Found A Venue, Saving For A Wedding.. | August Overview | Aja Dang

[@daniahmiller3336]

Sitting in my car on my lunch break after having a breakdown because I'm one year away from being debt free and I am so sick and tired of penny pinching. You talking about your income gives me so much hope and inspires me A TON. Please don't shrink back because folks feel insecure about how much money you make, that's not on you. You worked HARD to get here and some of us know it can happen for us because it's happening for you. I'm gonna get there, I know I am. Your story helps me believe that. Plus I'm just so happy when I see women winning. 😩 like ugh YES Love from the Bahamas ❤

[@adventurousbec]

Keep going!! You've already done so well. :)

[@AjaDang]

YOU ARE GOING TO GET THERE. Trust me when I say, one year will go by so quickly. You got this.

[@AshleyChiLLi]

Personally I really like seeing the numbers. It shows that reaching such high incomes is very much possible. Thank you for sharing your journey with us :)

[@heyyitssj]

Yes! This^!!!

[@AjaDang]

ok! I'll show my savings numbers for a couple more videos :)

[@Linda.Rose2014]

@@eugenepierson1314 see it as motivation and push yourself passed those negative bounds

[@heyyitssj]

@@Linda.Rose2014 agreed

[@DanDan-z7e]

@@eugenepierson1314 Interesting, how different our perspectives are! As a young woman, I'm inspired by Aja's budgeting. She's the first woman I saw budgeting a high-income with actual numbers. Showed it's possible to both make and save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Personally, her transparency is motivating!

[@adventurousbec]

My five things this month: -Saved 63% of my income -Exceeded my TFSA (Roth) contribution goal -Bought new tires for my vehicle -Did lots of hiking at Rocky Mountains and at a new place -Made significant progress with a French language course I'm taking

[@AjaDang]

I definitely need to buy some new tires for my car.

[@staciamj1]

Good job

[@AznGirlz5526]

What I accomplished in the month of August: -Got accepted into Grad school -Paid off tuition/fees through my research assistantship and grants -Went backpacking in Yosemite National Park (dream of mine) -Created a budget for my LA trip this coming weekend! You have been such an inspiration and mentor when it comes to financial responsibility and independence. I truly appreciate all your videos! :)

[@AjaDang]

wow - you killed August. Congrats!

[@ashleykwasniewski4445]

It’s not a destination wedding of that’s where your family is. I’m my eyes at least 💜

[@Memelovespeace]

I have no problem with you being a high income earner. It’s actually encouraging!!

[@heyyitssj]

Agreed!

[@eugenepierson1314]

I personally think it's really discouraging and delineates a dark subconscious of never being able to reach her level. I say this even though my brother, Owin, is an influencer as well.

[@heyyitssj]

@@eugenepierson1314 I understand your viewpoint. I think the difference with Aja though is that she didn't start out as a high income earner. Sharing transparency like this in her journey can be inspiring for those and serve as a role model. I don't think we should compare ourselves to her, because everyone's situation is different.

[@Thejennmachine]

Right, same. She wasn’t always a high income earner and she’s worked hard.

[@Memelovespeace]

@@eugenepierson1314 Inequality is true and present but this argument is not accurate. You don’t not have to be rich to start a KZbin channel. People can start with their smartphone and as they build or save then purchase those items. In terms of tech, prior to the rise of influencing, KZbin was designed to share whatever you wanted. If you want to become proficient to expert there are plenty of resources to learn for free.

[@7nochannel]

I got engaged in February and getting married next month, I was super lost and overwhelmed with the planning at first. My fiancé and I made a list of the things we absolutely needed/wanted at our wedding and we followed the tasks by order of importance in our eyes. Because at the end of the day, who's going to care about the bloody napkins ...

[@AjaDang]

that's a great idea.

[@konstantinetransit]

I would love to see a video on yours and your fiancé’s financial goals/plan as a married couple

[@tiabarrett7816]

It's really okay to not stress about wedding planning. May want to decide who you two want to have there, and get the date, and general location (already have!) for sending save the dates. You go girl! You got this.

[@alexisgono1729]

Jamie Wolfer!! My wedding is September 24,2022. Ive been binge watching Jamie, she's amazing. Such practical advice. Also as someone aspiring to FIRE who has an annual spending plan, naturally we have an annual spending plan for the wedding. All expected costs in one place, tracking monthly progress and at any given moment we both know where we stand. So empowering and exciting to see our progress. August wins: >Paid off wedding Photographer and Videographer >Completed design of wedding band >Finalised all admin and prep to start braces early September to be ready for wedding next year

[@AjaDang]

wow - you are so on top of it a year out LOL I'm soooo behind.

[@alyshacampbell5870]

@@AjaDang Jamie Wolfer has allll the tips and tricks

[@msmintygreen]

Love that popo is at the top of your wedding priorities ❤️❤️

[@AjaDang]

of course!

[@salyna.nguyen]

I really appreciate you sharing your real life stories with us. We all try and take as many steps forward everyday, and yet sometime stuff happens. Like flooding, the risk of inventory being destroyed, reprioritizing your life for other things that you deem more important. I love it! You totally rocked it in August... keep it up Aja!!!

[@AjaDang]

thank you!

[@happpymesss]

This month I paid off $8k in debt, contributed 8% to my 401k and donated as much as I could to struggling family members.

[@AjaDang]

we'll damn, you're a Queen.

[@leilani2258]

I would definitely start with a vision board with reference pictures so you have a better visual of the overall theme and feel you want the wedding to have. (I wanted a more elegeant but intimate feel) Once you have the big picture of how you want your wedding to look like you can then focus on the details and go from there. From a soon to be bride, I wish you all the best of luck! A wedding planning team will make you actually enjoy planning a lot more. ❤

[@gicking3898]

I've been a ling time lurker, and I want to congratulate you on your coming wedding, and evolving from a model, to fashion, to finance and life advisor, and staying strong on KZbin.

[@LuminousNews]

A flooded apartment is great motivation to keep saving for a house. Glad it wasn't too bad.

[@Natalie_11188]

I understand Popo comes first. She will be so happy to see your wedding.

[@OneHumanJr]

My partner and I both applied for promotions in August! Both of our companies are expanding and these are both brand new roles. My interview was in August and I have never prepared for something so much in my life, so I crushed it! His interview is today and I have a good feeling about it. Reflecting back on August we both made really good choices for our careers and we did really well financially to save for our down payment so yay to us in August.

[@AjaDang]

CONGRATS! That's so exciting.

[@KristynRaeV]

In August: - hosted/helped organize a very important meeting for women in my labor union - booked a venue & photographer for our wedding - wrote out as much as I could think of for our wedding planning and my future wife made a correlating budget spreadsheet - opened a joint savings account for our home down payment savings !!! [this one feels biggest b/c it’s a lot of money for me and it’s a big dream goal]

[@lilydaquila9847]

I appreciate how you reflect on your vids and then reformat based on how functional or helpful it might be for us. As far as budget goes, I like the balance between specific figures and percentages. It shows your level of earning is achievable while still breaking down relative allocations that work for any income.

[@shapemailife6878]

Things I did in the month of August: 1. Have a baby. 2. Decluttered & organized quite a few things in my home. 3. Created a postpartum plan (and yes, I totally count that as a success since it's helping me have clarity right now).

[@AjaDang]

omg - congrats on giving birth (you mentioned it so casually) and creating a postpartum plan is 100% an accomplishment.

[@shapemailife6878]

@@AjaDang Thank you!

[@kar475]

I love that you show real numbers #Goals! For the month of August, I: - paid off my student loans (woop woop!) - made an extra $500 payment to my RRSPs (retirement) - started contributing more, beyond the $1000, to my emergency fund

[@DearDebt]

Loved this style video. It's so good to reflect on the month! I loved seeing the numbers personally.

[@cyrie517]

I'm here for the Twitch stream! Five August Wins: - Paid off our lighting/drapery vendor for our wedding in October 2021 - Went through my first dress fitting and didn't freak about my weight after not being consistent with my workouts - Received 90% of RSVPs for the wedding - Scheduled final vendor meetings in September - Updated wedding budget spreadsheet

[@AjaDang]

you on ON TOP OF IT. Would you mind sharing a template of your wedding budget spreadsheet?

[@quinkim1]

It is always great to reflect, thank you for this! Applied and interviewed for my first leadership role (hopefully I get the position) and started biz school!

[@AjaDang]

good luck!!

[@michellesobiech8463]

Love the new collegiate plan design with the spiral binding!!! Wish I had it when I was in school. Can not wait for 2022 planner!!!

[@MarisaM]

Random and mostly irrelevant on this vid--you probably won't even have seen this--but two things stood out to me that reminded me of why you're pretty much the only KZbinr I follow: 1) you say Hawai'i with the okina. Lots of people who grow up there don't, much less mainlanders, but hearing that in a popular KZbinr's video just makes me feel so good and seen ❤️ 2) Instead of calling her grandma or whatever for the general audience, you said Popo, AND you prioritized her physically as well. You can probably tell by now that I am also an Asian (also part Chinese) whose family comes from Hawai'i, and seeing you thrive and work your way through tough things is such an inspiration. I never would have thought about emergency funds, sinking funds, or planning for bills in advance without you, and now coming out of college I'm one of the most well-equipped of my friends in personal finance. Thank you so much for being the role model you are and sharing your life with us ❤️

[@dannielynnfountain]

FYI - you can have an EIN number as a sole proprietor and therefore open a business bank account. Some banks require Articles of Incorporation (LLC/SCorp/etc) but some don't. I have a sole prop and an LLC account with Mercury bank - you do NOT have to be incorporated to have a business bank account :) (I also am a tax preparer and promise I understand the finance side of what I'm talking about, not talking out my ass!)

[@hello_danielle]

I have renters insurance and I'm just renting a room in a house because it covers any of your belongings you have so it’s totally worth it!

[@ThankGodImHannah]

For wedding dresses, I went with my friend to Modern Bride in the Garment District of Los Angeles. In general, it definitely seems like the place to get a wedding dress. She ended up getting a GORGEOUS designer dress for a fraction of the price (they ordered a floor model and then it got discontinued almost immediately).

[@stefflores]

Honestly, so glad you got engaged...for you but also for me cause I need to see a wedding budgeting process!!!!

[@procrastimania]

Yes twitch streaming! We can help you with planning your wedding 😜 I’m getting married in October. It’s all so overwhelming at the beginning but once you lock down venue, dress, photographer and makeup/hair if you’re hiring that you are good! Also the planning team is so helpful! Honestly everything pulls together in the last two months so be gracious with your schedule two months out haha! Good luck! You are right everything WILL get done eventually! Type A personalities will stress no matter how far ahead of it you are 😌

[@randomsketchings]

I started writing a story that has been on my todo/ to start list for too long. I started eating bananas for the first time in my life on a regular basis. I also rekindled my enjoyment for drawing and exploration of ideas. So over all I’d say the month wasn’t quite what I intended but not a waste of a month. As it is so far it’s the best month thus far, looking forward to the next month.

[@AjaDang]

cut some banana and freeze them to throw them in a smoothie :)

[@rainiedaeemily]

It must be really hard to not travel right now, but thank you for modeling being an ethical visitor for the rest of us! That's why I don't mind seeing your HIE numbers...it proves we don't have to be cutthroat or unethical to make bank!

[@maggiemcloughlin184]

Love the new format. Keep it up Aja! You can do it girl! Good luck with everything.

[@joshgarcia3662]

Twitch streaming your budget building would be so great! I would love to watch it!

[@cynthiagreencmt7709]

Hello Aja, I’m so glad you had renters insurance. I live in Northern CA and my apartment complex requires us to have renters insurance as well. It is so cheap like $14 per month . One day I was away from home working at a catering gig and a fire sprinkler burst and my studio apartment flooded. Some glass was broken and a few things were ruined and I filed a claim like you. I agree with you when you talk about renters insurance. If it was not required I more than likely would not have had it. I wish you all the best with the wedding and hopefully buying a house later on. Thanks for sharing & take care 💕

[@AjaDang]

glad you were protected!!

[@benny88cups]

I love the new format. It feels more personal. Can you do a video interview with your mentor on business bookkeeping?

[@AjaDang]

I'll see how comfortable she'd be with that.

[@quinkim1]

A friend of mine is getting married in Hawaii next year. I hope the stars align and I run into you while there! 😆

[@lindatruong65]

Hopefully you’ll make wedding planning, how to save and budget for a wedding videos, those are sooo interesting!!

[@AjaDang]

I will! Once I figure that out myself.

[@adventurousbec]

Oohh that's what you meant by changing the budget style videos... This is a neat approach to bring in more reflection! :)

[@AjaDang]

still budget talk but not super focused on it.

[@adventurousbec]

@@AjaDang I like it :)

[@roseemich]

😱 thank goodness your planners are okay!

[@v_budgets]

I finally paid my saving back in the month of August from borrowing to pay for my Invisalign! 😊

[@Roseycheeks86]

Paycheck video is much needed!

[@bijoubijou7500]

Thank you for sharing the numbers, as it is both helpful and extremely inspiring. I am so happy for your success, love story, and business savvy.

[@crystalmariegee4268]

Sorry for the set backs and happy y'all are okay.

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

This was such a good video, love this format!

[@Porcelynnn]

Aja! I attended a webinar today about estates and living trusts. I think you should set one up if you don’t have one already. Totally different from a will, I just learned it today

[@AjaDang]

interesting. Where do you attend the webinar?

[@Porcelynnn]

@@AjaDang a local women’s org in my city hosted it and a law firm presented! I think you just have to find a law firm that specializes in living trusts and estates

[@zoethomas9469]

Loved the new format! And yes! would love a video on how you split up your monthly paychecks

[@elliecbron]

Quarterly goals don’t have to be done until October you have another whole month 😃 Jan, April, July, Oct is when I do mine

[@AjaDang]

... what month is it?

[@oneswiftection]

I'll be on Twitch when you stream there! And, also, I'd love to know more about your paycheck routine. I really loved this video and appreciated that you gave the real numbers involved. Also, you mentioned international shipping. Does it mean EU shipping too?

[@AjaDang]

yes we do ship to EU

[@oneswiftection]

@@AjaDang Great 😍 thanks for your reply!

[@gwenae]

So excited for your wedding! ♥

[@Demetriusyoung07]

I’m waiting for the paycheck video. Love it

[@2brokenthumbs]

You have the best mindset. And you are so open in sharing. Mahalo.

[@astrubat]

Featuring with "Shailou?" please, please! Thank you for this format I really like it 😊😍

[@leyley9762]

I prefer the numbers! Its motivating if anything

[@Sonya-J]

Hi Aja 👋 I'm new to your channel and I loved watching your debt free journey videos. Top 3 things I accomplished in August: 1. Saved 40% of my income and put it towards investments. 2. Created my 3rd and 4th ever only video. I'm still learning about editing~ 3. Bought a beginner camera to get better quality photos/vlogs.

[@AjaDang]

congrats!

[@AngeliqueSabrina]

Can you do a video talking more about an HSA? What it is and how you use it/if you can ever take it out tax free? I’ve heard a little about them but still kinda confused

[@AjaDang]

definitely

[@Porcelynnn]

You only qualify if you have a high deductible health insurance plan (which a lot of people have!) and there’s a max you can put in each year as it’s tax deductible :) each state varies with the annual amount

[@toddray275]

Love the Planner! Love Aja and the Hubby! But come on Aja the house should be priority over the wedding , but I understand its a Girl’s Dream Once in a Lifetime. Praying for your Success and Marriage!

[@AjaDang]

a wedding isn't my "once in a lifetime dream" but that has a deadline, the house does not.

[@alyssaclark5133]

Aja! Could you please do a video about credit cards and strategies for getting the most out of them i.e. points? Thank you! 😘

[@jhecaquitaleg8639]

This video came at such a good time. I was just looking how far along I am with my debt free journey but I thank you for keeping me motivated. I was crying at looking at the numbers and this gave me hope. I cant wait for my mstrpln planner to get here.

[@MsEmilyish]

so happy the undated planner is back!

[@AjaDang]

it's about to be sold out... definitely thought I ordered enough to last a couple months lol

[@crystallbell]

Please EVERYONE get renters insurance if you don't already have it!! We had a fire at our multi family complex and lost everything- including both cars. We had to jump out the window to survive. We were the only tenants with insurance and while it doesn't bring your stuff back, it's VERY helpful.

[@AjaDang]

wow - I'm so glad you're safe!

[@crystallbell]

@@AjaDang thank you! Really puts life into perspective 😅💛

[@seaweedjen]

honestly a testiation wedding in your hometown?! i think that's a great reason why youd have it there,!

[@salamandertoo]

Please do wedding/wedding budgeting content!!

[@DC-us5ky]

I like the budget video change. Def I would watch Twitch videos. 😊

[@DebbieChristina]

I actually would love it if you would stream your process! I am still debating if I will buy the physical of digital copy of the 2022 planner.

[@AjaDang]

both will be available closer to the end of the year.

[@svetlanadreher7190]

I got my wedding dress one month before the wedding at Anthropologie BHLDN. Reasonably priced and quick.

[@jpearce30]

Just popping in to say hell yeah to Twitch streaming! I do it on and off and enjoy that community a lot. Would love to do that live along with you! (also need the accountability myself haha!)

[@AjaDang]

yesssss.

[@lindsaymegan6994]

Will renters insurance cover your accommodations while you are out of your home? I used to work in disaster services and most people were able to stay in a nice hotel w renters insurance

[@AjaDang]

they would if we needed to but we didn't have to with the flood.

[@royaldreamer88]

Lovella Bridal in Glendale or there’s another huge wedding dress place in Woodland Hills.

[@moneyisweird7862]

Oh I actually didn't mind seeing the savings numbers seems better than seeing the whole budget, but savings goals and what you accomplished is a good mix

[@erikaroldan4889]

yessss do a twitch stream 💜💜

[@karenbeal3218]

Can you tell us more about how a “backdoor” IRA Roth works?

[@Porcelynnn]

It’s maxing out a traditional IRA and then converting it into a Roth IRA. :)

[@didine256]

I loved you sharing your budget/numbers. You're a true inspiration Aja, you're able to generate a huge income all by yourself, congratulations

[@KellyTranbeautybykellytran]

Omg I want to be your wedding day MUA!!!

[@Thejennmachine]

I love how transparent you are about your income. You weren’t always a high income earner and that’s so encouraging. For anyone feeling discouraged there are others on KZbin who don’t make a lot of money and are still managing their money very well like Kyra Ann

[@aslaforteza]

I appreciate you keeping it 💯

[@alexmcginness8859]

I have a business bank account and am only a solo proprietor in CA. Whoever gave you that info that you needed an S Corp is wrong.

[@stylusandpen4275]

Lets goooooo Twitch Streaming! :D

[@adventurousbec]

Do you have to pay to use Twitch?

[@stylusandpen4275]

@@adventurousbec Hi, Rebecca. No, you do not have to pay for Twitch, although streamers appreciate any subscriptions or donations but not necessary. Technically, you don't even need to sign up to watch a stream. Although, In order to chat in a stream, you will need to create a log in.

[@AjaDang]

it's on my to-do list soon - I'll email you soon

[@ashleynorthover5084]

Will the weekly layout in the 2022 dated mstrpln be hourly?

[@AjaDang]

yes!

[@lindsaygillespie8420]

Love your videos! For Hawai’i wedding planners I would check out Esselle Weddings and L4Love :)

[@AjaDang]

Lauren Smith is actually a high school classmate of mine.

[@sassysusie9243]

I am so glad you decided to show actual numbers again! I understand this may discourage some people, but I think it is important to show everyone the possibilities. We have all been trained to be hourly/salary employees by society & to just "work jobs". I think real wealth is obtained outside our comfort zone, so seeing these numbers will push people to expand their minds & give people courage to go for bigger things in life :-)

[@christinelew1844]

For Popo.❤️

[@KayG0]

Thank you for showing numbers. It helps me to see how someone else is managing their money. Because I find it hard to split mine well.

[@christiaanbotha6247]

I had my apartment flood last year it was a nightmare. Are you going to combine finances once you get married? If you are a baller you can go to the Adam's house in Malibu, but it is a bit expensive.

[@AjaDang]

I don't think we'd combine our income but I'll definitely be taking over his finances.

[@indieconquers]

You are an amazing inspo! Agree - I love hard numbers and I'm a high earner myself (but not a online creator - I just help them do what they do :) ) so it's enjoyable for me to review someone with similar earnings as an input.

[@Porcelynnn]

Oooo what do you do?

[@alexmcginness8859]

I had someone break into my apartment last week and steal ALL my devices and I’m honestly so grateful my apartment required renters insurance. THANK GOD I had it or the whole thing would have been infinitely more stressful.

[@AlexaStyleBook]

Loveeee 💋💋💋

[@wendy123ballet]

I’m glad you decided to put in numbers in again :) I got my undated planner TODAY!!! Shipping was so quick! Yes to twitch streaming!! My biggest thing I did in august was I made enough money to pay my bills from freelancing :)

[@AjaDang]

oh yay! Hope you love the planner. Also congrats on that freelancer accomplishment - that's major.

[@ayeeeannieee]

Early gang 🥰🥰🥰

[@HelizhabethHCruz]

What's twitch streaming?

[@AjaDang]

Twitch is an online platform where people stream - normally gaming but people are starting to stream other things now.

[@Allbeautylab]

I appreciate sharing the numbers instead of percentages. I am a high income earner too and I find inspo in your breakdown. Regarding wedding planning, Jamie Wolfer here on KZbin is an amazing planner

[@HelizhabethHCruz]

Hey Aja! Great video, as always. Appreciate the real numbers. When u say 50/50, where does the rest go? I know u said "me" but does that mean u do whatever it is that u want? Just wondering since u said that u invested and saved, so isn't that for u? I hope I make sense lol.

[@AjaDang]

goes to bills and things for me personally. I don't consider investing and saving "me money" (even though it is)

[@califlorican]

I will say for me personally, I don't follow high income earners because it isn't relatable to my life; with my job I'll never make this much money. I liked when you started doing percentages instead! But I might be in the minority here.

[@mkabulencia]

Aja can you please share you wedding location for some of us thinking of booking in HI too? Sustainability and land conservation is also so important to me.

[@sharonhughesjohnson119]

It’s really surprising to me that you want to spend so much on a wedding! I would think you’d choose to prioritize a home investment over a wedding. To each their own!

[@AjaDang]

Ya I honestly didn't expect it as well... I guess I didn't expect how expensive weddings were.

[@Papeeshka]

Student loan slaves unite 🤦‍♀️😔💪🏻🥲😣😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭