit card debt in a year 🎉 and also paid off my own student loans. I didn’t grasp the full understanding until I watched your videos. Wishing you and Brian nothing but the best.

[@Kaliposwife]

I remember when you paid off your debt. Can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Congratulations and it’s so great to see you today, growing and thriving. I love your Dave Ramsey video as well.

[@akirebara]

insane that dave ramsey & his team pulled your video out of circulation (the debt-free scream) once they saw you being honest with how you disagree with some of the moral problems of that company. but im glad your video is still up. i still watch it every now and again to get me fired up to pay off my tiny condo (its my only debt). love you, aja.

[@AjaDang]

wait omg he did??? That’s hilarious… and also very teenager girl-ish.

[@akirebara]

@@AjaDang yep! when you click on the link (from your video when you vlogged about it), it says "this video is private" or something like that... so yeah, the only available video of your debt-free scream is from your channel.

[@jenaescott5333]

Thank you for sharing your financial freedom journey! Definitely a reminder for me to keep going, on baby step 2 and pursing being debt free by 2029!!

[@phuonglememo]

First time I watch your video but I feel a deep connection listening to your story. I love your voice and appearance right after a few mins and idk why ❤❤❤ hit the subscribe button and I definately follow your journey from now on.

[@youngiraffe]

Your original video posting about your debt helped me navigate tricky financial situations and helped me not gain student loan debt. Congratulations!

[@shapemailife6878]

Aja, congratulations! You are my biggest inspiration for my debt-free journey. It just felt overwhelming before that. Thank you so so much!

[@fedrido15]

oh aja i remember this! i cried and was super inspired but sadly somehow i lost my way into online gambling. crazy that it’s been five years and my debt is still the same. this vid inspired me to do a debt calculator and based on how much extra i can comfortably put toward debt…i can pay my 20k debt a year! i self excluded and am ready to start this journey again. thank you!! ❤

[@cindygarcia7586]

you have no idea how many times I played that video as a form of motivation to pay my debt and it did! I can now say I AM DEBT FREE, thanks Aja ❤

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉

[@katiekolle3895]

You have come so far! Congrats for the 5 year DEBT FREE anniversary! I remember watching the video when it first came out... I was crying with you.

[@Kenzieframe]

I vividly remember watching those videos and feeling so inspired. So thank you and I’m glad your still debt free 😊

[@BRBRidingMyHorse]

"They diminish that accomplishment." Girl, same. I paid off six figures also, and now I'm working toward early retirement. I constantly get "well I couldn't live that way because xyz..." Fine! But don't shit all over me for being fucking awesome.

[@AjaDang]

Period. You're awesome, I'm awesome and haters gonna hate.

[@raymondchoon2221]

I was impressed by your debt free video 5 years ago. Shared the video with my office colleagues back then. Happy anniversary.

[@roxanagarcia3996]

You are an inspiration!!!!❤

[@luz6383]

I started watching your videos when I was in college and they really inspired me. I'm still in student debt, but I paid off nearly $10k in credit card debt and when I tell you I CRIED after seeing that $0 balance. I hope to eventually be completely debt free. Happy Debt Free anniversary!!!

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉 keep going you WILL get there!!

[@NicolleJansson]

Omg crying. I am so incredibly proud of you!!

[@KishTalksCredit]

5 year debt free is awesome!!!

[@forwhatwhatwhat]

Stumbling across your journey was the catalyst to starting my own. When student loans went into forbearance in 2020 I threw myself into paying them off. Last October I finished paying off $57,444.31 !!! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work with us 💕

[@ballzilla4870]

Congratulations!!! I cried with you and I felt your emotions. I just paid off 20k last month and that accomplishment really elevated my confidence to reach financial freedom soon. Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@JazisFine]

Thank you for posting this. I am starting my journey now. At 33 I wish I would have made better financial decisions in my 20s. With how the economy is right now it is so hard to get out of debt and stay out but I am standing firm in my faith that I can do it. Currently sitting at $93K worth of debt 🙃

[@blessed7497]

You were the first influencer I encountered to talk about debt. Most were, and still do, behave like money problems don't exist.

[@tb11212]

11:15 Did she say “enjoy the rest of your life” after you finished paying it off? That’s a great sign off because that’s what it really is. You get to go enjoy your life!

[@KayKayBayForever]

Yes! I just watched that part of the video, and was thinking about that.

[@kristine-lo]

Hi Aja! It's been SO inspiring to watch your debt free journey and has inspired me to keep going cause it's SO HARD! I'm close to being debt free in 2025 wiith the goal of paying for a wedding in cash / no debt. Anyways wanted to say THANK YOU for sharing this and inspiring so many people to be more open and tackle their finances.

[@christineee444]

You were my inspiration for paying off all my consumer debt almost half a year ago!! I still have a car loan but I’m tackling that next! Have an emergency fund, managed to consistently start investing even though it isn’t a lot at the moment but I’ve come a long way.

[@AjaDang]

yes girl! Progress is progress. CONGRATS!

[@ayuumz0921]

I’m rewatching this with you and I got emotional again!! The fact that you did this alone, it’s mind blowing. So proud of you Aja!!

[@Nancy-1w]

I retired at 52 and honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner. The 9-to-5 grind steals your freedom for a paycheck that barely scratches the surface. My advice? If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, start saving for FIRE now - Financial Independence, Retire Early. And if you’re in your 50s, invest smartly and break free from relying on your job. Market trends, like the Trump Effect, have made millions for many, including me. Stay focused, stay consistent, and remember: financial freedom is within reach if you make it a priority.

[@Florencewalter-o4s]

Exactly My point! The 9to5 grind is just not worth it the stress and low payoff. What specific steps did you take to break free?

[@Nancy-1w]

Working with Lorrie Greta Hillard , a financial advisor, was a game changer. She helped me refine my savings strategy, including retirement planning, and provided expert guidance on investments and budgeting to maximize my savings.

[@Florencewalter-o4s]

Got it! Thanks for the tip! I was curious, so I looked up Lorrie

[@johnCoy-u1w]

So done with 9-5, its Depressing!

[@Latonya-r.b]

I have 5 more years and I can’t wait!

[@nicolegarvin4723]

I'm so grateful for you and what you have shared with the community. You have been such an inspiration for me and so many others.

[@shelbysloan5983]

You were an important inspiration on my debt-free journey. You, The Financial Diet and OneBigHappyLife. I only had 52,000 Canadian in Debt and seeing you gave me confidence that if you could do this, I could do this. So, proud of every single person who is able to do accomplish this.

[@vivalaflav]

Your journey inspired me to give my student loan debt a bigger focus (albeit much smaller) and I paid it off before I was 30. I have you to thank for my emergency fund. ❤

[@valerieewing4023]

Happy 5 years debt free! I can't believe I've been watching your channel since your viral video where you calculated your student loan debt! How has it been so long?

[@saskiaines]

Your journey inspired me so much! This year I paid off my student loan debt. It feels so good to be debt free!!! PS I cried so much watching this. Proud of you!!!

[@tatianahaas1]

Your videos are so inspiring!! Love your channel ❤

[@itsadrienneleigh]

happy 5 year debt free anniversary!!! my current debt is at $134,418.89 between 2 business loans, 3 business credit cards & 3 personal credit cards. i am excited & ready for my debt-free journey & super grateful for you for sharing yours to inspire regular people like me to take control of our finances. i have made a plan & hope to be completely debt free by July of 2028! tysm for sharing your journey, Aja!

[@chouasandyyang7409]

I remember watching that video 5 years ago and you inspired me to work my ass off too!

[@kelseynorris1100]

Aja, you have inspired so many people to start their debt free journey! I officially became debt free this month, $78k in student loan debt and $20k in credit card debt finally gone!! Thank you 🎉

[@zerlindasaurus]

This is amazing! You are a big inspiration to me 😊

[@karebear326]

Congrats 🎉 You helped me get debt free and improve my view on finance ❤

[@gardenofe12]

Congratulations !! I've watched every video of you paying off your $250k debt and was with you when you were so emotional and how you thought at that time that you couldn't do and here you are 5 years later and teaching everyone else how it can be done because you WERE there and you know how it feels !!!

[@angelapontororing3552]

I am crying with you watching this. I followed your debt free journey years ago (I think I found your youtube channel in 2017/2018) and so proud of all the achievments you made since then. Don't let people drag you down, Aja. You know how hard you work for all these.

[@RazeAstro]

I’m still so proud of you Aja! I remember watching that video and being so emotional with you. Congratulations!!!

[@taylora9897]

Congrats! I started following you towards the beginning of your debt free journey and related a lot so it’s amazing to watch you reach this anniversary. So inspiring!

[@bambib4801]

omydays! It's you, I found your debt free video a few years ago and let me tell you I was so happy for you. You motivated me to pay off my student loans debt as well. I fineshed mine this year, I cant believe yours is already 5 years ago. Im happy your doing good now.😊 Greetings from a stranger in the Netherlands. 🎉

[@ashlirinus6193]

This video made me cry when you paid off your student loan. Thank you for sharing

[@MoneysChimes]

I remember watching this video and crying, and now watching this video I'm still crying 😭

[@junglered9536]

How can it be 5 years already? I cried so much when you cried, cause I was sooo happy for you! I remember you wanting to buy a designer bag and instead went for a kitchend aid or something 😂 Goals vs what you really need 😅

[@lauriejane]

Oh my gosh, how has it been 5 years already? I remember watching this video at the start of my debt free journey. I binge watched all your monthly budget videos, created my own debt flow chart and got to work. It truly changed my life. We’ve been debt free for two years, bought our home, travelled around the world and are saving for the future. Don’t let anyone dim your light - paying off debt is the hardest thing to get through, nothing should ever take away from that achievement.

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉

[@vitiligogirl1037]

Aja.. I been watching you for a while and I followed your journey & you inspired me to pay my student loans off.. Now.. I do not have any student loans..Yayyy meee!! lol..We have one more loan to pay hubbie and I.. And we will be consumer debt free besides our home!! I can’t wait to pay this 20k off…. CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎊 AJA!!!!

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉

[@p0keDAmo0seyXD]

I'm sorry that others take away from your hard-earned success; you're a bad ass for committing to your goals and seeing them through. I am almost at the end of my debt-free journey that's been ongoing since I first found you more than 5 years ago. You have been such a source of inspiration and motivation for me!

[@ElisabethOberndorfer]

I've been following you for a long time, so I vividly remember watching that video in December 2017 and how raw and open you were. I've never been in debt, but your journey is so inspiring!

[@yuliemulie2]

Paid off 46,000 of student loans last month!!! Woot

[@Porcelynnn]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AriellChristiain1]

Congratulations!!! Amazing !

[@AjaDang]

CONGRATS!

[@AmmyC88]

Wow Congratulations!!!🍾🎉🎊🎈

[@jasperflontes4289]

Congratulations. You have a bragging right. My advice to everyone is this : if you want to grow big this year especially in your finances. Be willing to make investments. Saving is great but investing puts you on a pedestal where you wouldnt have to worry about savings as you do now. Thanks to larysa Caba, my portolio is doing really great and im proud of the decisions i made last year.

[@Kenneth-n1v]

Your amazing and so inspiring

[@azarthi]

I remember your first video about debt and how to you were going to tackle it

[@Ranebow48818]

So emotional watching this! Can't believe it's been 5 years. So close to paying mine off

[@amberfick9736]

I cry every time I watch your debt free video. It’s so inspiring!!!! Thank you!!

[@mgs48]

Thanks for sharing your debt free journey, you helped me too

[@pixie0809]

I paid off £10,000 in about 5 years finishing in October. Now having to change my mindset, give myself a break but put a plan in place. I said to my friends that I’m didn’t know how I felt. I then looked at the 2 credit card summaries being £0.00. I burst into tears. The relief I can’t believe it’s 5 years.

[@noovernightguests]

🎉🎉🎉

[@amywest8183]

The video of you in the red sweater was the first time I saw you on KZbin. Been following since. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@AjaDang]

💕

[@PoisonLoveConfession]

You're such an inspiration, Aja! I have watched your journey for years because I am also going through the same situation with being in debt. It's been a huge struggle keeping up with all the bills and I'm still $150k in debt... I am hoping with my new job, I am able to tackle my debt T____T

[@AjaDang]

you got this! You have a long journey ahead of you so remind yourself of your 'why' and remember to celebrate little wins

[@helenh5880]

Congratulations and you are an inspiration ❤

[@alyssaolivo6112]

I started watching you when you first posted about your debt. Wow! Can’t believe it’s been so long…it feels like a year ago only that you paid off your loans. I’m on my debt free journey now. $38,000 to go! It’s my car and credit cards. Getting married and random emergencies this past year really got me. My husband lost his job a year and a half before we got married too…but today he finally got a job offer for a full time job! It has been so hard with him working part time, but now we can get back on track and tackle our debt and save for a house one day!

[@AjaDang]

financial journeys will always have their ups and downs but it sounds like you all pushed through and can finally breathe again!

[@DavidKnicks]

Awesome video Aja. Very inspirational

[@LectoraEstherica]

This video made me cry

[@SaraMiranji]

Thank you for all the inspiration!! You helped me and I'm sure so many others become debt free! Thank you for helping me feel more empowered especially as a woman of color

[@Alexis-gd4zy]

Those of us who’ve been around since the start know how emotional this journey has been. What you were able to do is nothing short of incredible. I’m so thankful for the KZbin algorithm putting you on my feed so many years ago when I was binge watching the bald man in Tennessee all day like you were. 😂 THANK YOU for letting us in on this personal journey and inspiring so many of us to do the same. Those monthly check ins and coloring in my own student loan boxes was such a terrible and special time. Felt so nice when I was in the thick of it knowing you were right there leading us and having the community you created all in it together. Fuck those assholes that diminished the accomplishment, there are so many more of us who see you ❤

[@AjaDang]

I appreciate you! And congrats on your journey

[@OPCollector]

I am debt freeeeee 🎉

[@Rico401Prov]

Same here broski! 😛👍

[@desert2012warrior]

You done “Dang that Debt!”

[@kristieedwards02]

You did such a great job! I'm in the process of paying of 60,00 in debt. Also, losing 80 pounds. I know it is about to be a great but sometimes hard journey ahead. I watch your videos cause you inspire me to be better. Thank you for being on KZbin and letting us know we can do it too.

[@_crestfallen_]

I too got out of debt by following the debt snowball method and listening to Dave Ramsey’s podcast religiously and that’s how I found your content! I heard your debt free scream on his show and immediately started following you on KZbin and IG. Congratulations, Aja! 🎉 This 5 year anniversary certainly calls for a celebratory cake. Enjoy! xo

[@Dbee416]

Aja…I am going back and looking at how you got out of debt in 5 years. Very impressive. I also love how you explain everything. I join Empower today and your name isn’t listed. I said “Other” and your name didn’t come up. I want you to get credit for it.

[@viviena90]

I cant believe its been 5 years!!! I have been following you since this video, and watched all your previous videos❤️

[@christianaliotte]

I remember the day you dropped that video and I was crying with you then AND now! Loveeeee, my girl. You did that!

[@evalindell2757]

I saw the whole story and use the same system nowadays! You inspired me to get a grip on what we spend etc. I have a journal I use for how/what I train, money, to dos and especially Gratitude! I am so grateful that I found you and you could inspire meto a better life. I am so grateful that you decided to go. On that journey to help us all. That moment for me was seeing ones your videos! Thank You Aja! 🥰😘

[@briaelle]

Damn I’m going to miss those planners 😭😭😭 you created perfect! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! It inspired me without shame and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have without your channel

[@AjaDang]

I'm so bummed about the planners but happy they were able to help people while they could

[@karmaghale8029]

Hi Aja!! I am so proud of you🎉🎉 Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!! You are an inspiration 💕

[@LeahLeah222]

You've inspired me to make an extra debt payment to my student loans today

[@michelleisplanning]

I’m so proud of you!!

[@danny.padilla]

I’ve always appreciated your transparency, it’s was made me originally start watching!

[@nicolegarvin4723]

I would love to see you on Financial Feminist podcast!!!

[@AjaDang]

hope they ask me!

[@AdutAnei]

I’m going to take this sign because I am so tired of being broke 😢

[@katrinagascho6165]

Thank you for sharing , Aja!!! You totally inspired me and I learned a lot from your posts, and our lives (living in a very expensive Canadian city with 3 kids) dramatically changed when that last penny was paid off. Thank you for staying classy and gracious while acknowledging those who helped inspire you as well , even if your paths don’t align anymore. How you took full responsibility then, means you get full credit now! 🎉🎉🎉 You did the work and MANY of us are still cheering you on! ❤❤❤

[@nar6ika]

15:43 Your brother is so cute

[@IrishMist640]

WOW, it's been 5 years?!?! That's crazy. Congratulations on ALL of your accomplishments!!! I commented once before when I paid off my student loan, and thanked you for your courage sharing your journey. You were/are a big part of my journey. Your video on how to set up a brokerage account, traditional IRA, and backdoor Roth inspired me to open my own. Thank you, thank you! Please know how much you have inspired me and others, Aja. Wishing your pup a speedy recovery. He's a lucky pup to have such a great mom and family. NOW, GO BUY THAT CAKE!!!

[@evy0204]

Congrats🥳🥳 I found you because of your budget videos❤ The budget mom and you inspired me the most in my journey to pay off my debt! Almost done with it🤭

[@nadgeeflores1268]

I teared up again! I remember watching your debt free video and it being an inspiration to get out of debt myself, thank you🙏🏾

[@blaicii]

Watching your journey and videos continues to inspire me and many others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So incredibly grateful to have you as a source of encouragement.❤❤❤

[@AjaDang]

good luck on your journey!

[@mariannedressler6784]

I have followed you throughout your journey. You have been very inspirational! This was a great rewind!

[@AjaDang]

I appreciate you

[@TMKJG24]

Congratulations Aja

[@AjaDang]

thank you!

[@evegailandal6206]

5 Years have flooooown!!! Still so proud of you 🫶 Doughnuts for everyone!

[@AjaDang]

caviar cake please.

[@harmoniaSINGS05]

Seeing the video of you being debt free inspired me to do so back in 2018/2019. I was able to pay 2 college student loans and my car loan by 2021. With the help of my bf and just making the hard choices then, I am able to breakthrough mentally and have a better career!

[@roxie4843]

See? "With the help of my bf"-- 💯, this is what's about to put debt payoff within my grasp, moving in with my bf. But prior to that, my SLD wasn't going any damn where b/c I don't earn enough $ from my career to pay off my debt. My debt is the result of a grad school nightmare of getting unfairly dismissed from a predatory university.

[@justsomeoneonhere]

😭😭😭 I CRIED WITH YOU. WHAT A HUGE FEAT. I am so happy for you ❤❤❤

[@ohsarabeth]

I’m so proud of you. Your journey has been beyond inspiring and I know how hard you worked. ❤❤

[@AjaDang]

thank you :)

[@flipevent]

I actually have a recorded but unreleased video of me paying off my $87k-somewhat-odd student loans last year. I remember this feeling of... oddly euphoric emptiness? Like, I was glad as ALL HELL that I finally paid it off, but lamenting how much those student loans held me back, AND that it took a global pandemic for the economic factors to align to help me pay it off, was also a sobering pill to swallow. So I'm glad to see it was a much more happy experience for you here. :)