How To Set Up Your Savings and Sinking Funds | 2020 Financial Goals | Aja Dang

Hi! I'm Aja Dang and this is how I'm setting up my savings and sinking funds account. Now that I've paid off my debts, it's time to start to save up for my fully funded emergency savings fund, while also saving up for some future financial goal in my sinking funds account. Now it's finally time to solidify my financial security.
I'm putting both my savings and sinking funds in Empower Auto Savings and Checking accounts. Empower is a mobile app that some of you recommended to me last year. I've decided to put my funds in the Empower account because of the high interest APY on automated savings and checking (1.60% APY) with no minimum balance. Plus the budgeting and spend tracking tools are probably one of the better interfaces that I've dealt with over the past two years.
Hope you all enjoy this video. I'm really excited to start savings for my emergency fund - we are one step away from completing my debt free journey!
•BUDGET•
2020 Budget: will go live for Feb 2020 budget
2019 Budget: bit.ly/2Vmpc5F
• VIDEO MENTIONS •
EMPOWER: bit.ly/Empower_...
Download Empower in the Apple Store or Play Store and get $5 when you use my referral link and reach your savings goal :)
• WHAT I'M WEARING •
BODYSUIT: Good American: gdac.co/2278
• DISCLOSURES •
Banking services for new accounts provided by nbkc bank, Member FDIC. 1.60% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) may change at any time. APY as of January 10, 2020.
Empower charges an auto-recurring subscription fee of $6 for access to the full suite of money management features offered on the platform after your first 30 days.
Reimbursement for up to 3 ATM fees per month, with a maximum reimbursement of $10 per ATM withdrawal.
To be eligible to receive the $5 bonus, (a) you must use my referral link (b) you must be an active Empower subscriber, (c) you must open your Empower AutoSave account no later than 2/28/20, and (d) your Empower AutoSave account must have reached a balance milestone of $100 or more 30 days after opening the account. The bonus will be paid into your Empower AutoSave account on or around the 4th of the month following the achievement of the balance milestone. Must be a new Empower customer to qualify.
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thank you Empower for working with me on this video *

[@breezyIslands22]

You are sooo right about women needing to stop relying on others.. I was in a relationship with a man who paid most of the bills and instead of me taking advantage of that and saving as much as possible, I would spend it all. As time went on I realized how toxic and abusive he was which got worse everyday and I couldn’t leave him because I didn’t have a dime to my name.. that’s when I decided to stop being stupid with money and become financially literate! Left him 6 months ago, got my own place with my son, payed off close to 10k in debt & now building my emergency fund. I feel so free!

[@AntiUgg]

Elenny Good for you! Great job.

[@Sweetalking23]

I love that you can be in a relationship and know that you still have to take care of yourself. I know so many people that have gotten screwed because they thought they would be with someone forever. Thank you for being realistic while still being in love🥰

[@AjaDang]

my parents are divorced and I saw them *both* struggle for years. That ain't gonna be me.

[@littlebopeeps5852]

So true.

[@arandaholley1719]

Yes always have something for yourself.

[@jeanettedesenclos27]

Aja Dang I’m with someone right now who is so encouraging of that message.... he’s like make your own money and be independent despite the fact that we’re in a relationship. His message to me is that my dreams and hopes and aspirations should come before him.

[@mahoganyiana282]

As a 23 year old beginning my senior year in college, I am getting more and more addicted to saving and becoming more and more financially stable. Thank you for continuously putting out great content Aja 🌸

[@AjaDang]

that's incredible! You are going to have a nice little nest egg when you reach my age!

[@erinpurcell1311]

You are incredible!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@samanthawehrle5029]

I paid off a credit card this month and rolled the payment into my next credit card payment! Slowly but surely paying down my little debts before tackling the big ones like our cars, our house, and my student loans.

[@AjaDang]

that's the way to do it! way to go :)

[@unbreakable_kimmy]

Great work!! Keep it up. :)

[@iheartcats4life_]

You would be such a great guest on the financial diet podcast!

[@AjaDang]

honestly.. I've been waiting for them to reach out haha

[@ines3770]

Let's make it happen !

[@adventurousbec]

​@@AjaDang Why not reach out directly? You got this.

[@karencarranza6901]

Please make this happen!

[@lalabear11]

I saw this comment a day after she was in it omg

[@AvaElizabeth]

Sinking funds have changed my life! I have so much less stress 🙌🏼 Thank you for talking openly about financial security as a woman. It’s not pessimistic, it’s empowering! 💕

[@didine256]

6 months emergency savings is good. Lost my job in June, just moved in a new and more expensive place a week prior and it took me 3 1/2 months before landing a new position. The first pay check arrived two weeks after I started working. So 6 months can go by very VERY quickly

[@totallykyle124]

GIRL! You got me so into Qapital, I've saved almost $3500! LOVE YOU THANK YOUUU

[@java3416]

I’m on BS2 and I just picked up a part time job in addition to working full time, 2020 is the year of the side hustle, I’m getting out of debt 👏🏾😭🤞🏾! Thank you for all of your content and for being so transparent, it’s so inspiring 💕

[@nancynguyen2263]

Girl, I just want you to get paid!!

[@AjaDang]

girl, SAME

[@brittanybullock73]

I'm assuming this will already be in the works, but can we please get a vlog for your dave ramsey trip?! you're the best for taking us on this journey with you. you've inspired me to get it together!

[@AjaDang]

absolutely :)

[@ghosttiger84]

I think you are the first content creator I actually look forward to listening to. Thanks!

[@AjaDang]

thank you!

[@08Ilovehorse]

I always relate to your struggle with not being paid. I’m in college and am a full time nanny for 3-4 families- sometimes it take couple weeks to pay me. And recently all of them have canceled these last couple months- just because of the holidays! Luckily I had saved up about $1000 because of watching your videos and I’ve been good so far! Hopefully it covers me until I can find a more stable job.

[@Evergreenforest33]

Kimmi Wynn try a day care?

[@ed8329]

I have babysat for years. If you can find the courage, try laying down the law with the parents. How to schedule with you, timeline and method for payment, what happens when they cancel (they still pay!), paid vacation time/holidays, etc. I'm sure you are reliable and wonderful with their kids, you are an asset to them and you deserve for your time to be treated with respect! Its rough when parents yank you around and don't respect you. Their kids are the one thing in the world they can't replace. Their childcare providers should be compensated well!

[@manuelaschmidt961]

You are so amazing Aja. And beautyfull. I‘m saving, too. Justbecause of you. And I‘m almost 50... thank you for waking me up! 😇💫🙆🏻‍♀️

[@ering4966]

Sinking funds are the best once you get them sorted and setup. Most of our bills are due quarterly - car rego, rates, electricity, gas, etc. - so setting aside a small amount each week or fortnight takes away the sting of everything coming due in the same month. When our son got his first car we immediately set him up on weekly payments to us (he gets paid weekly) so when his rego/insurance comes due the money is there and he isn't freaking out (as teenagers/young adults tend to do!).

[@JessicaAntonelli]

Watching your channel regularly has been brainfood for taking financial responsibility in my life. Good reminders in here- I just added to ny emergencu find! Thank you! And omg you're such a fashion inspiration as well--love this look!

[@ddryadd]

Since January 13th I'm also debt free! 💗💖 and I'm also starting baby step 3! So this video is beautifully timed! 💖💗💖💗

[@abigailheynen4065]

ddryadd congratulations!!!

[@Thejennmachine]

I’m paying off all of my credit card debt this year even if it kills me. Next will be my car and student loans

[@AjaDang]

you can do it!

[@Porcelynnn]

It won’t kill you ❤️ you won’t have the same spending lifestyle but it’ll be worth it. I’ve stopped buying clothes like I recklessly did in college. But it’s ok!

[@Erika2]

I really love when you do financial videos! It’s so inspirational!

[@kiriyoplay]

Someone asked about financial books recommendations. I recommended your channel 👍🏻

[@AjaDang]

thank you! But if you have any financial book, please let us know in the comments!

[@kiriyoplay]

@@AjaDang i've just started my finance journey. these books were highly recommended by a self improvement group in fb. But I've just started reading total money makeover by dave ramsey. I mostly learn from your videos ❤️ thank you so much! 1) I will teach you to be rich by ramit sethi 2) Money: A love story by Kate Northrup 3) You are a badass at making money by Jen Sincero 4) Money Master the game by Tony Robbins 5) Unshakeable Your financial freedom playbook by Tony Robbins

[@java3416]

Some recent books that I’ve read and are planning to read are The Feminist Financial Handbook, I Will Teach You To Be Rich ans Million Dollar Women☺️💕

[@benny88cups]

Hello Klieo I’ve found this books helpful too: 1) The Index Card 2) Broke Millennial Takes on Investing

[@azarthi]

No Amazon April

[@AjaDang]

I LOVE that idea!

[@coffeehouselove1087]

What the issue with amazon? I guess I missed something?

[@Evergreenforest33]

Ryan Cooper a lot of people shop on there???

[@gingerburns3119]

I haven’t shopped on Amazon since October 2019 when I realized I had already spent $4000 on the site in 2019, and most of the things I bought were just clutter in my house. I do not miss it or Prime!! Jeff Bezos isn’t going to space on my dime lol!!!

[@ed8329]

I quit amazon after listening to an awful podcast that details what life is like for their factory workers... I don't get why Amazon doesn't get more flack! Its cruel!!

[@lizitis]

Girl, I highly encourage you to save 6 months of expenses to your emergency fund. I’m a nurse and I see more and more young people having medical emergencies. Yeah they’re off of work and sometimes depends on the medical issues they’re off for rehab for a period of time. I’ve had 30 year olds who had a stroke and they’re permanently disable.

[@bettinak.4]

Absolutely! I'm 27 but anything can happen. Even a broken leg can ruin your work life for months.

[@SheylaGomes]

I started doing sinking funds this year thanks to you Aja! Thank you. I hope these brands pay you soon so that you can reach your goals as well this year.

[@AjaDang]

thanks! me too :) what are some of your sinking funds?

[@SheylaGomes]

@@AjaDang Oil changes, subscriptions, car registration and dentist deductible.

[@AmandaRoundtheGlobe]

this is so helpful! I always debated whether I should cover only my half of the bills or both mine and my partners full amount. I love this point of view and it is SO IMPORTANT to take care of ourselves - I now feel like I know the right decision for my emergency fund, thank you :)

[@sumbly]

Aja, thanks for being so transparent with us throughout this time. I think since you publicly mentioned you'd keep your eventual $40k in the cabinet, please do NOT keep it (your empower card) there!!! Break-ins are super common these days and would hate to see anything taken from you during this journey. I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to figure out where you live, etc. (been watching too much You on Netflix LOL) Stay safe!! :)

[@AjaDang]

ah. good point.

[@candy2325]

Summer Kang yeah .. having a safe to put everything in would be golden!

[@bernadettenguy9553]

i was starting to feel out of touch financially and every time i watch your videos, it gets me back on track

[@gardenofe12]

I have been saving towards my emergency fund for the past 3-4 years now. I put $200 towards it on every pay check. I want at least one year of my living expenses of at least $40k for myself as well but that is just one person and not two people. So I figured that would be enough for a year.

[@waje1034]

Aja thank YOU for taking the time to share your journey with US. I sent you an instagram message about our debt free journey and you responded! ❤❤❤ I wanted to update you. We moved into our new home November 21st!! Our goals going into 2020 is to pay $6000 towards our principle mortgage payment, invest 15% to retirement, take our first vacation since 2017, and cash flow an eye surgey for one of our dogs.

[@AjaDang]

take that vacation girl, you deserve it!

[@TanyaLynWhite]

Ally Bank is @ 1.60% APR, and is very easy to use, as well. Also, Wealthfront is @ 1.78%. Just so everyone knows you can get even more for your $! 😊💰

[@kimnguyen3957]

I love how realistic you are about having enough money to take care of yourself. We don’t ever want to negativity of the future but it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s very smart!

[@Shaiya5]

Hi Aja! love the video as always! HSBC also has a HY with no minimum and I think their rate is currently 2%!

[@raeniqrae]

nah.. not pessimistic but realistic! as someone who lives in asia .. I would really like to have services/apps like empowebank ... will hafta set aside that money the old school way. 🤪

[@angelicarodriguez4488]

No girl! You're being realistic and prepared. Nothing wrong w that.

[@flintridge3576]

I have a “dog” emergency fund too 🙈👍

[@Starryeyed119]

I’ve started my emergency funds and sinking funds this year and it’s all thanks to you Aja! Thank you so much for the inspiration 🙏

[@lindseywelbourn8624]

Yes! I LOVE sinking funds. It's so nice to have the security knowing that anything that could come up is planned for. I personally use Ally savings accounts for mine (I have 8 separate accounts lol) and I also have a checking account through them with a debit card. If I need to use any of the money I can just use the app to transfer the money from savings to checking and then use my card! I haven't heard of Empower but the features sound really cool, I may have to check that out.

[@AjaDang]

I have Ally as well. I use those account for my taxes. I don't think I have a debit card with Ally though, I wonder why that is?

[@lindseywelbourn8624]

@@AjaDang if you have a checking account with them you can request a free debit card!

[@lizz741]

If you haven't already...please call Chase for reimbursement...if you're in good standing as a courtesy they'll do it...love your work...

[@AjaDang]

really? I didn't know that.

[@lizz741]

@@AjaDang yes...and the same for NSF fees...if it's not a common occurrence they should extend the courtesy...please let me know how it goes...

[@kimcko]

They def will! Same with any credit card fees, I've had good luck with it bc I've had an account and CCs with them since 2010

[@np472]

Tried to get an Empower account yesterday, and realized that they charge $6 a month. I was planning to use this account for small weekly expenses, so it wasn’t worth getting it solely for the 1.6 apy checking account. Plus, I was reading recent reviews on the App Store and most are 1 Star. Something made me feel super sketch about this bank, and I immediately closed my account. They told me once I close, I won’t ever be able to open an account again.

[@empower]

Bummed we weren't able to convince you to test-drive the app. All of our customers have access to a FREE trial for 30 days so you can kick the tires before committing to anything. And the subscription gives you access to all of our features like automated savings, high-interest checking, budgeting and spend tracking, our human coach, and more!

[@AjaDang]

I had them since before they started charging a monthly fee, so I've been granfathered into that service. That being said, I've 100% never had any issues with them and very much enjoy the app. But as always, go with your gut. There's a bank out there for everyone.

[@kimcko]

I use SoFi money and so far so good - and no monthly fee! And they also give you 1.6% cash back on checking. I use CIT for my emergency savings account which is very hands off but a slightly higher interest rate.

[@v1mu]

Re: saving emergency living expenses even when you are in a relationship-- it's not just about divorce or separation-- both my spouse and I save for emergency living expenses so if something happens to one of us, e.g. illness, job loss, etc. we have enough to cover our living expenses.

[@lizitis]

I’m done saving for my sinking funds of $10k. 🤓 Next is emergency fund of $40k. 😳 Also, my husband and I re-evaluated our expenses for gifts for 2019 (wedding gifts, birthdays for parents, friends, Niece/nephew, siblings, fathers/mothers day, baby shower, etc) and decided to make a separate section/account for GIFTS. This is strictly giving to others and not us. Play money comes after meeting our needs.

[@ttu888didfitrhondavigil8]

Just found you on the Dave Ramsey podcast. I ❤ your attitude. We are debt free as well. It's a great way to live. I will catch up on your videos.

[@hausofrlateish]

Wow... First time hearing about the Empowered App. It sounds sounds like having a personal financial officer only on an app. Can this be used anywhere in the world?

[@candy2325]

Omg girl I was listening to the Dave Ramsey podcast at work and I immediately stopped what I was doing to hear your debt free scream! Congratulations!!

[@AnnM0824]

I Absolutely LOVE your finance related videos. You motivated me to pay off almost $20k in debt and save money towards sinking funds with the Qapital app. Still have a ways to go to be DF, but just wanted to let you know I appreciate you and your informative videos. Thank you.

[@tenishah2611]

Great content. Glad you added the ads.

[@leelsbless]

If this is the first time you haven't met the requirement for you Chase account, you could probably call them and get that 25 dollars back! Usually if you're in good standing with them, they'll reimburse it. Love your videos!!

[@AjaDang]

someone mentioned that as well.

[@LivingListed]

Man, does being debt-free look good on you.

[@saraashkir5793]

THANK YOU for touching on the issue with auto savings for inconsistent income. Im a college student and have that issue at my current job where I sometimes am not able to get hours depending on my manager’s schedule (the longest I’ve had to take off of work has been 2 weeks 😨) so I can’t afford to put even a tiny amount in auto savings because Im scrambling to pay for normal expenses. Im hoping to leave that job soon but either way, as a college student, things come up like book costs at the beginning of a semester, and they shift my budget around a bit. I hate when people in the personal finance community say “if you don’t have automatic savings then youre not doing it right and you have to pay yourself first”. Like sure, I can do that, but now I won’t be able to get gas for a week. Thanks for touching on that :) PS: I know I can use my emergency fund in these instances or put aside a separate sinking fund for the times I dont get paid, but I feel guilty using that money if I feel like I couldve used it from elsewhere and I just hate pulling money out of these accounts unless I have to. So for me, Id rather not save for a paycheck, than “save” and use money from another fund. I’m good at savings anyways so doing I dont get tempted to spend more than I need doing it manually

[@AjaDang]

when I was in college I worked at the front desk of the freshman dorm. Super easy job, was able to do homework then (I basically just had to check in guests) AND the job was consistent bc the desk needed to be monitored 24/7. Sometimes I had the 12-3a or 3-6a shift, which sucked but it was money. Maybe something you can look into.

[@saraashkir5793]

Aja Dang Yes thank you, we do have campus jobs like that! Im saving it as a last resort though as I’d rather go into a job thats more relevant to my field (as Im already in something related so its good to build on that experience). Generally I just wish people in the pf community would understand that, with a traditional bank, its not always possible to automate savings if income is inconsistent. It should be encouraged to save whichever way is best for each person, rather than saying manual saving is wrong or inefficient

[@JemimasOutcome]

An emergency fund/a transition fund is what I am hoping to do this year aswell! My job is also so inconsistent, sometimes there's a lot of work something its quiet. I am so happy you share your journey, helps me get ideas :)

[@m0rbidh0rr0r]

Stunning. You look stunning. That top is hot too

[@PilotPerkins]

Just saw your debt free scream! Im right behind ya. Keep up the intensity. 🔥

[@gustavo-rios]

Just saw you get featured on Dave Ramsey’s show. Congrats!!

[@Elena-er7zp]

As a single person and a homeowner, I have a 6 month EF and it sits in a HYSA at a different bank, all on it’s own. I have 7 accounts at 3 different banks. lol

[@gc377]

Your videos inspired me to create these 2020 goals for myself: save up $10k, pay off $7k of my $17k student loan debt, and pay off my $10k credit card debt. You’ve proven to me that it’s doable and I can’t wait to update this comment at the end of the year ☺️

[@limepeels1061]

I noticed Empower has a $6 monthly fee for the premium features of automatic savings budgets etc., is there a way to not opt for these features? I feel the $6 monthly fees kills any interest made in the account, even though the interest rate is pretty high. I'm on the waiting list for Robinhood, and I'm hoping that there are no fees WITH an APY of 1.6%. I was just concerned

[@JMTJNC]

Hi Aja, this video is amazing and answered most of my questions after your financial goals video. However I was wondering, do you contribute to sinking and emergency funds simultaneously? Like you put aside a twelfth of each sinking fund monthly and everything else you throw it at the emergency fund? Thanks and have a great day :) xx

[@AjaDang]

yes. It's a balance. I'm going to put aside enough money for my car insurance payment first (bc that's due next month) and then dump as much as I can to my savings account. Since the rest of the things on my sinking funds list aren't due until December, I'm hoping to have a fully funded savings account and then can complete the rest of my sinking funds. That's the goal, but we will see.

[@jessicasgarden]

Hi, almost at the end of the video you said sometimes it doesn’t work what you intend to do. Please talk about how you deal with the unknown but still manage to get the job done in the end?

[@alexise5376]

I was at work listening to the Dave Ramsey podcast and I heard your debt free scream!! It was the most passionate and powerful one I've ever heard. It made everything more realistic to hear someone that I've watched go through their debt free journey actually do one! Wow. Just wow.

[@minimalmiss]

I just want to thank you for going through how you set up your sinking funds :). It was very helpful

[@AjaDang]

you're welcome!

[@Jax-jx5uu]

i cancelled my amazon subscription earlier this year - best decision ever. i would go on when i was bored and buy random shit i didn't even need. good riddance!

[@YTjndallas]

I just heard you on Dave Ramsey on the radio in my car, in Dallas. So I found you and subbed and rang the bell. At this minute, you’re channel is showing me 427k subs. I think it would be cool to learn how many subs you gained after about a week? Hopefully, you videotaped your phonecall to post.

[@babprinc13]

This is really the video I need. Your 2020 Financial Plan video was the first of yours that I saw. I looked around KZbin for other help, and your Sinking funds page stuck in my head throughout all the videos I watched. I am so glad that you are breaking down the pages so I can put them to use. Thanks

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

Thank you for always being so open! This makes me feel like I can do it! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@elisevanassche]

Daaang! You look good.

[@AjaDang]

haha thanks!

[@claudiadufour3567]

Thank you for the recommendation of using a passion planner! Definitely a game changer for me! :)

[@MelannieHay]

@RavingsByRae maybe empower for those sinking funds

[@emilyspecter9532]

For your emergency fund it's also a good idea to include money for insurance deductibles!

[@AjaDang]

ahh. Good idea!

[@jmpdancer87]

Do you still use your Qapital account?

[@AntiKristTeddyBear]

I feel as if she definitely mentioned it recently, but was curious how empower differs from it. At the very least the way she's using them seems to be different, but I'd love to hear more and perhaps there is a preference for one over the other.

[@AjaDang]

Good question: I still have Qapital bc I've been testing out their investment tool and haven't reached my set goal so I'm waiting to finish that but I don't have anymore of my sinking funds with them. I've put them all with Empower bc Qapital doesn't give you interest. Empower is basically my savings tool. I may use Qapital for my food budget again but I'm not sure. Just trying to figure things out now.

[@d.a.7354]

Thank you so much for this amazing video, I’m just beginning my journey on being a responsible adult and this video helps a lot ! Thank you ! P.s. thanks to you I have read David Ramsey’s book and know I’m fully prepared to take my finance under control ! Thank you again for everything you do !

[@samythecondor]

I am so so so down to do a month of no Amazon with you!!

[@AjaDang]

seems like there are a few people who would do this with me. I'm thinking April. No Amazon April.

[@tmobilewang2029]

The empower card took $40 out of my checking for no reason and I messaged the workers but never got it back. It was last year. So I don’t really trust that app

[@empower]

Hi there, thank you for your message. We will help take a look into this for you. Please contact us at [e-mail] from the email you used to sign up for Empower. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

[@j.blanco6321]

very long, yet SUPER INFORMATIVE VIDEO! =)

[@kimblot]

Simple is a much better online bank. It’s 100% free (unlike empower, they charge $6) and has a 1.73% APY savings account. They also have an envelope budgeting system and expenses feature for automatic saving.

[@Porcelynnn]

kimblot love simple! Can’t wait for the rates to go back to 2%, whenever that is

[@ahmadizzatshahmieralhamdul4926]

Alhamdulillah, good information and good idea :)

[@MissJayR692]

random side note- You look like Jessica Biel

[@little.dragon1246]

How do I open my empower my checking account on empower Checking account because I cannot do it. I have an empower account because of you and I love it

[@Tesla-Cannon]

So sad Empower doesn’t work with Capital One, but hopefully soon !

[@stephenberry2192]

I am now crazed to pay off my dept, and hopefully have some money left over for taxes😅. I’ve purchased too much stuff last year and now I’ve been on a spiral down, but I’m slowly climbing up the ladder. I’m still thinking of recording my journey on my channel. This account isn’t used for that, but why not. Maybe it will be more dramatic 😂😂.

[@AjaDang]

oh no, you definitely need to save for taxes!! tax man is gonna get his money one way or another.

[@stephenberry2192]

Aja Dang lol just joking around about the taxes. 😂🙂 Saving money for the State and government tax is extremely important.

[@apkr72]

Thank you for always sharing and inspiring all of us.

[@numanuma20]

Congrats on becoming debt free. Just saw you on the Dave Ramsey Show. Way to go! 🍻🍾🥂🎆🎇🎊🎉🍸🎶🎹🎺🎻🎼🎸🎷🥁🎧👏🙌👊 💥.

[@celinemiranda-lagunilla7719]

I am only watching this now but it's such a help for me! I'm not currently in debt but I am looking for a practical way to really be better with my money and YES! Relying on myself. You're my financial hero and inspiration. Thank you for these videos

[@prouse3056]

Hello Aja, I'm watching the live view of your debt free scream on the Dave Ramey Show. Excellent story and congratulations! rousefamily5christmas

[@MsHoneyblue]

hello, I hope all is well with you =) . Just wanted to say Thank You for your video!! Started my own budjet diary and your tips helped me a lot. And also for being realistic! Have seen too many people get hurt because of money. So thank you =D

[@hibellla]

For your emergency fund when you are calculating your expenses do you include your variable expresses (things like food, shopping, entertainment)? Or do you only include fixed expenses? I’m not sure how to calculate because of this.

[@azrina1230]

Will continue watch this after i wake up this morning. It's 2 a.m in my country now. 😅

[@AjaDang]

go to sleep haha

[@EternalDrummer1990]

Lol I just closed my Chase account because they don't offer interest on their checking accounts. So many other banks have better terms, everyone should leave Chase until they decide to step up their game. I switched to the Discover Cashback debit. Doesn't have interest but I don't really ever have enough money on there to really matter for gathering interest. I just use it as the hub from where I dispatch my money to all my other accounts. Then when there's some left over I can get the cashback from spending it, which I think is better/more than the interest it would gather, if it had any, assuming it wouldn't be a whole lot, like most other banks.

[@Suxanes]

Omg, thank you so much for showing us how to do the sinking funds.

[@bettinak.4]

My boyfriend and I just talked about our finances last night and he is the sweetest, he will cover almost all of our expenses so I can build an emergency fund for myself.

[@konstantinetransit]

We are about to be on baby step three too. Do we have one baby step three bank account and set up sinking funds? Do sinking funds add up the the 3-6 month worth of expenses? We have never had sinking funds and have just cash flowed unforeseen expenses.

[@charley4426]

You are not being pessimistic!!! What if Brian got sick or something? Anything can happen. You are wise.

[@emilygorz2865]

Empower sounded really awesome but their APY is .25% now. It's a bummer because I was super interested!

[@lauraholland8831]

If it makes you feel better, our emergency vet visits decreased once our dog got over about age 5. I guess they’re like people and get their shit together as they get older 😂 But, like people, now he’s expensive since he’s elderly.

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I like the idea of using another checking account to store your money for the sinking funds. I'm trying the cash version now but maybe I need to change to what you suggested, would make it a bit easier for sure. Something to think about.

[@vbutterfly11]

@ajadang check out credit unions I know its a pain to switch but better than dealing with fees for not having enough in your checking.

[@AjaDang]

I had a credit union when I was in grad school and it was just so inconvenient butttt maybe I should give them a try again. I really don't want support big banks.

[@vbutterfly11]

Aja Dang I got to gitty when I saw the reply 😂. They’re not so bad now. You can even withdraw at 7/11 with no fees. Also you can do deposits from your cell. I haven’t visited a branch in a while. Good luck!

[@ashleej0nas]

Hi Aja, I would love your opinion or recommendations on what I can do. I want to be able to pay off some of my debt but also I have a trip that is coming up that I would like to start saving for. How can I do this if my income is not a lot? Thank you!

[@MegaBev]

Looking beautiful here!!

[@ryanumagat101]

I'm really trying to get a handle on my finances this year too! Im currently doing the baby steps also and I'm on the same step of saving 3-6 months in my emergency fund too, so about $12k for me. Your videos are inspirational and I'm just starting to upload so I hope to be able to look back at the end of the year and see how far I've come!

[@juliecalcote820]

Thank you for another great video! I’m debating Empower v HCBC which seems like it has a better rate and no fees but maybe it’s not as mobile friendly? Does anyone have HSBC and love it?

[@dinehvidal-beltran6804]

Hi! Thank you for making this education video! I hope you are doin well today 😁 Question, do you include the amount of $$ youre setting aside into your budget? Say, for example my budget is $2k but every penny goes somewhere, do i extend my budget to $2500 so i can put 500 towards sinking funds? Thank you!

[@AjaDang]

yes you can absolutely do that.

[@xx_stealcookies2478]

Since ive been watching Aja Dang i am so fascinated at how unimpressed and uninterested the dogs are😊❤