7 Things I Wish I Knew About Paying Off Debt | Aja Dang

[@AjaDang]

I've set up a Discord! It's just the beginning and I'm new to it so lmk if you have any suggestions OR would like to be an Admin or Moderator! discord.gg/5k67RpC

[@davidheinig9948]

Overpaid youtuber

[@AjaDang]

@@davidheinig9948 i wish.

[@Tokyokittytigger]

I called to pay the final $6000 of my student loan off today!!!!! They are withdrawing from my account end of this month and it feels so freaking freeing Thank you aja for encouraging me to take this path

[@mette1983]

Yay! Congrats!

[@dunnigold]

Wow congratulations. Thats amazing. I am grad school and I am currently working my ass off to pay but I know it will be worth it when I graduate debt free

[@cutiepiemania45]

Congrats!

[@cindyelizabeth.1]

Wow, that's amazing! Congrats!!

[@rubyzlan]

Congratulations! Welcome to a new life :)

[@AnnegelicaaD]

1. Paying off debt is hard. 2. Find your support system 3. Your budget. YOUR CHOICE! 4. Your journey will impact those in your life 5. There is no right way to pay off debt! 6. Say bye to haters 👋🏼👋🏼 7. Confidence will SKYROCKET - when your debt is paid off 🚀🚀

[@rosemaryarnoldYT]

Thank you!!

[@christi-annebeatty5456]

Thanks for this. Also my name is Christi-Anne, that’s so cool. 😎

[@eunitataylor4263]

Gosh, thank you for the summary!!!

[@tiffanyferg]

My debt payoff journey inspired my parents, and they’ve finally been able to pay off their credit cards and are heading to the bank today to pay off their car in a big lump sum! It’s been so rewarding to watch them get excited and motivated about the process, especially after getting used to carrying debt (and making never ending minimum payments!) for so many years

[@AjaDang]

that's amazing!!

[@MonoiLuv]

Culturally, it's like we are allergic the to idea of celebrating someone else's financial success - to our own detriment. More of us need to be discussing our financial health and goals openly. No one person's situation will mirror another's. So we need to exercise our emotional muscles to be HAPPY for each other. Plus, YOU ADVOCATE FOR DONATING TO OTHER CAUSES! What is there not to celebrate in that? Because you are debt free, you can give more charitably. That is worth celebrating.

[@AjaDang]

We are so comfortable celebrating birthdays, pregnancies - but not financial success? Time to change that.

[@ambition1224]

@@AjaDang I think it's because people feel as though their lack of financial success is because they are LESS THAN. So when others like yourself are doing SO WELL, it's like "dang, I'm a failure", and that feeling of insuffiiency makes them lash out in a negative way. While as with birthdays...EVERYONE "gets one". Hope that makes sense. Still not an excuse to be rude.

[@limacnaughton3352]

As someone who is one month away from paying off my mortgage.... It may be because we are in Australia - we are looking at how we can have an online celebration with our family... Because with this pandemic we can't have the traditional family party to celebrate.

[@ambition1224]

@@limacnaughton3352 OH WOW! That's amazing! CONGRATS in advance!

[@Ms.MD7]

@@ambition1224 completely agree. I love the idea of celebrating debt free but every damn time I bring it up, some ppl I know gets so damn defensive or won't even acknowledge because it makes em feel uncomfortable since they are in a lot of debt...but they don't want to do anything about it either.

[@annamaria1419]

I've paid off my debt last month and I'm really happy to start saving☺️

[@mette1983]

Wow. That´s amazing. Congratulations to you

[@RawLumpia]

Congratulations 🎊🎉🍾

[@seenneyvicent5932]

Yay!! ♥️

[@kaylakiddo]

Awesome

[@destinymcmahon9774]

Congrats!!! 🥳🥳

[@MonoiLuv]

My partner and I reached our Emergency Fund this month! Now time to chip away at a mortgage.... This is going to be a true marathon. Wish us luck.

[@mette1983]

Best of luck. U can do it

[@destinymcmahon9774]

Good luck you got this!!

[@brittanyr8357]

You can do it. Check out HisandHermoney KZbin channel they did it on one income

[@noovernightguests]

Congratulations and good luck guys!

[@AjaDang]

Good luck!!

[@LilannB]

I finished paying off all my debt earlier this year. I had been working 2 jobs in my quest to attain debt freedom. After finally paying off all my debt I realized that I no longer needed to work 2 jobs. So I quit the job that I liked the least and went with the other job even though it paid less. Being debt free gave me the option to walk away from a job I did not like because I no longer needed the money to pay off old debts.

[@brittanyr8357]

Awesome

[@brittanyr8357]

Being debt free allows you to have more options

[@AjaDang]

YES!!

[@ambition1224]

That's great! FREEDOM, ain't it a beautiful thing?! It really provides so many more options! CONGRATS!

[@breonnaalexis5387]

I paid off my student loan debt in exactly one year of getting my first job🥰🙏🏾 I am forever grateful!

[@LadyL579]

Oh wow, that's awesome Breonna! Congratulations!!

[@breonnaalexis5387]

Laura J thank you😘

[@manonguinchard5829]

Breonna Alexis congratulations !

[@sn-go2cq]

👍🏽 well done on achieving your financial freedom so quickly.

[@samXDpm]

I just paid off my car, my next goal is to get rid of my student loans

[@MonoiLuv]

Alright way to go! You got this!

[@AjaDang]

yes!

[@CoCMember]

Congratulations! I paid off I think my 4th card today. That's 3 in a month. Two left. Then car... Then student loans 🤮

[@Rburbick]

me too!!!

[@annabanana2529]

Yes!! Same here!! Good luck to you ♥️🙏🏽

[@VanessaBlanco]

I just paid off one of my credit cards 2 days ago! Working on the others 🙌🏽 love how much you’ve inspired me to take control of my debt. Keep spreading your story and knowledge.

[@AjaDang]

yes girl congrats!

[@SheylaGomes]

Aja I have great news to share I paid off all of my student loans on Friday, July 17th, 2020. Your videos were very encouraging throughout my journey.

[@mette1983]

Cool! CONGRATS to you! Remember to celebrate and be proud of yourself

[@SheylaGomes]

@@mette1983 Thank you Mette! I appreciate it.

[@destinymcmahon9774]

Congrats!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@AjaDang]

dang you JUST did that! Congrats!!

[@CoCMember]

Congratulations!!!!!

[@dandibambi]

Ever since discovering Dave Ramsey last year, I've been aggressively tackling my student debt and am soooooooo excited that I'm about 3months away from FREEDOM! Honestly, when I've felt down, I would watch your videos which helped me stay motivated :) You're awesome Aja.

[@ed8329]

amazing! you can do it!!!!

[@AjaDang]

so happy to be apart of your journey!

[@lindakhan9040]

I used to listen to Dave Ramsey every morning and night when I was tackling my debt. It helped me so much!

[@brendakrause5639]

👍

[@Veeyah19]

I just paid off all my debt!! All $99736.37 of it! Ive never slept so well in a long time. Thank you for being such an inspiration and a support during my journey ❤️. You're a blessing!

[@AjaDang]

yess girl!!!

[@miguelbudgets]

Congratulations! That’s a big number!

[@Veeyah19]

@@miguelbudgets thanks so much Miguel🤗

[@miguelbudgets]

Ahliviyah my pleasure!

[@hey_atw4711]

Damn! 🥳🥳🥳

[@SarahMele]

I absolutely love the tip about people shaming certain things in budgets, or letting people feel ALLOWED to live their life. I seriously love that Ramit Sethi emphasizes this too!

[@cindybebe]

Started with 90K and now I’m at 40K. It’s been a difficult and frustrating 3 years so far and hopefully just 2 more years to go. I cannot wait until the days when I no longer think about student loans!

[@AjaDang]

you're more than half way to your goal!

[@FordBabe89]

I was unemployed for a year when I made a move across several states to be with my fiancé. I racked up more than $14,000 in debt just trying to live ($550 in truck payment/insurance and $600 a month for Cobra insurance). A few months ago, I finally began following the Budget Mom's system strictly (I had tried several times before and given up). I'm finally IN IT TO WIN IT, and I'm down to $11,500 since the beginning of May. Chopping away at it slowly but surely. My husband doesn't understand, so sometimes it's hard to feel excited about the small wins. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen successfully we hope to help more citizen of UNITED AND CANADA citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@xxmegababygirlxx]

Thank you for the middle fingers. The honesty, it all. I genuinely appreciate it. Because it is ROUGH but people always think what they want.

[@melissaandreag]

I tackled my different debts through the debt snowball method (credit card, car, student loans). When I got to my student loans (my last debt), I took the avalanche approach to tackle the largest interest loan to the smallest interest loan. I liked my blended approach. I became debt-free in June 🎉

[@bethanysamson]

Hell. Yes. That’s so awesome. Congrats 🎉

[@melissaandreag]

Beth Thank youuuu :3

[@Dree2022]

This is exactly how I want to tackle my debt. Avalanche when it comes to student loans and snowball for my car (: congrats on being debt free!

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@donniep.1513]

Congratulations! I did the debt snowball and now I’m working on my car. All credit cards paid off 🤗

[@millennialminoritymoney783]

I paid off over $240K in 27 months. It feels amazing. I started sharing my experience to help and motivate other people but I don't think people around me are comfortable with me sharing. They are taking it as though I am showing off Instead of people being happy or using it as motivation. They act differently and don't seem to like it. I feel amazing to be finally debt free. And everything you said in this video is 100% true.

[@Skysky2318]

My parents got $80,000 loan to built three storey house that I will have to pay. Dont know if we can even afford my masters degree. What scares me isnt the debt, it is how unplanned and carefree my parents are. They dont have any plans to pay it off.

[@hermannweber2441]

Some parents make mistakes of poor planning, if care isn't taken you might end up being the one to work your ass out to pay off the loan, I would love to be of help, seeing someone in a helpless state is my weakness. When you see this drop a reply, I'm ready to help you .

[@alexanderyoung4697]

@@hermannweber2441 please sir I need help to, I have an outstanding student's loan to pay off and I have no idea on how I can do that. Please render help to me as well🙏🙏🥺

[@danielpaul6847]

@@hermannweber2441 John Parker???? You remember me? From the comment section were you helped a young girl raise money to pay off her school bills 4 months ago? You are a good man. God bless you

[@Skysky2318]

@@alexanderyoung4697 Thank you so much for offering to help. It would really help me ease my anxiety.

[@hermannweber2441]

@@Skysky2318 I'm glad to hear that. Just pray always, invest to create extra stream of income and sooner or later you would help your parents clear their loan and you will be so glad you did.

[@eloraferris9980]

Love seeing everyone’s accomplishments. So far I have paid off two credit cards, and we are chipping away at my student loan. I already feel so much better to have started the journey.

[@deshalalwalker1076]

I am on a roll as I am proceeding with paying off all my debt. I paid off 3 so far, I will pay off number 4 and 5 by the end of this year....that's a total $8,000. And then I will tackle my car debt and my biggest student loan debt. And yes I agree with you Aja, people are normally saying rude things to you because they are jealous! #facts

[@gojigomi]

Always awesome advice ❤️ I paid off my car (~$22k) in 23 months because I made it a financial priority and now I’m tackling the rest of my student loan debt (~$4.5k) and am paying it off this month. I found your channel while YT surfing and am so glad I did because it’s been the best accompaniment during this journey. Thank you for being you!

[@elliecbron]

I finally paid off my huge student loan after 3 years of hard work. It was really emotionally & physically taxing. Your videos always kept me inspired & looking ahead during that time. Thanks for sharing your journey Aja!

[@AjaDang]

congrats!!!

[@budgetingrose5681]

Congratulations!

[@erickagaines7231]

I will be paying off my last credit card this month. I was in $36,000 credit card debt I can’t believe it. So much interest was eating me alive. But not anymore. Now on to my student loans I’m actually excited to start paying them. They’ve been with me for years like Dave Ramsey says it’s time to give Sallie May her “eviction notice” Aja you have really encouraged me to keep going thank you so freaking much. Not sure if you will see this comment but thank you sis. Lol much love so happy for you for tackling your debt.

[@CNJL1]

People always throw getting coffee in my face. Whenever I say I can’t do something because I didn’t budget for it, people would say “but you get coffee all the time”. I was like umm that’s the point I budgeted for the coffee not the new coat or going to a restaurant etc. I just stop telling people the details. Some people even doubted I was paying off debt because I would get coffee.

[@AjaDang]

so ANNOYING!

[@qcspt]

I just paid off my last debt payment last week. The journey was definitely hard and I felt the slog at times but so worth it. I'm looking forward to having a nice, hefty emergency fund next!

[@mette1983]

Congrats

[@glendahernandez2464]

I will be paying off my debt this year 😀 I have less than $4000 on my car and then I'm going to tackle my school loans. Although this year has been insane I can see my finances coming together and in a way makes me appreciate the crazy year it has been so far.

[@AjaDang]

yes congrats!!

[@DoTheDomThing]

Having community is a game and life saver and the online YT community is great. Unless it’s your significant other or confidant, no one wants to hear your money problems/debt free journey regularly. Your decisions get critiqued a lot and that can turn relationships sour. So, support and being supported by others who are doing what you are doing (aka becoming debt free) makes you feel less crazy and adds confidence that you can actually do it.

[@joymae]

The hard part of getting good with your relationship with money is the loneliness that comes with it

[@mdsigel1]

Surround yourself with likeminded people

[@brittanyr8357]

I understand what you’re saying. I have very few family members and friends that think like me..saving, no debt except my house and starting a business to provide wealth...some ppl I can’t even talk to about it

[@AjaDang]

hopefully this community can help you realize you are not alone

[@nongcalirubushe]

I feel the same

[@shola7987]

Very true. You can't really talk to people about it u less they are on the same journey. It's really just a personal journey. Gotta live like nobody else so you can live like nobody else right.

[@purplepurls77]

i worked a year internship during my college degree and saved up enough to pay off my student loans!!! i'm gonna be paying it off at the end of august (we've been given interest relief because of covid) and i am SO excited to be DEBT FREE

[@AjaDang]

AMAZING!

[@mdsigel1]

I can’t reply to everyone but congrats to all the commenters paying off debts and making moves 🎉🎉🎉

[@Elena-er7zp]

I make far less than you and I still made room in BS2 budget for live music. Nothing crazy like front row Beyonce, but smaller bands at smaller venues. It kept me sane. Paying down debt is hard and depressing and you need a little something in your life to bring happiness in or you will want to quit. I was always so impressed by how hard you worked to increase your income. It’s not as though your career field changed, but you definitely hussled much harder.

[@zillashimmy]

I'm slowly creeping along in my debt free journey. I've paid off 6 of my smallest debts at 5,000+ and I can see the light at the end of a very loooong tunnel, but I'm so much farther than I ever thought I'd be!!

[@zillashimmy]

9 mths later, I'm on my LAST debt. Thank you stimulus and Covid premium pay ;)

[@HopelessWanderer2]

This is what I needed to hear. It’s OKAY to budget for anything that will keep you sane and motivated to keep going. I’ve pushed off finally tackling $50k of student debt for too long. Just accepted a new position at work with a $10k bonus. I can do this!

[@bryanacamillebraxton4770]

Paid off and got control of my credit card debt this year! Still working on my student loan debt but Watching your journey has encouraged me.

[@AshleyLoraAnderson]

Last quarter I paid off a $2000 loan while still in school! Now I have $4500 in debt, and Im halfway through my undergrad degree. This weekend I found out that my school gave me grants to cover almost half of my tuition for next year, so I shouldn't have to take out much more loans next year at all. I'm hoping to graduate with less than $10,000 in debt so that I can pay it off quickly! Also this channel inspired me to start my own finance video, because I feel like people only talk about their debt after the fact, and not during school. I currently only have 44 subscribers but I LOVE making videos, and can't wait to keep making more.

[@melaniesmith1928]

Ashlleya congrats on paying down debt and starting your cahnnel!

[@AjaDang]

wow that's amazing! school grants are clutch

[@nowadays2973]

You inspire me to pay off my debt. I just paid off my $2,000.00 credit card. Now I am working on my student loan debt and save for a house.

[@vbutterfly11]

After being laid off while 3 months pregnant with my 2nd, I spent over a yr trying to get a job with the public sector. Started my Masters with two under 2 while hubs worked all the time and I took a night shift. Finally paid off, got the job I wanted and we have both increased our incomes A LOT. Paying off a consolidation loan 4 years early! You’re channel among many more have REALLY REALLY helped us.

[@AjaDang]

you're a superstar!

[@TheEmzies]

What I've learned is that simply being debt free is not enough to feel financially free. Having savings (way more than $1000) is so much more important to feeling financially secure. It's only now that I have significant savings, even though I still have $8000 debt that I feel secure.

[@monicakhln1365]

Last month i paid off my debt, and bought an expensive flat for myself to reward myself. Just wanted to share this as this video inspired me. Let's celebrate ladies 🍷

[@LorialRoballo]

I just paid off all of my student loans and honestly, I thought the feeling was going to be like super exciting however, I don't feel that excited. Maybe because I still have 6,000 to pay off for my car? Debt sucks...

[@GabysHappyLife]

Congratulations😀

[@rylee4268]

It may not feel how you expected but that’s still exciting and all of us money geeks are proud of you haha 🥳🥳

[@chrish2730]

Congratulations!!

[@DoTheDomThing]

It’s still worth celebrating so Congratulations!

[@LadyL579]

Yess Lorial!! This is a total accomplishment/just let it sink in! I am currently still paying off $72,000 of student loan debt (interest only payments for now)...its a start, but we got this!

[@lizdbui]

I appreciate you so much! I started paying off my debt slowly in 2018 while sitting at my reception desk, listening to the news. I decided then that I needed financial freedom to truly find a job I can happily do at a lower salary. Coincidentally, you started posted about your financial journey as well! I couldn't compare my amount of debt to yours, ever ( I am so proud and in awe of your journey and what you accomplished) but I listened and watched ALL of your financial videos to keep my motivated. I am now aiming to be DEBT FREE by summer of 2021. I can't wait for that moment and I want to thank you for all of you videos. You are so raw and true and real. If you EVER come to New York, I would LOVE to grab a coffee with you and chat about LIFE! Stay safe, Aja!

[@AjaDang]

2021 is almost here! You'll be debt free in no time

[@claudiaaa4268]

Reg TiP #1 !!< IT IS HARD>!!! BUT the outcome is so rewarding. Im working on paying of 40k, im halfway there and its already more of a motivation. I dont have support system, i wish i did. I just know that i rather work my A$$ off the next 3 yrs than live the rest of my life just paying interest. Keep in mind A lot of people are not supportive, they expect you to continue bad habits. Be strong and keep ur focus on the goal. Good luck.. much health to everyone

[@AjaDang]

yes! Great mindset.

[@alexandracretu4728]

I closed my credit card before Christmas and already I have saved soooo much more than I hoped. No more spending on silly-frilly stuff and snacks. Tracking my expenses really opened my eyes. Still difficult to budget, but simply tracking every cent has made a HUGE difference. In my finances and my sekf-confidence. Good luck to everyone ❤️❤️❤️

[@nancydavis5857]

I started paying off student loan debt this year. I moved 16K from savings and paid off 5 loans!! Then covid hit and I stopped diverting money from pay periods so I could save more. 130k left 😣 and idkkk when I’ll start my debt repayment plan again. I’m frustrated that I had a plan and momentum but had to pause it. Hopefully soon I can put the money I’m saving in the meantime towards my loans!!!!

[@destinymcmahon9774]

Nancy I was in the same boat. Started my debt free journey in Feb, paid about $3k then had to pause to build a bigger savings. I accomplished bare minimum 3 months of expenses saved and I am moving back to paying off debt while still putting money in savings. It's so discouraging to pause but I set up my emergency fund as a "debt" so I could continue with gazelle intensity of funding it. Good luck!!!

[@AjaDang]

A larger savings account is a good thing! You'll be thankful you have it during this time and once this start to pick up again.

[@DearlyFrances]

im about to graduate this fall 2020 and i enrolled in a csu system. I think i'll be around 20k in debt from the 4 years of my education. No regrets with going to school BUT i dont KNOW what to do with my psychology degree. I'm taking the effort to learn about debt and preparing myself of how i'll face the next couple of years of the unknown... I've been following Aja for years and shes my inspiration for tackling a topic that most asian americans dont talk about! Learning how to manage money is a huge skill and im happy to have started thinking about finances since i was 17. I'm now 21 and already starting side hustles while still figuring out what to do w/ my degree. Thank you Aja for putting yourself out on KZbin and for touching many people's lives including my self :)

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen successfully we hope to help more citizen of UNITED AND CANADA citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@miguelbudgets]

Congratulations! Sometimes the unknown is inevitable and preparation for it is key! Let your side hustle fuel you for the time being while you figure out what’s next. Maybe focus on your KZbin channel and maybe that can start generating some revenue for you! Best of luck!

[@tmsgonzaga5077]

#7 is soooo spot on. I’ve only started my debt free journey last year but I’m always looking for opportunities to share my extensive budget spreadsheets and repayment plan to nobody who was even asking. But honestly, it makes me feel so adult and confident that I can smash these loans in the not too distant future

[@stephaniecramirez1]

I can’t believe people would criticize someone for making a lot of money and not paying off their debt when they believe that person should have. Paying off debt is a struggle for everyone who has developed bad spending habits and is learning how to change that. Change in general is hard!!! I just paid off my car and have for more debts to pay off and it’s been difficult to dump large amounts of money towards what it feels like nothing, since you’re not getting anything in return (you got something in the past but you don’t really think about that). Thank you Asia for all your inspiration!!

[@reneihall]

Since watching this video 4 months ago I have paid off 6 debts! These were medical debts and were the smallest. Thank you for inspiring me to keep pushing and not listening to the haters.

[@katiekennedy8701]

Aja!!!!! Thank you for great videos. I have saved 2k for a house this year so far!

[@omowhanre]

Congrats! You'll get there 👍🏾

[@butterfly81307ify]

Paid off 6000 in cc debt since March 2020. I do feel proud of that and relieved, though it was only for a moment bc I have about 8500 left of cc debt to go. And then I will have to tackle my student loan of about 15,000 as my final stretch. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all! Love you sm

[@gwynneio]

Thats amazing! Go you!

[@butterfly81307ify]

gwynneio Thank you! 😭

[@Jessics682]

I've been working on my debt-free journey and it really was you and your first video about your debt and how much you had that really inspired me to try and pay it off, and not just have it in my life forever. Love your videos and thank you so much for all your inspiration. I've paid off 3 loans so far and am still kind of in shock. I've also been saving a lot during this whole pandemic, and I am someone who has multiple savings accounts for different things. I have so many goals that if I had all my savings in one account, I would never be able to track the progress of each one and would probably just end up spending it on something else

[@fineprintforlife8853]

I have enough saved up to pay off the balance of my student loan which I will do when the CARES act forbearance ends. It will be the end of my very long 100k debt free journey. So excited! Thanks for all your support and wisdom Aja!

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen

[@crystalolson1212]

Yes to the adjust , I use Dave as well but over my 1000 I took time to get 1 month ahead of bills so I was always 1 month ahead on the main bills ... I am self employed and a single mom so I needed more to keep myself comfortable during the journey!

[@sarahsappenfield8359]

I'm so glad you are talking about this!! it is so important to be debt free! I am on my journey and I can't wait to be debt free!

[@budgetingrose5681]

Yaaaaaasss! You got this!

[@sarahsappenfield8359]

@@budgetingrose5681 thank you so much!! ❤

[@amakamgboh187]

I have been watching you on your journey since the beginning and I was in high school at the time. You inspire me to be more conscious about money and debt. Thanks Aja! I have avoided debt in college and have $1000 in savings which is a huge blessing.

[@AjaDang]

wow amazing!!

[@JustineCarissa]

I’m almost done with my car loan. My student loans, one credit card, phone have been paid off. But I had to move back home to pay off all my debts and I’m trying to find another side hustle to work on financial freedom. Thank you for your great debt free journey videos!

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen

[@m.e.5]

I’m so glad KZbin suggested your channel to me a second time because your budget content suited my life then! Re: your budget priorities are your own, maintaining your health on your financial journey, customizing your budget and savings to your situation, and the bird to naysayers; Amen! Amen! My husband of 9 mos and I have had to do just that. He’s more of the breadwinner so he’s handling paying off our joint debt as I focus on building our savings fund (and my personal sinking funds) in the meantime w my part time hustle (I’m an independent contractor too)! Thankfully I’ve resplit my work week and my part time gig is picking up again! I know it’s a long road, esp w us looking at houses to purchase, but I’m already feeling more security and financial freedom having 1 mo of our 6 mos emergency fund almost paid off. Like you, a 1K beginning ER Fund doesn’t jive w me, esp w 2 dogs, a husband who works in a sometimes financially volatile environment, and me being an independent contractor. I’m excited each week I transfer money to savings. To security and freedom!

[@amandasbudgets6574]

Thank you for your honesty and for talking about your financials so openly. It's made me less scared of taking control over my finances.

[@budgetingrose5681]

You can do this!

[@angieramirez4156]

Hi Aja! I love your videos, my husband and I recently started our FIRE journey! We sold our expensive car and got a more affordable car, dropped our payment by almost half! We then paid off our smallest credit card and 80% of the second CC. We are down to one last CC, the biggest one, and we feel great. It was tough at the beginning, getting on the same page, but now I feel we are closer than ever. Thanks for talking about money and finances! I look forward to your videos 😊🥳💪🏽

[@AjaDang]

congrats!

[@marcelavilla1636]

So when I started to budget to be debt free - I was told “we will all die with some debt, don’t stress out about it, don’t do it.” It’s not just about paying debt, it is not being a slave to the lender. Gradually seeing it disappear has been -a weight off-, the income you make is your power to help yourself. You have helped my mind set - that that last pay off phone call is nearer than I think if I power through.

[@Porcelynnn]

Paying off my student debt came with regrets but it’s all part of life! I knew I could have graduated with less debt but it is what is. Celebrating 1 year of being student debt free in September! 😊

[@AjaDang]

ayyeee!!! Happy anniversary

[@Porcelynnn]

Aja Dang - thank you Aja 😍😍😍😍

[@christinamaunu416]

I have had a goal of getting out of debt. I had a great plan, but life happens. Pandemic, homeschooling, etc. It is definitely a process But one that I really want. society now is all about buy bigger and better and upgrade for the best and latest. I am 1 payment away from my car being paid off and I have had so many calls for trading in my car. I am so happy to not have that payment. Next is the credit cards. Thank you for your motivation to keep that going

[@budgetingrose5681]

Congratulations! Keep going on your journey!

[@BadBrad119]

$42k left to pay off! about 1/3 done

[@calisteve2023]

The first third is the hardest and biggest hurdle. The rest will be easier.

[@AjaDang]

yes congratS!!

[@jazminjnee2238]

Go, go, go 🏃🏽‍♀️

[@reneihall]

I came and watched this video again. Since watching the 1st time I have paid off 5 of my debts in 1 month. I'm following Dave Ramsey too and this is happening so fast. Thank you for posting this video. It's helping me stay encouraged.

[@jenjen79915]

Ive paid off my 3 lowest balance credit cards. I still have a long way to go but that in itself has been freedom! It has given me confidence and has inspired me to keep going. Student loans next!

[@buibuibuirockineverywhere8701]

Agree- yes financially it makes sense to pay off debt with highest interest rate, but paying off the little smaller debt keeps you motivated and keeps you going to pay ALL of it off. Little wins make a huge difference! :)

[@AjaDang]

100%

[@ABSG7]

With this virus happening, I started putting more cash in my savings because I was just scared of something bad happening. I have some cash saved now and I feel happy. Now I’m comfortable and confident enough to keep paying off debt

[@Malinga88]

I saved up my Emergency fund and I recently paid up my credit card!!! Now working on the other debt. Debt is so dumb. But the more I pay off, the ghetto and more free I feel! Thank you so much for inspiring me Aja

[@apleseed91]

I just wanted to say that your videos have inspired me so much and I just became credit card debt free! I'm in the process of tackling my students loans (6k left) next and have set a goal to have it paid off by the end of the year. Thank you so much for being so open and honest with us about your journey!

[@JemimasOutcome]

Allocting in your budget a way to treat yourself is so important. It's such a hard journey that taking care of yourself in small ways will help you stay sane. A beauty treatment or coffee is not a waste when it's the one time you spend money on yourself to recharge.

[@makinzie8793]

Thanks for the video, I spent a whole year paying down debt and focusing mainly on that goal. It was difficult watching others, travel, shop, eat at restaurants. Almost debt free and I can almost taste the freedom.

[@missgi2ace]

Started my debt free journey (inspired by you and Dave Ramsey!) Jan of 2020 and paid off over 10K and a car loan!!! I still have student loans and some cc but I am motivated and encouraged by every small progress I have made and will continue to make!! Thanks, Aja for always putting up amazing content!

[@AjaDang]

wow that's so much money this year, congrats!

[@sandrab6291]

Thank you for making these debt videos. I found your channel about a year ago and have followed you closely while you paid your student loans off and it was truly inspiring! I am a new lawyer working on paying off my law school debt and I can't wait until I am free of it!

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen successfully we hope to help more citizen of UNITED AND CANADA citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@Rebekah_emeth]

I completely agree‼️ I have 2jobs FT/PT I focus on my goal to get me through those miserable days.. Then I celebrate when I reach certain milestones. I too set aside skincare and hydration therapy appointments as part of self care.

[@haleycason6931]

This success might not matter, it matters to me. It has taken me a long time to realize that I am the one to pay this debt. Not my parents, not my co-signer(my sister), me; I have to do this for me, not to prove that I am not this person. It was hard for me to also realize that paying off debt is a learning process. Does it suck, yes, but you learn about so many things? Thank Ms. Aja Dang for inspiring everybody with any income can pay off debt and has the ability to do so. Just because your income is different than most people, doesn't mean it wasn't difficult. They don't know what goes through our minds. Those who want to comment about YOUR BUDGET, YOUR JOURNEY can kick rocks!!

[@ac444]

i subbed to your channel a little while ago but only binge watched your budget vids recently. 1 budget spreadsheet and financial plan later, i plan on paying off my student loans by the end of this year! if i had kept putting off watching your videos or had never discovered your channel in the first place, i definitely would've let my loans sit there while making minimum payments for the next several years. you inspired me, like many other people, to start taking control of my finances and aggressively pay off my loans, so thank you!

[@HappyGoHarrie]

Your video was just what I needed tonight. I've been on my debt free journey since 2018 and it's been rough! Since Covid my payments to my debt have been smaller and I've thrown into the equation saving for a house deposit but watching this has got me geared up to step up my hard work another notch. Thanks so much Aja! ❤️ X

[@NalaS]

Ajay! New sub here! I've been watching you on and off but this video did it for me. You give me hope! I'm $130,000 in debt and I'm starting my debt free journey now. Thank you for your stories and encouragement ❤

[@NalaS]

**Aja 😅 sorry

[@HolisticMoney]

I love that you're talking about this! Financial freedom can be such an exhausting journey, and you are never alone in feeling that way!!

[@budgetingrose5681]

You will totally accomplish that goal! You got this!

[@Jessi2111]

This video today got me started on re-watching all of your financial videos from your playlist. And while I did watch every single one of those videos back when they were posted I freaking LOVE re-watching them right now so much. So incredible to see how far you have come! Love from Germany!

[@Righhhhhtttt]

I’ve been on my debt journey for about 15 months and paid off around 22k, my biggest advice or tip, you may have good and bad months on you debt pay off journey. So don’t get discouraged if you have a month when you only can pay off a few hundred dollars (or whatever amount you deem as low). Sometimes life gets in the way or other expenses come up, thats normal. keep pushing, it’s worth it in the end. Good luck everyone 😊

[@mauishopgirll]

My bf is always skeptical of my pilates sessions ($100/pop). Thing is I have a degenerative disc in the back of my neck. Pain used to be pretty constant for months. I finally went to rehab and she recommended pilates to me. It helped immensely with my overall alignment ongoing (I work a desk job). To me it's not a question of whether or not I do it but what else do I give up to maintain pilates. If I am a little short on my budget in some months, I'll skip some weeks but overall I keep on making it a priority overall.

[@Balgees24]

I have to agree with we have different priorities in everyone's budget and yes I take paying my credit cards lowest to bigger card I only left with 2 now 😊

[@josjo188]

As of beginning of July 2020. I paid off all my debt that I had entirely. I’ve been working on that for the last year or so. It still feels a bit off because I don’t think the feeling has settled in yet. Did it take some time to get used to being done with your debt? Idk, maybe it’s quarantine that has messed it up for me a bit.

[@AjaDang]

CONGRATS! and yes, being in debt fucked me up post debt for a bit. Now I'm ok. I think because I have an fully funded emergency fund I'm not longer scared of going broke.

[@emilymiller1566]

I feel like you’re my big sister that I’m going to for financial advice, you are such a role model

[@AjaDang]

i appreciate that!

[@joannechoy9805]

I’m almost done paying off my first student loan!!!!! August 1st and I can’t wait!!!!!

[@AjaDang]

just a couple days away!!

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen successfully we hope to help more citizen of UNITED AND CANADA citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@budgetingrose5681]

Congratulations!

[@tamaranicoleofficial652]

Giirrrrlllll, I love how raw and real you are. The fact that people DID COMMENT that your income was high in spite of being in debt is proof that they are JEALOUS like you mentioned. People type-cast EVERYTHING. I follow you because I feel like I know you and never hold back on nothing which give me power and inspiration to keep pushing with paying off my debt

[@Kelllllyyyy.]

I paid off my student loans last month! Will start contributing to my Roth IRA and 401k now! Thanks Aja!

[@AjaDang]

yes! congrats!!!

[@bribri4275]

I let myself get so down over debt I filed for bankruptcy over $20,000 only to leave $50,000 withstanding for student loans. The words misinformed, misguided, and and now hopeless, come to mind. It’s almost as if my brain just stopped working from the stress and anxiety of it all. Thank you for creating this positive and hopeful community for people going through financial struggles - thank you for sharing your story!! The life of a debtor can be so dark at times, and I’m so grateful to you for shedding light on the path of those who need it.

[@claraclara9146]

hello this is helping hand organisation setup by few individual to help the world due to the pandemic situation going on, without paying noting this program doesnt exclude anyone you can all get support from us between limit of $1000 to $10,0000 email ([e-mail]} you just have to tell us what you need money for please don’t lie about it we have helped more than 200 united citizen successfully we hope to help more citizen of UNITED AND CANADA citizen NOTE:this is legal activities

[@MandySchut]

Your debt-free journey has helped and inspired me so much! I started paying off my debt this past January and I am well on my way! Doing what I can to reduce the overall time of paying off this loan. Thank you, Aja! 💓

[@AjaDang]

congrats on getting started!

[@bryanna32]

Thanks Aja. I’m embarrassed to admit my debt to my family and partner. Thanks for normalizing talking about it and reading the comments a lot of people a lot of others are in the same boat. Keep up the good work everybody!

[@yowzayammm]

Earlier this year, I paid off $5k in credit card debt, and next month, I should be able to pay off the last $2300 of a $10k student loan! $35k more to go! Thank you so much Aja, for sharing your journey and making it less taboo to talk about finances!

[@jehovahjireh157]

Aja, I completely agree with you. Yes, we all have debt, but if you give every cent to your debt, this money that you put your blood, sweat, and tears into, without rewarding yourself, then there isn’t an outlet. You should always budget for a reward or outlet because you’re working overtime to achieve what truly is everyone’s dream, to become debt free. So please everyone take her advice and "REWARD" yourself, set a small goal and when you achieve that goal, spend a little. Trust me it makes working two jobs and overtime a lot more bearable.

[@LAURIE0109]

You are so beautiful and thank you for these tips! I’ve been trying to seriously pay off debt and it can be emotionally and physically draining FOR SURE. I will sometimes work 20 hours of overtime and then it feels like it’s being “wasted” because it just goes to a loan. But I like watching the numbers go down and knowing how much progress has been made is encouraging. Also tweaking the baby steps is very necessary. I want zero debt before purchasing a house but I don’t want to go on a savings journey after taking years to pay off debt so I’m doing both at the same time. It may seem counter productive but it makes me feel better to know that once the debt is paid off I’ll also have savings and a great credit score.

[@angelac9694]

1. I finished my emergency fund this year and am on track for maxing out two Roth IRAs (they extended the deadline for 2019 bc of COVID). 2. I finished my first sinking fund for non-emergency expenses 3. I’m on track to save up enough money for Invisalign by the end of the year 4. I got a raise at work 5. I recently increased my weekly donations :):):)

[@destinymcmahon9774]

WOW I was reading this thinking the list is just going and going! Great job!!

[@angelac9694]

Destiny McMahon Thank you so much! It’s been a long journey but 100% worth it

[@AjaDang]

AMAZING!

[@annannporras]

I finally took the time to make a budget spreadsheet. It has really helped me track where my money goes!

[@joaopedrofeitosa2990]

Hey! Thank you for inspiring me to pay off my debts! I was earning more and could pay off my credit card right off the bat but was spending every penny of my income instead of facing that debt.