April Budget | Saving For My Debt Free Scream! | Aja Dang

Hey everyone, I'm Aja Dang and this is my April monthly budget. Guys, I can finally see the light and I'm starting to save up for my Dave Ramsey Debt Free Scream! AND year-to-date I've contributed $50,000 towards my student loan debt AND finally contributed to a retirement account. Yes, March really kicked some ass. It's really cool to see how far I've come and how many financial goals I've accomplished. Between my financial diary and the Qapital app, seeing everything being tracked has definitely been a huge motivator.
• Mentioned •
QAPITAL: bit.ly/2FW8Hah
DAVE RAMSEY: bit.ly/2VDyw5l
KARMAGAWA - Social Charity Community : karmagawa.com/
•BUDGETS•
2019 Budget: bit.ly/2Vmpc5F
Aug - Nov 2018 Budget: bit.ly/2O8utcu
• GRAPHICS: •
Camila Diaz: www.camdiaz.com/
•SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL•
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•STAY CONNECTED•
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LYFT (ride share): lft.to/2Aqs0Iz

[@tiffsoga3869]

Last December, my student loan debt was $162,000+. I started budgeting in January, breaking down my $38,000 annual salary, and as of yesterday, I've paid off a total of $9,253 in FOUR MONTHS! It is SUCH a struggle, but I am so damn proud of myself and my budgeting discipline, and your videos about debt and finances keep me inspired. Thank you

[@mxx6901]

Keep at it!! The biggest struggle is patience. Listen to the Dave Ramsey show. You'll get a lot of inspiration from there. I had 130k of debt Dec 2017. Today I only have 60k left. It's amazing what happens when you are intentional.

[@nataliecampbell8213]

Hell ya! #GoTiffany

[@LorettaBangBang]

That sounds amazing! You are goals!

[@tiffsoga3869]

Omg this is the most supported I've felt in ages and I straight up want to sit here and cry in relief. Thank you, fam, so much 😭😭😭

[@tiffsoga3869]

@@mxx6901 That's AMAZING. I am SO happy for you and so excited for you to knock off the 60K!! Please let us know when you do, and trust I'm cheering from across the internet 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@TheSebbyRox]

Girl, I am so proud of you. With your debt you could have been angry and avoided it, but you grabbed it and made it yours. You owned it, you are such an inspiration.

[@AgnesM]

It’s crazy that once you made the commitment to pay off your debt seriously, you started making more money to support the goal

[@AjaDang]

totally. If you put it out in the universe, it gives you what you ask for.

[@norahughes4993]

My first step towards being debt free was finding a full time job and I did!!!! I’ve been trying to get a full time gig since graduating 6 months ago and I finally did! This is just a first step but it’s finally some life-changing money that I have been searching for!

[@LorettaBangBang]

Congrats!!

[@heyitsjujuu]

Congrats, go girl go!

[@Wilonda]

OMG Aja!!! Only $74K Left! That's AWESOME! I'm So Proud Of You!!

[@ClaraZijlstra]

Can't wait to hear/see you do your debt free scream!

[@jodigfromfwtx4888]

In your situation, I agree that it's more beneficial to pay your taxes annually, because it allows you to earn interest on your money. Paying quarterly allows the government to use your $ to earn interest. That's another reason why people mistakenly believe that it's good to get a tax refund. It's not good. The goal should be to come as close to breaking even as possible.

[@AjaDang]

oohhhh, I didn't even think of that!

[@kimcko]

@@AjaDang yes! Open a savings account with high interest - CIT (2.45%) Ally (2.2%?) etc... Or maybe even a short term CD (but timing will be important)

[@LivinglikeLeila]

Doesn't the government also charge YOU interest though if you don't pay quarterly?? They lose money because they can't invest it

[@jodigfromfwtx4888]

@@LivinglikeLeila Not to my knowledge, since income taxes are due annually. But, admittedly, I'm not a tax professional. I have never heard of it though.

[@renangel]

@@AjaDang If you owe the government too much at tax time, they will charge you a penalty on top of the yearly tax amount if you don't do the quarterly. Given how much you said you had to pay this year, I'm pretty sure you already paid the penalty as well. If you don't want to have to do the same next year, you MUST pay quarterly taxes. Not the full amount you owe every quarter, but at least enough to prevent a penalty fee.

[@AjaDang]

Hi everyone! wanted to shed some light on the tax and IRA situation. So some of you are correct, you do get a penalty if you're a freelancer and submit taxes once a year vs making estimated payments quarterly BUT the penalty I received (which granted, the tax guy didn't tell me about) was small compared to the interest I received on the money I had put in a high yielding savings account. So for me, paying the penalty was less than the amount I received from my savings account. For example, I were had made estimated payments last year for taxes, I would've saved around $75 in penalties but I made more having it sit in my savings account. Also, I did the max retirement contribution for 2018. If I was over 50 then I'd be able to have contributed $6,500. 2019 is when the max contribution is raised and I'll be able to contribute more there. I will ALSO be contributing to a SEP after I'm done paying my student loans.

[@raydynmace3544]

Next Monday, April 8th my student loan will be COMPLETELY paid off! I'm still in my freshman year of college and I feel so proud to have already paid it off and I will luckily not have to take out any more for my bachelors. I feel so very lucky to have been able to balance a job with school as well as have some outside financial support to achieve this goal so soon!

[@AjaDang]

WHAT?!?!? OH MY GOD THAT'S AMAZING!!

[@raydynmace3544]

Aja Dang Thank you so much! It is such a huge accomplishment for me!

[@AuthenticInFashion]

Finance videos are my fave of yours!! I’m doing a no-spend month. All of April I will not spend any money on clothes.

[@AjaDang]

good for you!

[@jazmynnv5831]

I broke the 16k mark on my debt after this last paycheck. Plus, my bf and I were able to save enough for a mini two day/one night trip. We're saving for a bigger trip in June and I'm confident I can save enough money by then to do so! :) I finally downloaded the Qapital app so I'm excited to see how it fits into my current budgeting

[@AjaDang]

yes! mini (saved) splurges are so important during your journey.

[@hugskissesxoxoashley9925]

I 100% subscribed to you because you are so open and transparent. I love your openness and even though I don’t make nearly as much as you it’s fun to watch your journey! Can’t wait for you to announce you are debt free Aja!!!

[@eeerik79]

Your dog in the backround is like budgeting is a snoooooze!

[@cokedclassic7627]

I am a 50 year old who lives in the suburbs of Chicago. I just have to say that you inspire and entertain me. I have just recently found yout channel and I have been binging on it. We are working on paying off our debt as well. I plan to share your channel with my nieces. Much love to you and keep up the great work of just being you.

[@alyssamascardo3315]

I love following your debt free journey! It inspired me to take control of my finances. I just paid off one of my credit cards!! One card down... one more to go!

[@ruchipatel21]

I love your finance videos - they say "misery loves company" and there was a moment in one of your videos where you got a bit emotional about how crushing student debt feels and I sat here watching it thinking "omg, someone else GETS IT". Thank you for being you, and for sharing your debt free journey. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for my $200k debt as well, though my ending is looking more like mid to late 2020. BUT I CAN FINALLY SEE THE END!!

[@vmsingh8]

Your journey is SO inspiring! I’m lucky enough to have no debt and to have found Dave Ramsey at 23 years old so I didn’t have much time to get myself in trouble 🤪 But I watch your budget videos every single month and am rooting SO hard for you. Your transparency on this platform is a breath of fresh air and is why I keep coming back. Can’t wait to see your Debt Free Scream!

[@carnival30]

Can you make a video on opening a Roth IRA. I am CLUELESS on that topic and I’m 30 so I should have one. but I’m not even exactly sure what they are or where to get one.

[@lynninfinite]

carnival30 individual retirement accounts, one is tax deductible and one is not. You can have both. There are various companies and you can open with different companies as long as you don’t go over $5,500 total for Roth and $5,500 for traditional. Your money slowly grows with the compound effect as you continually deposit money each year!

[@AjaDang]

well apparently people are telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to taxes so probably can't do that video right now until I figure that out myself

[@orangejmoothies]

I think that’s fair on both sides and better to err on the side of caution. I think it’s great to share your story but to start informing or recommending financial/investment products can be tricky. I think what you’re doing is good enough if not great already!

[@orangejmoothies]

You can google it or search for a good explanation on investopedia.com it can be a little dry at times but it’s pretty good for reading up on different accts such as retirement accts!

[@origuniquely]

I'd say talk to your local bank or credit union. There are also retirement services that help with retirement accounts.

[@kittyp979]

Was SO happy to see a new video! I just started using the Qapital app, and so far I’m loving it. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I hope you show a video on your debt free scream, would love to see it. SO happy for you! That sounds like an amazing trip to Bali, you did wonderful things. 💗

[@grantedaccess9939]

Inspiring ! Keep kicking debts butt. You are one of my favorite money gurus!

[@joshs.47]

Waiting to hear your debt free scream!!!! & I agree on your comment regarding transparency being a huge plus for your channel.

[@rachelblaise5130]

So happy for you Aja!! Can't wait to see your debt free scream!!

[@lilydaquila9847]

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! That's me yelling. Your debt-free journey is so motivating, but also educational. 💜

[@MariahsWholeNewWorld]

Can’t wait to hear your debt free scream! Rooting for you!

[@haute_healthy]

Love these vlogs! In the month of March I paid off a 401K Loan we used to get our home built, so I paid myself back and my future retirement. In the month of April we will finish paying off a line of credit also used towards our house renovation. That is $17,800 total that will free up a lot of extra money monthly to pay off our last debt. These videos give me a lot of encouragement along the way. thank you for sharing your light!

[@viridianarodriguez5705]

I love your content from beauty videos/tutorials, your talks and advise and your budget videos. I dont watch much KZbin anymore but you are always refreshing to watch. Thanks for your transparency and honesty.💕

[@abbieray4309]

You are doing brilliantly Aja. Great stuff!

[@judieobar2366]

Thanks so much for these videos! You have been working your ass off. And your sucess is inspiring. So excited to see your debt free scream this year.

[@kathwinnnnnn]

i'm so happy to see your progress :) keep on kicking butt! can't wait for you to finally reach your goal

[@IndBro2]

Can I just say.. I appreciated the fact that your little doggie was in the background just sleeping on your pillow🤣🤣 makes my heart melt lol

[@LoveMiaMia]

So so so happy for your congrats! Staying on track! Having a goal's! Having a budget! Making more money!

[@tehilatammydavidse9411]

I genuinely enjoy watching your channel. I started watching your channel 3 years ago when I started university and now I’ve started working and I am applying all your budgeting tips, saving tips and mental health tips this year and I feel my mindset about money has changed so much and how I manage it. So thank you for inspiring me and someone I can look up to in this area. My parents were never open about finances so you have taught me so much in being transparent about your finances 😊❤️

[@Ayakristinable]

Love these finance videos, keep doing what you're doing!!

[@LorettaBangBang]

Finally just copied your budget and adjusted it to mine. Thanks so much for everything!

[@aimeegeorge6294]

Thank you so much for sharing your debt/student load journey! I sometimes feel like dealing with finances can be so overwhelming and take some much of my mind space - for me its important to find a balance between being money obsessed and being happy and healthy to myself. I think I also am learning that there are people like family and friends willing to support me - I just need to ask. Thank you Aja for all of the help and reassurance - I have taken control of my money and refuse to let it take control of me! love and light to everyone, have a beautiful week!

[@VS-fo9py]

I got emotional hearing you talk about planning your debt free scream. The debt free screams are so inspirational, and listening to them kept me motivated while I got out of debt. You will inspire more people than you already have.

[@katherinesinkler156]

Your budget videos have been really inspiring and I have learned a lot of good tips from you. Thank you for being vulnerable with all of us; I know money is a very touchy topic to talk about, but many of us are going through the same struggle from student loans and various debts and its nice to see someone working their way out of it. Keep up the good work.

[@KelsVaughne]

your videos are seriously AMAZING! so freaking inspiring and helpful! also holy shit congrats on being so close to your debt free scream!!

[@marcelavilla1636]

I LOVE YOUR BUDGETING VIDEOS, I am not a beauty guru or anything that you mentioned but I am a part time worker with debt. Budgeting means being happy with the basics in a lot of ways to become more financially responsible, that includes makeup and selfcare. You’ve went from me scrolling past...too WOW! That’s me! So thank you! You do it all, but what matters to most of us you’ve put first. It’s real help

[@Tottenhamie]

You found your voice and you bring a unique point of view to a platform that has become inauthentic for many viewers. Not to say that making a living (or side hustle) on social media is a bad thing). Congratulations on your hard work and acknowledging the team that builds you up.

[@sunsets6075]

Thanks for your April Budget video 👌🏿. I love following your journey!🤑 Well done on squashing more debt! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jocelynhernandez706]

WOW Aja it's so amazing that you will be done paying off that debt this year!

[@Grosie922]

I’m so happy for you! So much progress on those student loans!

[@java3416]

Omg Aja I’m so excited for you🤩🙌! You’re a true financial girlboss and you are killing your debt journey, I love it!💪🏾

[@macierico8167]

I LOVE DAVE RAMSEY. Thank you so much for being so real and honest about this. It’s so important for people to realize that debt is not okay and should not be normal

[@muhlaynee]

You're almost there!! Incredible Aja :)

[@biodomesan]

I love these videos, Aja! They give me accountability and the 'keeping it real' attitude is so refreshing and much needed in content creation!

[@yz9550]

OMG yes!!! I cant wait for your Dave Ramsey debt free scream!!!

[@annedrialoomis4610]

Love your story so much! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@Brenda5Mac]

How exciting! 🎉

[@thoughtfulotter8881]

Aja, you have given me the biggest nudge that I really needed to get out of a depressed state over my debt. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and keep being yourself! Oh and the furbaby in the background.....

[@zenaidekey]

There is no word to express how happy I am for you and how proud I am about you! Being debt free, budgeting is really something for everyone, and you did it! As Clara Zijistra wrote in her comment I look forward to to hear you screaming that you are finally debt free!!

[@bettyc931]

Your ways of looking into how to manage your finances makes me look at mines. When I get ready to start my weekend with calculating, I have to tune into your videos. It inspires me to find my own way to get my 2 credit cards down!! You go girl your almost done, 74k and over!

[@yumnax]

Video suggestions: a) what I wear in a week b) what I eat in a day

[@Lucy-ym4sf]

So proud of you! Literally goals 😍

[@joelyliriano]

i can’t wait for you to be done, i’m so excited for you :). my goal this year is to pay $20k this year off my student debt by increasing my income and sticking to my budget!

[@AjaDang]

you can do it!

[@AlexaLikes]

I'm rooting for you! I've been watching your financial videos for a while and they are so eye opening. I'm very privilaged to live in a country that has lower tuition options and currently owe 8k in student loans, but I'm itching to pay those off. And yeah, I need to make more money, heck, I'm GOING to make more money. You and Stacy Flowers have some of my favourite finance videos, keep it going!!!

[@yvettebeauchamp9154]

Thank you so much for these videos!! They motivate and inspire me every month 🙌🙌

[@rachelhart3733]

Woop Woop! Debt free by the end of this year, holy heck. That is so amazing. You have really been inspiring me to get working on my student loans already whilst I am still finishing it.

[@temporarythoughts]

Aja, we are so proud of you.

[@charliemac7557]

You are very inspiring Aja! Thank you for your honesty!🌷

[@lauramin4529]

Never say never aja, keep putting out bombass videos and work hard and youll get anywhere 😁

[@AjaDang]

that is true!

[@NoraTKD]

YAY Aja, you are doing great! Keep up the good work!

[@mariac4327]

Aja, you are a gem! Thank you for educating us on how to be financially responsible!!💖💎💎💎

[@Raetalkss]

I will defo going to cry when you do your debt free scream. Keep going!!!

[@TheRefinedBudget]

Absolutely love these videos! Hooray for you! We’ve been able to pay off 20,000 since starting our journey in September and I can’t wait for the feeling of true financial freedom 💖😭

[@SR98889]

You are on fire, girl!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@heyitsjujuu]

Okay so proud of you as a viewer, but your doggo snuggling in the pillows is such a mood. 💟💟💟

[@AjaDang]

I believe he's sleeping in almost ALL of my videos shot in my room haha

[@johnstorie8834]

Way to go! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@LivinglikeLeila]

I recently watched The Sinner and realized that you resemble Jessica Biel so much!!! Anyway, I decreased my debt by almost $10K in March! Me and my sister sold our house and gained equity, I moved into an apartment though so I used the gain for my debt. I am now credit card debt free, still have about $63K to go!

[@chasingsunsetty]

I need a few more like buttons, is all I'm saying. Congratulations! You are the first finance blogger that I could relate to. You plan and budget like you exist in the real world.

[@DPalominoFan25]

So excited for you Aja! I just paid off one of my smaller student loans and in April I'll be paying off my credit card using a bonus from work! Still have a ways to go but you and Dave Ramsey have been instrumental in my journey. Side note tho- Umm I didn't realize my credit score would take a hit since student loans count as "closed accounts" UGH

[@mistywestcott2493]

You're so inspiring! It helps me to know I can do it too

[@sedalemccall]

Love it! Paid my second-to-last loan off in March! Hoping to make a serious dent in my last loan this month and work towards getting out of debt!

[@dreamerher2]

Omg yay!!!! Congrats girl can’t wait to see you pay it all off. You got me so inspired and I’ve already paid 6k down from debt this year and can’t wait to keep going forward. Thank you for being so transparent its been so helpful to not feel so lonely with debt. Yes I would love a video on how you and and your team works. My question is when do you know when it’s the right time to get a management to start personal branding? Or do I wait until I have enough following to start a management team to help boost my self? I totally understand that it takes a village to grow your company. It’s me just needing to find the right circle and delegating the work. Cool can’t wait to see what’s next girl...

[@randomizationme]

Im excited to hear your financial story after you're debt free bc you're inspirational

[@ursulaleonowicz2744]

Not having the best day and feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed, but seeing you so happy made me feel better.. I'm so proud of you. It gives a girl hope, you know?

[@AjaDang]

we've all been there, don't be too hard on yourself.

[@TheEntrepreneurChannel]

Great breakdown! Keep up those brand deals!

[@LizzieKidwell]

You owe more than I make in a year😂😭 you go girl! Total inspiration!

[@ambition1224]

I knew you were gonna hit your goal but DANG GIRL (get it...LOL)... you CRUSHED IT! So proud of you! And yes, please do a vid on HOW YOU FOUND the right team and how they fight for you or something along those lines. Often times people see the glory and not the story! Thanks for your honesty and transparency!

[@mflor1577]

Are you gonna go to the Dave Ramsey show? That would be nice

[@AjaDang]

ya. that's what the video was about

[@KD_RN]

WOW!!! from $200K to $74k, that’s awesome! But kinda sad that it costs so much money to go to school here in the US. I still have $6k left... I don’t make as much as you do, but I am slowly chipping away at my loans. Congratulations, Aja! You are an inspiration! Keep posting these kinds of videos. Thanks for being transparent 🎉

[@monkibussiness79]

very useful information. Thank you Aja!

[@ba8yluvs]

Thank you so much for sharing your financial journey!! I've been budgeting along with using the same excel sheet you've provided. Initially I was thinking of purchasing a new car this year and watching youtube videos of "Purchasing Car Tips", I randomly watched Dave Ramsey's youtube videos (I remember you had mentioned him in your budget videos). My views have changed completely on purchasing a new car and now I've decided to purchase CASH ONLY instead of financing to avoid getting in debt and building wealth. My journey is still in process to this save money for my future car, which I've estimated may take me a year and half if not earlier. Proud of you and I can't wait to see you join the DEBT FREE SCREAMERS videos! I've been hooked with Dave Ramsey's videos now, haha.

[@AjaDang]

YES! So glad you made a decision to buy in cash.

[@FunandBudget]

So freaking awesome that you will get to do the Dave Ramsey debt free scream.

[@clair233]

Go Aja goooooo

[@MaggieTaylorPetit]

Wooohooo! Paid off my credit card this month in one lump dump and paid my taxes 🙌🏻!

[@erinconnelly4655]

I love following your journey!! I just started documenting my own on here. I feel it holds me accountable. 36 years old and I have about $190k worth of debt...mostly student loans. It's suffocating. I'm not making anywhere near what you are, but I'm doing my best. Can't wait to see you hit $0!!

[@AjaDang]

it will DEFINITELY help you stay accountable.

[@frenchie_at_heart7387]

Ayy my mom's a flight attendant too! Love those travel perks

[@SunlightsHorizon]

I didn’t even see that video until you mentioned it now. Watching it after this.

[@marlahtet1043]

Truly we appreciate your honesty and transparency Aja! Appreciate you always sharing! 😘 Can you share your laser experience since I’m saving up to do full legs and kinda nervous.

[@QuesttoFIRE]

You are doing so amazing!! Inspiring. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Nadeensbeat]

I paid off my PayPal credit card in March, it felt great! I have a lot more credit card debt to pay, but I’m getting there. You’re very inspirational and I’m glad I found your channel!

[@AjaDang]

knocking them down one card at a time!

[@jodigfromfwtx4888]

Hi Naysgrace! You might consider securing a lower interest personal loan to consolidate all of your credit card debt. You'll have 1 payment, versus multiple payments....but...the key to being successful with this is two-fold. 1. Continue to make the same payment to your loan that you were paying to your multiple cards. Example...Let's say you have 4 credits cards with minimum payments of $50 each. That's $200/month and you're probably barely covering the interest, thus, it feels like you'll never be able to pay them off. If you secure a lower interest loan, which will likely have a payment much lower than $200/month, you want to STILL pay the same $200. With a lower interest rate, more of your $200 will go toward the principle of your loan, effectively allowing you to pay it off in a shorter time period. 2. STOP USING YOUR CREDIT CARDS. Once you've paid them off with the lower interest loan, close out all of the accounts except the one card with the lowest interest rate and/or best feautures. Most of us need at least one card for emergencies. 3. Budget, budget, budget....along with maintaining a high degree of self-discipline. (This is the hardest part for most of us!) Good Luck!

[@Nadeensbeat]

Jodi G from FW, TX Thank you for the tip about the securing a personal loan. I will definitely check to see if I could qualify for one.

[@theskinnypot]

Can't wait to see you in your debt free scream!!! say hi to dave for me!

[@smakahor7002]

It was refreshing watching this video. I was starting to lose control. Thank you for sharing and I am so amazed that you are doing so well. Mwah mwah! Get it girl! Save..same thing haha

[@de5072]

i started my debt free journey shortly before i found you and since finding your videos they have kept me motivated. however due to life changes my debt free journey is put on hold as i am expecting my first child this may. but i still use the principles of saving that ive been following and your advice to save for my son. i had to cut back on my loan payments to the minimum. but once i get back from maternity leave and get a good hang of my new income with daycare i will get back on ball and pay off my loan by my sons first birthday so i can start saving for our first home💙

[@rachelcee613]

Bali's cheap if you're Australian haha. You're smashing through this debt and hitting all your goals like the boss you are, love seeing your excitement

[@dizzygurlj]

Get it girl!!!!

[@frameofmind8800]

You go girl 🤗

[@minimalmillionairemom]

You will be awesome on The Dave Ramsey Show. Can’t wait! I think you will achieve over a million followers in the next year. Will you do a parody video of your debt free scream? Just think you are so creative and could do something fun with it.

[@AjaDang]

great idea! Thanks for your suggestion!