How I Took Control Of My Loan Debt | Aja Dang

[@ShanaGreen]

My parents lost their home and that's what made me want to get my financial situation together! It was my wake up call and ever since I've been grinding to get my $108K debt down. Still have $60K in debt but I made a lot of progress within 1.5 years. I used to avoid my bank statements too. But now I'm much more comfortable about my personal finances. I love watching your videos because you make me want to earn more so I can make even more progress. Thanks Aja!

[@nanawordie7967]

The Wealth Vibe - Shana Green congrats! That’s amazing so far 😊 you got this :)

[@bigmj8489]

The Wealth Vibe - Shana Green nice!! Keep up the great work!

[@ShanaGreen]

Thanks Nana!

[@ed8329]

That's amazing you're down to $60K!!!! I am finally getting my financial situation together too, it feels so amazing.

[@f.ono22]

“29 grown ass adult...” Pulls out candy bracelet 😂😂😂 I love it

[@kcorpz]

I’m very grateful for the people who helps me go through college without having student loan. I worked 2 jobs during summer break and then pay off my tuition. It’s all about learning how to be responsible. And not being influence by the social media. It always portrays that if you don’t have the new gadget, new make-up, clothes, etc..then you’re not “in”. Which is a lot of BS. I unfollowed those influencer who always do haul video/story almost every day. I always say to myself “Life is not a competition” I love how always real Aja is. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@AjaDang]

I unfollow those people too

[@TheBemused]

Knowing my parents don't have enough money saved for retirement in a few short years makes me mad. Learning about the systematic government policies that have historically kept certain groups of people in America from building wealth makes me mad. Seeing how afraid people are to talk about money makes me mad. Seeing everyone around me struggling with money makes me mad. So mad, in fact, that I became a financial planner and have devoted my life's work to helping as many people as I can not live that life! There's so much power in transparency and I love the outlet that being here on KZbin provides us to share our stories! Let's break these cycles! - Akeiva

[@qmakesithappen]

1000%!

[@lanilovezz]

I love this video. And I do blame the somewhat "taboo" feeling surrounding money on schools and professional jobs. Salaries are considered taboo to talk about, schools don't teach children ANYTHING about getting a hold of their finances, and many parents don't speak to children about money as well! It isn't until you are an adult and paying your own bills do you see that EVERYONE is struggling along with you! So thank you, Aja, for shedding some light on this issue that NOBODY feels comfortable talking about, yet we're all experiencing. I hope more people can become comfortable with sharing their experiences and situations so we can learn from each other ❤️

[@AjaDang]

It's wild. I remember I took a financial management class in my senior year of high school.. you know to prepare me for my future as an adult and they talked about compound interest, numbers and percentages and NOTHING was relatable. I stopped paying attention bc I didn't understand what they were talking about. The relating money to anything I could understand. Schools are so far removed from the real world, it's scary.

[@nicoleotis4514]

Getting mad is what it took for us to really knock out our debt. $77k in 12 months. That's what drew me to you! Your openness about how angry it all made you was exactly what I was feeling.

[@nanawordie7967]

Nicole Otis wowww congrats!

[@AjaDang]

congrats!!!

[@cheenengthao9089]

Thank you for being so honest. You seem more real for telling us your AGI from 2016. I'm around that bracket at the moment and am good at budgeting but I just need to make more money.

[@christinalauren5311]

My husband and I will have a combined 415,000 in debt. I am a pharmacist and he will be a physician. We are currently paying 1400 a month towards debt and will be paying about 75,000 towards debt next year total. We have a six year plan but it is scary and requires dedication and intentionality. I like surrounding myself with people like you so I can stay focused and away from mindless spending. Thank you for using your platform to help others. I hope God blesses you for that.

[@katcarothers]

You guys are going to be great! keep going!

[@LynIsabel05]

I did the same thing! I never looked at my student loan debt accounts online. I had to finally come to terms with everything I really owed and got so upset that I started making a plan to pay it all back. Don't be afraid to look at what is owed even if you're still in school. Also, don't set the payments on auto-pay and forget it. Keep a debt google sheet of what is owed and add your payments made every month!! It's actually satisfying to see it come down every month even by a little.

[@AjaDang]

it is really exciting to see the debt get smaller and smaller. And I definitely agree with what you said about current college students. Do not wait until after graduation to see what you owe. Get ahead of it.

[@tareemusic]

Changing my family tree is so important to me. That’s what hit me the most about today’s video. Debt has definitely become the norm generationally in my fam. I started my own business a few years ago and was able to transition from running it part time to full time, now I’m working on increasing revenue to pay myself more and pay off my student loan debt (which I’m proud to say is the only debt I have). It’s a journey, but your vids are super encouraging. I had a come to Jesus moment during one of your videos where you said you simply had to make more money. I realized I was still thinking with the 9-5 mindset, waiting around for the annual raise or bonus or until a promotion came. I started thinking of ways to be hands on and increase revenue and it started working, by the end of this year Ill have half of my loan debt paid and looking to buy a home (mortgage is cheaper than rent where I’m from). Thank you Aja! You’re changing lives, hopefully one day my story and experiences will do the same!

[@AjaDang]

it's so important to *not* wait around for people to hand you raises. If life has taught me anything it's that you can't rely on anyone; not the government, not your boss, to help you with your financial life. Gotta take control of that yourself

[@alibella248]

You inspired me to start my journey to financial freedom. Thank youuu Aja! 😭

[@sandracruz7900]

I came from a family that never taught me how to properly save my money .. it was always just there. Needless to say, when I moved out at 22 i had no money management skills and spent my money habitually. Now, at 27 after living on my own for a few years.. being tired of overdragting and not having savings for a rainy day I have buckled down and taken control of how I manage my money. I have 2 savings accounts that I treat like a monthly bill in order to grow ,I pay all my bills on time and a growing credit score each month. I dont blame anyone for my financial mistakes or for my ignorance instead I set monthly goals for myself so I can reach financial freedom. I feel proud of myself for breaking the cycle of debt and financial irresponsibility in my family.

[@nicole9036]

I am such a fan of you, Aja. You are one of the few realist people out here on YT and I appreciate you being raw and honest about debt. People never want to admit they are in debt (me included). I dislike the fact that it's looked down on upon. Our stories are very similar. My baby Pomeranian had to do immediate surgery (get this, because she ate a penny!) and I could not afford it as well. Since vet hospitals require full payment up front, my family was the one who had helped me pay for her surgery. I got out of that situation of being in debt and here I am 10 years later in debt again. What makes me want to kick myself in the butt is that now she is older and I have yet to get her teeth cleaned and save up for pet insurance since my Pom is at an old age. I am taking action by saving up again and working more. Watching your videos has taught me a lot and is very motivational especially when it is so relatable and real. Thank you so much again for sharing your stories with the world. You are making a difference by helping and teaching us all. Mahalo (Thank you in Hawaiian)! You da best!

[@Noodlezzzsss]

Aja, I started watching your videos when I had about a year left of college. I had already got plenty of student loans and had no help when signing up. I kind of just did it and that was the stupidest thing I could have done. I just graduated nursing school in Jan with my BSN. now that I’m done, Sallie Mae and Nelnet keep sending me reminder emails and phone calls about my payments that are coming due. Little did I know, My monthly payments are going to be about $2,600 a month. This freaked me out! As of today, I am still waiting for my approval to take the NCLEX and can’t get a job until then. I just wanted to say Thank you for all of your debt videos. It makes me not feel alone in this mess that I got myself into 🌸🌸♥️

[@erinsymone1645]

Only 2 minutes in and I can relate. I am NOT proud to say that my poor dear cat was one of those animals. He was only 9 years old, and for a cat he probably would have had a few good years left had we been able to afford his treatment. But the reality was that NO ONE in my family (out of all 5 of us, NO ONE) was financially stable enough to provide for his care needs. I remember feeling so ashamed that he was losing his life over a couple thousand dollars. It's one of my main motivations for keeping my money in check to this day.

[@AjaDang]

I'm soooo sorry for your loss

[@KelseyStyron]

I love hearing your story. Seeing your budget and finance videos pop up when I log into youtube always gets me excited and inspired. My wake up call was when I had to ask my brother for rent money for the SECOND time. I've never in my life felt as shitty as I did in that moment. I'm going through Dave Ramsey's steps now, and even though I know I have such a long way to go until I'm debt free, I already feel so much more in control of my money and my life. I know we can do this.

[@taylorfloyd3793]

You literally just woke me the fuck up about being responsible for my spending habits. I'm getting a PhD in neuroscience in NY, and LUCKILY my grad school is paid for. With that in mind, I do have ~$40,000 in undergrad debt and ~$1500 in credit card debt. People in grad school told me that I should just enjoy being here and not worry about paying back my loans until I get a job, but most of these people either A) don't have undergrad loan debt, or B) have parent financial security to fall back on if they need help. I absolutely have neither of those options, and really just started realizing that my debt is increasing while I'm sitting here buying tons of clothes I don't need and purchasing miscellaneous stuff that holds no longevity in my life. I laid out a budget plan this evening while watching your videos and even cancelled some services that I don't really use/need to try and whittle down what I'm spending my money on. Because when I take a look at my bank statements, I'm not spending money as responsibly as I can be. As you so adequately put it, I've become super comfortable in having my debt and not being stern, motivated or consistent enough to pay it off. I said all this to say that I'm in awe of your honesty and willingness to share your debt victories and pitfalls with us, and that I'm going to carve my own path to debt-free happiness because of your advice. Definitely subscribing to your channel and thank you so much

[@Brandon-gj3vn]

This is awesome! I'll be honest, watching your earlier videos on debt and noting your high income, I assumed you had a spending issue that you had tackled and fixed. But this video clarifies it and touches upon something much more powerful than simply breaking a spending habit. There is so much to be said about focused effort. The moment debt/finance comes to the forefront of your mind (without self-doubt/judgement), then money comes. I see this in myself, since I started budgeted in 2016, my income has increased by 100%. I've watched most of your debt/finance videos, but this one really has a hard hitting point! Thanks for it!

[@7Rosaaa]

Love this, and the way you filmed it! Last August I buckled down and started focusing on our finances. Worked through the struggle with getting my husband on board and now we are in such a better place. We are paying off our car this year, 3 years before our expected end date if we had just made minimum payments. We set goals, and still treat our selves to nice things once in a while. It feels amazing and glad to see you make this switch as well.

[@AjaDang]

congrats!

[@carolr.4407]

This is so good! 100 times thank u! I was unemployed for a year. A year. And it wasn't my fault. Just happens. So I took out money out of my IRA. (Yeah, I know bad) so now thank God I have a good stable job. And after doing my taxes I owe like $9,000 in taxes! Yup. But now, I am more responsible on where my money is going. It's hard. But I know I can do it! Thank you for doing this. I remember seeing your first video about your school debt, u have come a long way! 🙌😊

[@missusJ05]

Carol R. Dave ramsey is the key 😉

[@MarilySalgado]

Daja I found you from your video of how you take your own pictures but wow... this is what I actually needed.. i was actually talking to m brother regarding how ashamed I am of how unstable I feel and am financially.. I got myself into debt due to school and loans and not budgeting my money.. I'm $20k in debt and it may not be as much as others but I want to be stable for my family and not have to worry on missing my payments or providing for my family when I get one.. This has been a push for me thank you!

[@ursulaleonowicz2744]

22K is *literally* what I made two yeas ago... I don't know how much I made last year bc I haven't done my taxes yet, but since I started watching your videos I think (and do something) about making more, saving more and paying off more every single damn day. Thank YOU!

[@AjaDang]

GO GIRL!!!

[@mdemetrio52]

This video was so empowering. Thank you. It really made me want to work even harder and I needed that. A few months ago I quit my job because I wasn't making enough money and I found a new opportunity that would allow me to live the life I wanted. Becoming financially free and able to move out of mom and dads. However, I now work for myself so I have to be intentional with my time to help serve others and also my mini family (boyfriend & dog). Two months in we were able to move from boston to florida and out of mom and dads. We are independent insurance brokers which doesn't sound exciting I don't think anyone dreams of becoming an insurance agent when they grow up but it now allows us to be able to reach our biggest goals, it allows us to help families in need, and to create jobs for other people. We might not be financially free yet but when you go from making 20k in one year to 17k in two months, we're getting closer. There might be a negative reputation around insurance, and that's why I couldn't be more proud to be apart of the rouge IMO who's shaking up the industry and doing things different. Insurance is a big responsibility with so many heartbreaking stories, I even learned I need to be covered(#adulting). Just forbid anything happens to me I know my boyfriend, dog, and family are still taken care of and can take the time they need afterwards. If anyone wants information on getting into the industry I'm very happy to help. Anyone can do this and Anyone can get out of debt! Thanks Aja I really loved this video!

[@meganbwasson9593]

I just found your videos and man they hit home! I couldn’t imagine not being able to pay for my fur baby to have emergency surgery.. I was scared to check bank statements too.. today is my first day building my budget and actually sticking to it. Can’t wait to have your support in my journey!

[@ceniluap]

Had to pause the video and make a comment about you talking about your financial struggle while eating a candy necklace. CLASSIC. That’s why I love you 💕💕💕

[@AjaDang]

haha!

[@rosamendez_]

I'm barely getting started. I have a lot of student loan debt and live paycheck to pay check. I'm so irresponsible with money and I hate looking at my bank statement. Slowly I've been sticking to a budget but this month I want to start saving and paying off my debt in big chunks. I'm still in a Grace period and it's pathetic that I haven't started to tackle it. These videos help me. ✨💸🙏🏼

[@Christinamychas]

Rosa Mendez you can do it! Definitely also check out Dave Ramsey- he’s saving my life along with Aja!

[@AjaDang]

definitely start tackling your student loan debt, even with the grace period. You'd be surprised how quickly the interest rate will add up. Start reading Total Money Makeover, it's the book that helped me get my shit together.

[@itsmonicalynn]

What an important message you’re sending out!!! I work for a financial planning company, it’s so interesting how one’s attitudes towards money are so psychologically driven. Tangentially, have you ever considered talking about personal finance from a political standpoint? You have such a large platform, and it would be great if people knew why things like filing tax returns is so difficult in the US vs. other developed countries. All the best, can’t wait for your next video!

[@aamariamason4562]

Thank you for telling me to get my crap together. I took Financial Peace University back in Sept. I was going along with it while I was in the class, but everything you said in this video is what I've been doing: Bring afraid to open my bank app to check my balance, avoiding my statements, being afraid to have money talks. You're right, WE NEED to talk about finances or we'll never take control of them! Words are powerful, but it takes intention and ACTION. I had another family member pass this past weekend and it made me stop and think how blessed we were as a family to have her pay for her own funeral with her life insurance and none of us having to think about that. It really inspires me to get my life together and move forward, because you can't make progress if you don't start!!!

[@titita427]

I really like the vibe of this video. They way your making your bed and doing your makeup so casually like the viewer is a friend in your room. 💕

[@Wwumzymumzy]

I cannot even bring into words how much this video has helped me

[@saraojut4697]

My mother never talks about finances and I thank you take the stigma of talking about money. I hope that I enter my eighteenth year financially aware. Thank you💛

[@AjaDang]

you're not even 18 and already steps ahead of most people

[@simantha1686]

This is so inspiring - I've been watching your debt free journey since the beginning of the year because I embarked on a no-buy on my channel and I love your no nonsense attitude. I don't have a debt problem, being lucky enough to live at home and be cushioned by my parents for most of my adulthood but I was sick of how materialistic everything in my life felt and I wanted to take a step back from it all.

[@xoxojayann]

I started my journey in December 2017 and fell off A LOT but I persisted and didn't let those minor hiccups discourage me. This month I will be paying off my LAST bit of credit card debt and am hoping to pay off my car loan by early next year. I am also storing some money away for my wedding in 2020. Before beginning this journey I thought I would have to rely on my parents or a loan to finance my wedding. But knowing what I know now and being disciplined with my money, I'm so proud at the fact that I can (and will) pay for my own wedding (LIKE A DAMN ADULT SHOULD). I cannot begin to express how FREEING it is to be financially responsible. Thank you Aja for your transparency, for your fight, and for your eagerness to change the game. Cheers to a debt free life!

[@AjaDang]

hiccups are ok as long as you persist! I plan to pay for my own wedding as well. Congrats!

[@valerieewing4023]

Do you ever think about how different life would be without those certain circumstances and decisions that happen? For me it's "what if I had gone to school earlier" I would already be in the position I want to be but, I wouldn't have met some of the best friends I have had. Same for you with cute Luke and if Brian wasn't able to help. I'm so proud of you for taking control and being able to now take care of your adorable little baby! Thanks so much for making these videos. You are definitely helping people out with your drive!

[@jenniferbeck5658]

Candy necklace suddenly appears

[@AjaDang]

a girls gotta snack, ya know?

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

Thank you Aja 🙏🏽🌟❤️ I’m budgeting for my first car with a debt of 15,000 in student loans. I will increase my income again this year! 💫

[@bibliobibulilo]

I started watching your videos from a few years ago, 2016? And along the way I stopped because I find it shallow-ish? And I could see you trying really hard to be like the others. But now, I’m following you and dang your growth and when you’re confident and show your true self is truly empowering and like.. the best. Keep going! ❤️

[@harmoniaSINGS05]

Youre the youtube big sister I've always wanted. Im so proud of you with these videos. Your delivery is what always motivated me from day 1. Keep it up Big Sister!! You are inpsiring and whooping ass!

[@benny88cups]

In December of 2018, I decided to take charge of my student loans by finally making extra payments. I’m using the debt avalanche approach because I want to pay the least amount of interests in the end. Thank you for sharing your debt free journey, Aja

[@karrah1705]

The remark about changing your family tree hit me in my soul. So powerful

[@FairuzaMNasir]

Omg. Why haven't I discovered this channel earlier? I do work my life around strict budget to pay off my debt and I'm not from a rich family l, but had never found a chance nor reason to share my experience on it. I'm subscribed!! ❤️

[@kgal1298]

I check my account each day too. Sometimes I hear stories about people who just never checked their account and lost 5000 dollars and I'm like "how did you not notice that?" I guess some people are blessed with enough money and security that they don't really bother to safeguard themselves and that's a shame.

[@inleslieseyes]

Aja, I really love how you are open and want to share this journey with us. I was in debt in 2013 when I first got laid off from my job, 1.5 years after graduating from college. It was a tough time to find a job, so I did contract jobs and freelance here and there, finally a year later, I landed an opportunity so I became debt-free in 2014. However, just when I thought things were going great, I got laid off again in 2015. My second time in debt was rough, and even after I found a full-time job 9 months later (I did contract jobs and freelance in between like last time), it took me almost a year for finally become debt free. In 2017 summer, I became debt-free. It feels so great to look at the bank statement without hesitation. But I wasn't aware of my spending habits, you know, typical YOLO, not until I came across your video in January 2018. I watched your videos in your early KZbin days I think, when you did the 10-step Korean Skin Care thingy. I was very surprised that you did the student debt video, and it made me realize that I need to do something for my finance. My mom always asked me about how much I saved, but it was a taboo for me and I don't like to talk about it. Thanks to you, I learned about David Ramsey and it's very helpful. I'm proud to say that I now do budget planning in my bullet journal and I am more aware of my spending habit. I have some savings finally, and I like to see them grow because I do want to own a house one day! I really appreciate you sharing everything and I will support to watch your videos for sure. I hope one day, you and us will be happy living with healthy finance :)

[@boureyjayyasmr7250]

I’ve been watching your videos before the year of 2018. I’ve been keeping up with your uploads about how you would pay your debt. I am so proud of you because you update us about your money journey. Your journey is inspirational and you have been so brave to talk about it. I hope that you keep uploading videos about it just because not a lot of people talk about money problems these days.

[@stephiiee]

I rarely comment, but boy. You got me here. Keep going Aja. I look forward to your future videos..

[@KelliJ_]

Very weird and meant to be that I stumbled upon your channel because I was looking for tips on sheet mask application (which were helpful) but I found my way to your more recent videos that feel like they are speaking right to me and my situation. Thank you for being brave enough to bare this! 💕 Inspiring and beautiful!

[@minimalmillionairemom]

2 years ago we received our financial wake up call when our income was cut in half. Since then we learned to do more with less. We paid off all our consumer debt and are set to pay off our mortgage in April. When our mindset changed and we set serious goals our financial situation improved. To everyone out there looking to improve their financial situation...don’t wait for your wake up call...change your mindset and financial habits today! When you change your financial habits you will see improvements in other areas of your life...it’s all interconnected.

[@LoveMiaMia]

I can't wait to be making great money! I went to school for 21months to be an MRI tech and now am studying for my registry to be able to get a job. It's been a stressful journey but like you I believe it can be done!!!

[@DiaPa7]

My favorite video ever, thank's Aja. I started this year looking at my bank statemets and writing down the "scary number" of my credit cards debt. I'm looking for a new job and I feel that I'm on the rigth path to pay it off this year. Thank's again for the inspo, love you.

[@laurenwallis3319]

I’m £1,800 away from paying off £8,500 worth of consumer debt. It might not seem a lot to some people but that debt kept me awake at night! It’s taken a year to pay it off but I’m so close.

[@AjaDang]

any debt is a lot of debt. Congrats on being so close to getting rid of that consumer debt!

[@vishyav]

This is the style of video that bridges the gap between hilarious lifestyle vlogger and the financial mom I need

[@cherrytung]

My journey started in my senior year of college. I've decided to be financially independent at graduation, and buy the things that I want, without my parent's help. I've also created my KZbin channel around the things I like (designer bags), and found money hacks to expedite the process. Making money, like being happy, is a process. There is no one-time trick that will make you rich forever, but there are healthy money habits to help you reach your goals. Designer bags is just a start. I'm hoping to buy a property in 2 years. #RealMoneyTalk

[@sarahmaccarrone5766]

Thank you so much... I was feeling desperate and hopeless I needed this

[@nataliecampbell8213]

For me, it took my partner losing his job and the advice finally sunk in from my mother who has been reliant on my dad for money since she does not work. She would say, "Do no ever rely on a man or anyone else." It finally just sank in because I needed to rehear it. My partner is still looking for a job, and I am now in BS3. Yesterday, I turned 25, and it felt so good to be in a new phase of life and feel responsible. As someone who is always looking to stay motivated, this community helps so much!

[@Jemmainadilemma]

I think it's crazy how much you guys seem to have to spend on your dogs but like it's good because even though I've never been in that position, that's YOUR choice like that's what you guys value e.g. spending money on high-quality dog food is something you really care about and while I don't understand it because I can't relate, it's good to appreciate that we all have our different priorities. So many people are judgemental of others when they see them "wasting" money on stuff they don't value. I just hope some people have learnt from your vids that we all value different stuff and that it's okay to be sensible with your finances in a different way to how they do it :) (I don't mean wanting to not have your dog die btw ofc, that's different, I mean like specifically just spending lots of money on them generally)

[@nilandax0]

I always love how raw you are with your content. I was shocked to hear how much you were making in 2016. It definitely makes financial freedom feel attainable.

[@mersadezmantha4852]

I appreciate how much you share and your experience. I have been struggling with debt and budgeting and watching your videos really does inspire me and have helped me to start being a grown up and dealing with my past mistakes.

[@richellegarcia1075]

I frickin love you. Realist lifestyle blogger out there YES!

[@teresagoddard1330]

Ever single video is just so inspiring!!! Thank you for being REAL!!

[@MissGammons]

This was a good talk. I as well had a talk with myself and faced reality. Absolutely love your honesty

[@CheerUp2]

Debt is so common and such normal part of young people lives, its scary. The day before everyone at my school graduated, we had an assembly for students who took out loans. They gave us an envelope which the amount of our debt and then gave us a presentation. But its so accepted for us we are all sharing and talk to the person next to us while joking "how much do you owe?" "what about you?" "we owe the same amount!!! Highfive" It is so scary that the only way we know how to mentally cope with it is to laugh about it. But inside we are all on the verge of tears. Doesnt help im an art student and totally doesnt help im not a graphic designer because those guys make the most moeny

[@benfeatwoodstock]

I'm pretty much lucky to don't have debt but I wasn't responsible to my money. Your videos help me to be very much put the stress on the importance of budgeting. Thank you so much

[@debrabros2650]

Came from Tiffanyferg's video and instantly clicked with yours. Subbing 😁

[@jennacorre8084]

Luke is okay!!! Def. The biggest wake-up call!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@senoritajha1468]

You really inspire me to save money and pay off my debit I'm in the process of it and I'll be done in the month of feb 2020 all thanks to ur video thank you

[@reganhollingsworth6603]

Asa Dang. Ypu are a mother-loving Boss girl. Thank you for the real video and the call to action. Im stuck in a rut financially right now with my husband. I graduated with my masters this year and oayments hit as well but i have to pass this monumentally large exam to get to the next pay grade. I am 58000 in student loan debt and a few thousand on credit cards and its terrifying.

[@carnival30]

This was good! I’m out of debt now and building my emergency fund. What a journey!

[@laritza8284]

The end was so powerful, you’re so freakin right!! I AM gunna change my family tree.

[@GreatRustavo]

Wow, you did everything in this video! All while talking about your financial health. Multi tasking to the max!

[@user-sn5yz6fh2s]

Can you post a video about WHAT changes you started making to go from 25k a year to much, much more? Was it IG that helped you take off, KZbin ... how did sponsorships start to happen? Etc.

[@fluximagery6500]

Cranjus McBasketball agreed! So interested 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@TheEickert]

She's done this as a dedicated video, as well as mentioned methods throughout her monthly updates. Check out her video "The Methods I Use to Pay Off $120,000 in Debt" on her financial playlist. From what I can remember, she invests in merchandise to resell, she books sponsorships and ad deals, she books tv commercials, she used to walk dogs, etc. She was really hustling and finding any way possible to add income. And this was all in the last 1.5 years. You can also see the progression in her google doc budget spreadsheet that is linked in the description box. She has both 2018 and 2019 there and it shows her monthly revenue sources.

[@okorolina]

I want to go back to school for something I am actually super passionate about and cash flow it! I got serious last year about it, then later last year my mom had a health issue and is now unable to pay her mortgage. Even though I have a lot of siblings, they were unable or unwilling to assist in the mortgage. I started angrily moving forward and as a result I am so aware and excited about getting my goals going

[@mames93]

Thank you for this video. The universe knew I needed to subscribe to your channel, to hear your story, and start my road to financial freedom. Thank you so much. I appreciate you. 🙌🏽

[@ellazhou8459]

Thank you beautiful Aja for always been so truthful in this complicated world ❤️

[@chocolatecuban]

Thank you! One of the few youtubers that I thoroughly enjoy and respect. I get excited for your videos!

[@kkmarrrrr]

I’m lucky to not have a student loan debt (I’m not from the US). But I truly enjoy watching your videos. At this point, I have a 1000€ loan with my parents, but a very low income. I have all these dreams, things I want to do and see, places I want to go to... I find it really hard to earn more!

[@LaLa-gk6rd]

REAL AF! I love that I found you.

[@bgrace8]

Aja, you are a badass and an inspiration for us all! A fearless female leader with grit and tenacity! I love you so much ❤️ 💪🏽

[@NA-zx2po]

Best KZbin big sister ever ! You motivate me to make more money and get debt free so o can pursue my dreams

[@dancefreak1337]

Absolutely love your videos. Thank you for inspiring me 💕

[@lilydaquila9847]

I used to be so reliant on being employed by someone else for my financial stability. The way I spent money was irresponsible. I was about $30,000+ in debt because there was crisis after crisis that arose. My health, physically, and mentally, impacted my ability and availability to work. I was sick and tired of just skirting by. So I took control. I went into business for myself and I was motivated to make better financial decisions. Now, I am in a better situation. Making wiser decisions and taking control made such a difference.

[@jeanettedesenclos27]

Thank for you for being honest! The struggle, is real out here folks. I owe $146k on my student loans. And I will pay that loan off. Unfortunately, I was fired from my job 3 weeks ago. Thus, I can understand the serious need to earn money, but more importantly the need to earn enough.

[@primariecolors]

Jeanette Desenclos sending good vibes out there for you! May the right doors open ✨

[@jeanettedesenclos27]

Priya Sairsingh Thank you 😊

[@AjaDang]

send you good vibes as well. It's ok to take small jobs on the side as you continue job searching. Also, from experience of being fired from a job, sometimes it's for the best. You'll see that once the clouds part.

[@jeanettedesenclos27]

Aja Dang OMG 😲 you responded!!!! Thank you for the advice Aja.

[@NoraTKD]

Great video Aja! Very inspiring! You are so right about the money mindset, it is incredibly important to realize that one has the power to change things!

[@katrinapineda6873]

I'm lucky to live in a country where it's norm to have college pay for college tuition so I never had debt. The real eye opener for me is when my mom died last November and my dad was overseas. We did not have access to my mom's bank account, she didn't have a funeral plan and we needed to cover the downpayment on the day the services started but my dad will have no way of sending money in such a short amount of time because of office time/flight time, etc. My older sister did not have any money but luckily I did have enough in my bank to cover the DP but it also means I'd be down to around only $300 left in my account which was very scary. So I said to myself my "safety money" should be greater than this! I know it is a privilege to just be able to be free of debt and I guess my struggle right now is how to make more to afford/achieve bigger things in life like buying my own house, getting to travel without saving for X months, and so on. As someone who's living in a third-world country, where basic goods are generally cheap, compensation is VERY low which is why I decided to go freelance and be more proactive in seeking opportunities that will pay well based on what I think I deserve and not what the government is saying I should only make. In about 1 year I was able to double what I make in a month compared to when I was an employee and on the 2nd year I'm making triple. But I did have gap months causing my savings to not amount to much but right now I am in a good steady pace and hoping to raise what I get even more.

[@frankie9953]

You inspired me to look at my bank account....here goes nothing!

[@VanessaShowShow]

*Don’t tell yourself to shut up* talk about it, process it, question and search for your answers. Everyone work differently

[@Lex-co3mw]

LMAO *whips out candy necklace*

[@sunnyray4065]

Please do more videos like this. I love the way this is. The way you're moving around. Could you do subjects such as: Pressures of beauty on Instagram like facetune etc

[@mariannedressler6784]

Amazing to see how far you have come!!! You rock!

[@sarahgreen7359]

Thank you for this. It was a great way to inspire me to get some things in order

[@tehilatammydavidse9411]

I love this 😭 I am going to change my family tree!🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@auroranightz]

#therealestlifestyleblogger EVER!

[@AjaDang]

#facts

[@kathleen_fung_]

Thank you for sharing your story and journey

[@chelseazhang6736]

Brian is such a good boyfriend 🥺

[@florenciadrum4186]

Thank you Aja!! 🙌🏻 great blog as always!! I started a blog just because a few months ago after a year of starting my financial journey. Now it has suddenly changed into a $ blog for the exact same reason... my struggles could maybe help or inspire others.

[@AjaDang]

congrats! many people talk about starting a blog but don't actually do it. you did it!

[@hollye261]

Another stunna of a video, Aja! 🙏🏻💕💰

[@butterfly81307ify]

I love that Luke changed your life. And ultimately his too :)

[@trainrides9215]

I just want to vent about meeting my budget. I keep taking one step forward and then two steps back due to unexpected costs or a family member being unemployed and then shouldering their costs. I’m building up my emergency fund and I absolutely hate taking out money from it but sometimes I get too many bills or debts due at one time and I have to dip into it. I know some other people out there may feel the same, and if you do, how do you stop yourself from getting discouraged/disappointed?

[@WillandMaryyt]

Aja really random question about how you do your taxes. Are you just paying as a sole proprietor, or as an LLC..? Or have you heard of an s-corp election so that you can save some of the money you pay on taxes..? Ive watched through almost every video of yours and I think you’re just putting all of your income into your personal accounts and working out from there...but you can save thousands of dollars if you elect to be an s-corp. I’m planning on making a video on the difference of the two to help content creators and us self employed folk save some money...just in case you weren’t aware ❤️

[@AjaDang]

I have been doing it as a sole proprietor but I have a feeling that will change once my tax guy gets to it this year. Just wasn't making enough money to make a difference before.

[@WillandMaryyt]

Definitely do it before you make too much money and have to give it back, because we all know that day will be coming for you. It’s not a big deal if it doesn’t make a difference(money wise) once you change, but you should definitely be prepared in the circumstance that you make more than anticipated! Deadline is March 15! KEEP THAT HARD EARNED MONEY.

[@AjaDang]

@@WillandMaryyt cool, thanks for the suggestion

[@KayGee_yt]

My head hurts so much right now. My mom is cutting me off and if i finish school, with my scholarship, it wont even been a lot. Like $6k max. But i have no idea how to money and how to debt and how to adult and I'm stressed to hell