April/May Budget Overview | Aja Dang

[@AjaDang]

I also forgot to mention: I'm teaming up with The Financial Diet this month for Career Day at TFD, all-day conference on May 15! I'm having a 1-on-1 session with TFD co-founder Lauren Ver Hage where we'll talk about 'How To Create A Personal Brand That's Authentic & Effective'. TFD events are always amazing. Click the link to check it out and use my code AJADANG for $5 off your ticket. bit.ly/2SsApon

[@daniellebrignola1264]

Cant wait!

[@LindasFavorites]

I love their channel too! ❤ can't wait

[@samanthameyer8541]

are you kidding those bangs are PERFECT!

[@loveandlondon]

Thank you for being so honest about you possibly changing your mind on buying a house. Buying is not the best option for everyone and there aren't enough people talking about that out there, it's mostly people shaming those of us who choose to or are forced to rent for various reasons. Loved hearing you talk through your current thought process and your honesty of how it's changed recently!

[@sweetygirl165]

Hey, really like your London videos!

[@SamElle]

I KNOW YOU DIDNT ASK BUT IM DIGGIN THE BANGS!!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING AJA

[@ericachan452]

Aja, I totally get the mental dilemma you're in. :) I'm 38, and my bf is 34. We each have a rental property, but we are planning on buying a house together probably in a year or so. But in the past year, due to the pandemic, we've lived in a couple cities in California and now in Colorado (away from our hometown of Austin, TX) to experience other places. I had wondered if I should do that, but let me tell you, this was the BEST decision ever. I'll cherish this experience for the rest of my life. Not everyone gets the opportunity to be a nomad, so take it while you can! Yes, you can still travel when you have kids, but it'll be sooooo much harder. It might end up not making sense for how you want to raise your kids. So why not do this now, when you know for sure that you can. But ultimately whatever you decide, it'll be the right decision, and everything will work out. :) Good luck!

[@AjaDang]

have you just been living in short term rentals on Airbnb?

[@ericachan452]

@@AjaDang We definitely looked into Airbnb, but we ended up finding places on Furnished Finder (a website), and our current place is from Craigslist. We've been staying at places for at least three months at a time, so we signed actual leases at furnished homes. But, stays at Airbnbs would work too.

[@ericachan452]

@@AjaDang Oh, and about your plants.... Yeah, it's a tough decision to leave plant babies. :( I took a few favorites with me, and I asked a friend and my parents to babysit others. Some might unfortunately die in the process, so you just have to walk away and not look back! :(

[@AjaDang]

@@ericachan452 *cries*

[@ldg44]

I love hearing your outlook on buying. It is totally okay to change directions in goals. I get so sick of people pushing their 'traditional agenda' as it doesn't work for everyone. I am shocked at the amount of people buying right now, not realizing they will likely have a mortgage higher than what their house is worth in a few years.

[@jonalynkairan8080]

the bangs is a great look on you!!! Omg i can’t wait for the sinking funds video. Because of you i’ll be done with my sinking funds in July for the rest of the year, YAY

[@AjaDang]

doesn't it feel great?!

[@cla9751]

Girl, don't feel too pressured-you just got debt free it feels like! It's good to take some time to figure out what you want and what your new priorities are... Much love ♥️

[@indigoliime]

If you contact Calm, you should be able to get refunded for the year! It happened to me last year when I forgot to cancel, and I was reimbursed 🥰

[@AjaDang]

I'll definitely email them

[@Maritza1963]

So excited for you. I’m 57 wishing I was brave enough to do it now. Can’t wait!

[@CarloGonzalezTV]

I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been treating yourself more and enjoying the hard work you’ve put in over the years. Traveling is one of the best things you can do in my opinion. Whenever I plan out my budgets, I *always* include an amount that goes to a savings account for future traveling. I also agree that because of you two wanting kids in the near future, now would be an ideal time to explore and learn more about the world and different people, as well as learn more about yourselves. I’m planning a trip to San Francisco in July just to get out of LA for a week and enjoy some of my favorite spots in the area. The most valuable thing traveling has taught me is how to be more present in the current moment. When you’re not present in the current moment, taking in what’s in front of you, you miss out on so much when you’re exploring a new city. For years I thought I hated Paris; turns out I was just in a really shitty mood the first time I went. I’ve gone back twice now since that initial trip, and I still can’t get over how in love I am with that city. I’m in my early 20’s, but ever since I turned 18 I’ve put a big emphasis on my budget to include traveling because I don’t want to imagine a life where I can’t even afford to take a simple road trip just to get out of town and clear my head. I really enjoyed this video and the points you covered, I hope you’re well! ☀️

[@AjaDang]

you're so young - you have so much more travel left in you! Enjoy it bc as you get older, those international plane rides start hurting your joints lol and you'll want to add a little more money into your travel funds for that first class flatbed.

[@nadiarambles]

*Tip for unused subscriptions and free trials:* while you're setting up the service, schedule a reminder in your phone that notifies you to cancel a day or two before it's over. I'm a forgetful individual, but doing this has helped me cancel many a free trial before any $$ left my bank account.

[@carissawong2451]

I think the bangs look bomb on you, Aja! I literally gasped when I saw the thumbnail because it makes you look so fresh and youthful.

[@maleriejill]

wow i appreciate your honesty on buying your home. I feel pressure too at 31 to buy now buy asap! but sometimes i think whats the rush when my bf and i aren't even engaged or married yet. i think now is our time to have some fun!!! we only live once lol happy camping!

[@LuminousNews]

My family did a lot of camping when I was growing up. It was a great way to travel inexpensively. I recommend protecting against sunlight and mosquitoes. These days I wear clothing with UV protection, and I use Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion.

[@AjaDang]

I definitely need to buy camping appropriate clothing

[@norahughes4993]

This haircut is EVERYTHING it looks amazing

[@ubiquitousflow]

You definitely deserve to lavish yourself a bit after achieving a goal, and accomplishing your sinking finds is a great thing to celebrate!

[@grethen123]

Congrats on your progress for sinking funds! Looking forward to the updated video

[@blossomeffect3110]

Totally relate. I’m a similar age and my hubby and I traveled off and on in a van for years (way cheaper than hotels, you can stay in rest stops and trucks stops for free along the way). Then we bought an inexpensive home and then I finally felt ready to start a family (now almost 8 months pregno). Let me know if you need any travel tips! (Apps to download, etc). 💜

[@lizetteroni5410]

omg!! 😭 DEFINITELY ON BOARD WITH YOU TAKING A YEAR+ TO TRAVEL! GURRRRL DO IT. esp if it’s coming from your gut!!! you have a good head on your shoulders and will be able to make that money for a house and raise kids. societal/external expectations can really weigh you down sometimes (especially bc ur on social media). but wooooooo omg explore while you can! ahhhhhh love it. you’re still young! live it!!!!!!!! so excited for you :)

[@melaniesmith1928]

You get to decide if and when/if ever, you buy a house! Budget is going way. Start paying off next credit card in debt snowball! Great video as usual.

[@leahcpratt]

The bangs are GORGEOUS! You def have some throwback 90210 Shannon Dougherty vibes going on!

[@2brokenthumbs]

Great bangs. Your hair looks great. Your happy energy is so infectious. I’m happy just watching your video. And your budget percentages are ideal. Your attitude about a flexible budget without actually breaking your actual budget makes it okay to have a budget without being too austere.

[@katrinapineda6873]

Can;t wait for the sinking funds video. Also excited to fully fund mine by August!

[@christinadiaz5431]

The bangs look gorgeous , but I feel the same about my bangs. the maintenance, and styling every day.

[@sharlanekateyllannamit-sab4564]

This is so helpful Aja! I often feel guilty on splurging myself on vacation just because we are saving for a house. Your video made me realize that I am not alone in this journey and it is alright to enjoy our money while we don't have kids. Xx

[@gourmetthursday]

The bangs look absolutely beautiful on you!

[@kayseacamp]

Yes Sequoia is stunning!! If y'all are up for the distance I 10/10 recommend the hike to Mist Falls. It's breath taking and also not too crowded.

[@Becomingproactive]

Hell yea! Travel for sure ❤great idea! Do it while you can and whatever you don't spend, you can still always use towards the down-payment 😄

[@amandar5373]

I mean this genuinely- I love the way you pronounce every word. I love listening. Anyone else hear it “ I’m-port-ant”. Also happy bday to your love ! Xo

[@gardenofe12]

Love ❤️ the new do on you !! Totally fits you !! Keep these budget videos coming !!

[@w4da1k0]

Yasss to Travel!! I can not wait till everything opens again! Traveling broadens your mind. Highly recommend going overseas Aja.

[@shachede6828]

Girl me too, I make 6 figures, and I don’t want to buy a house, by myself. I am single, I don’t want to buy a house. It’s too much space. Financially it makes sense. But it’s not something I want to do while I am 26 and single. I am so torn about it. I will just put in savings and stacks. I am so torn. But it’s not what I want to do. I know people say rent it out but I can’t deal with renters.

[@LindasFavorites]

Love the hair! Love the info in this video and the reminder that it's in relation to %, not $ amount! Important for success.

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I love the bangs! And maybe all the things we 'want' is because all the people around us are telling us to want it? That was certainly the case for me and it took me a while to really figure that out and to figure out what I wanted.

[@laurenolson3541]

“Beyonce Nomad” 🙌😂 First off, heck yes to the travel! Also. Super nice to hear about a financial change of heart and really acting on it. So often I feel like we hear about/ make our own plan and it’s rigid and not flexible because we want to accomplish that goal we don’t give a change of heart a chance. Thanks for being you!

[@ppbcup]

Just keep saving as if you were still going to buy a house but enjoy your life and wait until the time is right. My husband and I are taking that path. The market is too chaotic right now and it doesn’t make sense to overpay for a home due to fomo.

[@BrendaRadder]

Traveling with kids is work. Home ownership is work. GO! Go see what you want to see. Then settle. I think it’s wise to either start your fam early so you are young when they’re grown OR live it up while you are young and wait to settle. You didn’t start early enough but you’re still young enough to wait. Haha. Hope that makes sense.

[@grace143ed]

Hi Aja, just a note on house buying. Here in NZ we only had one major two-month lockdown last year, since then its largely been life as usual. Since then, property prices have jumped 25%. Australia’s been much the same. It seems when countries open up post-lockdowns and return to normal life, they’re seeing soaring property soaring prices. Maybe it could be worth securing a property now, even if it’s not your forever home.

[@juliakang2202]

I totally agree with you on using percentages in relation to your income; it's a great way to educate people without pressure/ comparison. Do you have advice on how to find a good financial advisor or CPA/accountant?

[@AjaDang]

ask for friends or family who they trust. My CPA was recommended from my best friend and my financial advisor is a close high school friend.

[@stefflores]

Amazing, I'm excited for your camper trip! Love your life! Experience everything you can cause you can!

[@10minutemoney93]

Love the hair! I always flip flop between should I buy or rent... renting isn't bad at all, just make sure that you invest!

[@gabriellas]

the hair looks beautiful!

[@alimarleau]

Great video! Tip for getting a refund on the renewed calm app subscription: if you contact customer service and tell them what happened (forgot to cancel the subscription) they will usually refund you. This happened to me with headspace, and they were awesome about refunding me the yearly subscription price.

[@ForeverTJTigress]

I’m trying to get back into budgeting and have been loving the planner you made. A lot of my budget was made off of student loans because my Graduate school said that I wasn’t contractually allowed to hold an outside job while I worked for the university. (A lie btw, apparently there was some drama so our advisor lied to us about a bunch of things.) so no I’m trying to recover from that financially. I’m looking for a job and starting to drive for DoorDash while also trying to do my work this summer. It’s stressful honestly but I did get 500 in my emergency savings!! Yay!!

[@AjaDang]

wait... HUH?!?!?! that's a major issue with your school.

[@spark0girl]

I totally get the questioning the desire for a house! I was seeing a lot of my friends and peers buying houses/condos and that, added to the state of the current market (and probably being housebound cus of the pandemic), was putting a lot of stress on me. I actually took time off from social media because it became too much. I had to remind myself what my personal values are; I’m not a homebody and have a bit of wanderlust - if it came down to traveling every 2 years or buying a house I would choose travel every time. After moving back in with my parents and aggressively saving for 10 months (a bright side of the pandemic), I was able to buy a small condo. In the end, after the whole process and soul searching I’m happy I have some roots somewhere 😊 and I’m more at peace with the fact that I will always put more money on other things before a house. That’s what I enjoy and prioritize so I need to stop comparing myself to people who don’t have the same values as me. Also, LOVE your hair

[@jechithought]

You look amazing! Treat yo self you deserve it!!

[@turtlescanfly7]

I think I’ve been watching too many UK youtubers because when she said “holiday fund” I immediately thought of vacations lol

[@jihyechoe4980]

Hi Aja! I just got back from a trip to Sequoia and it’s truly a magical place. I recommend you visit Crescent Meadow Trail! I think that you can totally achieve both, more flexible free lifestyle and planning home buying at the same time. My husband and I traveled much in the past, but we haven’t craved for long-term nomad life. As a person who has lived mostly in the cities, short trips just like you’re planning fulfilled me in my case. Please share how you feel after your trip! Excited to hear that. Love the idea of slowing down home buying planning tho! Hope market gets cool down later.

[@claramartinez279]

Gurl, you can pull off anything! I've experimented a lot during the pandemic. My hair was almost to my waist. Cut it to my shoulders, 2 months later cut it into a pixie.

[@AjaDang]

pixie's are cute. Especially during the summer, that was the right move

[@TaylahLouiseBudgets]

This is such an interesting and unique format for budget videos. Love it 🥰

[@StirCozy]

I totally understand the kids vs house vs traveling before settling down. I think it's pretty typically when you hit your 30s. Because as you reach a certain age it gets harder to have kids, or so I'm told. My husband and I have been feeling this way for the past couple years. Basically the idea of traveling and exploring while we're still young before settling down and having a family. We're planning to travel for a bit after we're fully vaccinated. So I say go for it!

[@AjaDang]

I definitely think it's important. Plus, I read that the "childbearing" age for women is now around 37 .... I forget where I read that but I think we have more time.

[@kimcko]

@@AjaDang my mom had me at 38, and my best friend's mom had her second kid in her early 40s. My partner's gave birth to his little sister at 41. I think we have more time than that! My partner and I are looking at adopting instead of having our own, so we have even longer thankfully

[@kimcko]

@@AjaDang another thing, my best friend's parents traveled with her, and then her little sister 19 years later, when they were both toddlers. She keeps reminding me that life doesn't have to be a standstill once kids enter the mix

[@ingridrenata]

Email Calm and ask them to refund your subscription! I did that with another subscription based-app. Paid $120 for an annual subscription I wasn't going to use and had forgotten about. Emailed them explaining the situation and they (after trying to get me to stay on with another free trial) agreed to cancel and reimburse me.

[@jennna7]

Love the bangs Aja!!! Mahalo for this video ❤ totally support your travel plan!!!! I was wondering if you could do a video explaining more about Roth IRA?

[@krisellmarie]

Loving the bangs!!!

[@brittanynicole9318]

Love the bangs!

[@adsimal]

Definitely travel!! You don't want to regret not doing that later on

[@MichelleFairburn]

Have such a great time ‘camping’. The van looks awesome 😎

[@AliseSloan]

You look gorgeous!!! Got all the beauty treatments. I'm doing the same thing in 1 more week! lol But what you said about enjoying life really stood out to me. I'm also in a phase where I want to be more care free and travel. Yall are gonna have so much fun!

[@jveshg60]

Good luck! This would be a great year to just stack funds. Put your stuff in storage Feb 2022 and then goooooo. During that trip, hey maybe you think about that baby.

[@agnieszka4925]

Calm is actually a meditation app, you might give meditation a shot since you’re already stuck with it 😉

[@danjas.599]

I feel you on the bangs situation, when I got mine cut I looked like Edna Mode and sometimes that was good and somtimes not so much, it's so hard to decide? Oh well... Thank you for sharing, I hope you have a fun camping trip :)

[@NatePolmateer]

We released our budget videos at the same time! I knew I was doing something right LOL. Also, don't you hate taxes! LOL, we have property tax this month to pay, boo. Great video Aja! 😀

[@Rocioslane]

It looks great and even better they grow back when you're tired of it

[@daniellebrignola1264]

I'm also feeling conflicted about the future - jobs - house - travel - etc

[@sukil6191]

I love your videos annnddd I love your hair!! Looking gorgeous today 🥰

[@LornaKBailey]

Bangs are so hard to decide on!! I just cut my hair short and I'm already wanting to grow it out again. The strug!!

[@AjaDang]

a timeless struggle.

[@krysmc89]

I've driven across the country 3 times and love the road trip idea! You don't realize how much this country has to offer until you see it!

[@AjaDang]

can you share your route and how long it took?

[@krysmc89]

​@@AjaDang I wish I still had the spreadsheets. Highlights other than big cities were Crater Lake, PCH, Mountains of Utah (so beautiful), watching the sunrise over the Arizona desert (both times on the southern route). Trip 1 was in 2011 moving from Boston to SF and took about 7 days on this route: goo.gl/maps/JUAdgAujdxWqGamM7 Trip 2 was in 2013 moving back to Boston from SF took 10 days with major stops being San Diego, Austin, NOLA, Atlanta and DC on this route goo.gl/maps/troj3WsqJ2gHWgiS9 Trip 3 was in 2015? moving a friend from Portland, OR to Boston stopping in San Diego, the Grand Canyon, some other historical monuments along the way back home over 7-8 days goo.gl/maps/ucvZ3oRnkBgi8UQv9

[@AjaDang]

@@krysmc89 cool thanks!!!

[@blairh.h.6153]

yaaay !! awesome... you motivate me so much - love your videos

[@HeyLauryn]

Enjoy traveling and definitely wait to buy a house. The market is going to drop in a few year and houses will be a bit more affordable again. Also, traveling is always a good thing.

[@PlaninProgress]

I think the bangs look so fresh on you. I cut bangs too but mine are giving me 80’s vibes in the worst way. Or maybe Charlize Theron in Monster. Major error in judgment on my part.

[@AjaDang]

nooooo not Monster bangssssss

[@elizabethhodgson2197]

Aja, I've been having a very similar internal dialogue. Do I buy a house now? Do I travel? Should I move out of my current rental and live in a cheaper apartment? So many questions and no answers yet! COVID certainly threw all my plans from 2019 in the air, so I'm deciding which direction to go now. When I experienced a huge life changing event about five years ago I sat down and put together a "Life Goals" spread sheet and wrote down what I wanted to do/accomplish in the next 3-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-20 years, and 20-50 years. At first it was intimidating to fill out, but once I did it was like "OK! There's the path and now I just have to follow it!" It includes fun stuff like traveling and taking dance classes, too, so it's not just money and investments. Also I'm allowed to edit it because life changes and we have to roll with it sometimes. Lol. Anyway, good luck on your journey (literal and figurative)!

[@shreya9156]

You look so stunning with the new hair!! Also, have fun on your camping trip :)

[@DearDebt]

Amazing investment and donation percentages!!! Great job👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@bjdavis317]

I really think you’d love the budgeting software YNAB. It’s built for sinking funds (“true expenses” in YNAB lingo) and predicated on only budgeting the money you currently have in your accounts. I switched from Every Dollar to YNAB the end of last year and it’s been a game changer.

[@ChicaBoo30]

Loving the bangs!! ❤️

[@lizetteroni5410]

loving the bangs. i feel like you definitely look more youthful!

[@AjaDang]

reallllyyy? I feel like I look more motherly. ... but maybe it's also the cardigan set lol

[@samXDpm]

Enjoy the fruits of your success!!

[@Harlene808]

Love the blue halo!!!

[@stefflores]

I know you didn't ask but I LOVE the new look! 😍

[@kimbro0000]

Your hair is sooooo cute! 😍

[@Cab895]

Great video ! I've been looking to buy a home in LA for the last couple of months, but this real estate market is making me rethink if I want to overpay just because everyone else is goings nuts and having FOMO

[@AjaDang]

it's crazy. I thought it was going to be easy once we had a down payment saved up... the market said NOPE

[@Cab895]

@@AjaDang :Cries together: I've had the downpayment just sitting in my bank account thinking I could find a place in a couple of months, should have invested instead haha

[@avril14thlove]

I love the bangs! So chic.

[@ln1299]

That sounds like a good plan to travel first. Maybe you will discover a place you would prefer to buy that is affordable and allows you creative freedom.

[@uncafecitocontania2484]

Good for you 😊😊😊

[@Ame1998a]

Hi Aja! Seeing your doubts on buying a house and how sure you always seem about wanting kids in the future I have to ask this: why not using that money you’ve save for the house for criopreservating your ovules? I’m sure you know that every year that passes means less ovules but it also means that the remaining ovules are lower quality. Maybe putting that money on increasing your chances of something you really want it’s a wiser use of that money and also it will give you some freedom for that travelling idea, releasing the pressure of having kids before time runs out! Just a commentary from the daughter of a gynaecologist who struggled herself with infertility, hope I don’t trigger anyone. Loved the video as always💛

[@rosmida1395]

Aja I'm so proud of you, you've shown us how to settle debt etc. I'm writing this to ask for help to pay my debts off before the last day of contract, how do I commit to paying my monthly bills and debts on time, I'm slacking insanely and I am not very disciplined financially any advise

[@Jsbdhuwbxbks3]

I love your bangs! Definitely giving Audrey Hepburn vibes ✨

[@punkkimiko]

Your hair is so adorable!!

[@ingrid3578]

Omg you look amazing with bangs

[@ami08888]

I think the main reason why people were pointing out the fact that you were spending a lot of money on yours dogs is because your main point from that video was ‘this is how much it costs realistically to own / take care of dogs’ (or at least that is what I understood it to be). So it’s not a problem that you spend that amount or whatever it is in relation to your income on your dogs, but it is misleading because some people may think that is the average cost to have pets?

[@ohShnapss]

The bangs look great on you! I get tempted get them when I see it on other people but it doesn't work with my face. I bought clip on bangs to remind myself not to get them.

[@sheabusby]

Love your hair!!!

[@noraxu7541]

haven't even watched the video yet - CUTE HAIR!!!!

[@alexisreve1]

I'm not in a position to buy property yet, but I definitely understand this dilemma. Particularly as someone with no partner or kids. All this money to put into a down payment, only to move (which is a pain in the ass as it is) to an area you don't really want to live in, and pay a mortgage instead of rent. So much money, time, and effort just to have this idea of "security" instead of having a chance to enjoy life. You mentioned not particularly caring about traveling overseas, but that might be something you want to do once COVID lets up a bit. You might want to spend a few months in another country and enjoy the "digital nomad"/"expat" life for a bit. As long as you have good internet and live near an airport, you two would still be able to work as usual. I've been living in Spain for several years, so this is a little easier for me than the average American, but I've spent a couple summers in France as a working vacation. You can work, enjoy the new city, learn the language (if you're into that), do local activities (I took a class to make macarons). So many opportunities!

[@FunandBudget]

Home ownership can be a little overrated in my opinion...tho I own a home, it is part of my retirement plan to sell it off and then rent something where someone else pays for taxes and upkeep and maintenance and such.

[@kirstenmaclellan3182]

loooove the bangs

[@Chosengirl1]

The banyanggggggggg 🏃🏾‍♀️👏🙌🏾

[@sereling684]

Yes. Go Travel. it’s easier when it’s just adults cuz you can get up and go. Traveling with kids is hard when you gotta make them comfortable. 3x the luggage cuz u need a stroller and a car seat- speaking as a mom of two.

[@daniellebrignola1264]

Love the bangzzzzzz!!!!