May Budget | Freelance Di$advantages | Aja Dang

[@Jeicodes]

Girl I love your financial videos, they are so refreshing and real. Don't let those losers get under your skin!

[@RickyRecap]

Please try your best to ignore the negativity because I love your content Aja! You're super down to earth and your transparency and realness really helps freelancers like myself learn from you. Keep up the great work!

[@chanlanee]

I thought I’d share this here cause no one else i know cares lol but i made 2 student loan payments in the last week. I plan on paying another next week.

[@EmilyA0903]

congratulations!

[@AjaDang]

Yes! Congratssss!!!

[@nofthree]

Chan Lanee' congratulations!! 🌟

[@carnival30]

Nice!

[@lololo_33]

Way to go!!! :)

[@laurenhope7493]

Girl, you aren't posting because you have haters!!! They are affecting your income, because you won't post. WE need a plan to deal with that

[@trudymarcella5984]

I was able to pay off my student loans last week...it feels so good! $60,000.00 Done!

[@dominicpelle805]

love your attitude about the negativity. keep doing you!!

[@JCallaghan88]

Only :59 in and yes! People do need to chill out! Resuming now! You are lovely and I love hearing about your journey!

[@AjaDang]

thank you!!

[@Monica92robled]

Your tips have helped me pay down my student loan, I’ll be done paying it next month! $40k in less than a year... thank you 💛

[@michelasalazar3620]

When people start hating it means your doing something right 👏 your doing great and they’re jealous, they’re trying to bring you down because your soaring so high they can’t stand it 💫

[@nataliecampbell8213]

This month was kind of a drag financially for me as well. I had to dip into my emergency fund for some unexpected renting issues with my current roommates moving out and finding another to replace them. At first, I felt bad about falling backward in funds, but that emergency fund is there for that reason. As long as we have an end goal in mind, we continue on our path to one day "live like no one else". Thank you for not sugar-coating this debt freedom process! It is a journey.

[@Michelle-qx1bp]

Natalie Campbell thank you! I needed to be reminded that emergency funds are for emergencies!! I feel bad about dipping into mine for an emergency pet bill

[@divabonitaa]

Did you say budgeting planner?! Take my money! Can’t wait 😁🙌

[@AjaDang]

Devan Ampuero any suggestions as to what you might want to see in a budgeting planner?

[@divabonitaa]

Aja Dang Yes!! -room for notes -weekly budget formats -room to write down financial goals -and goal oriented quotes to stay motivated 😎

[@juliagrummel8884]

Devan Ampuero yes to all of this! Budget planner sounds awesome!

[@vpark16]

@@AjaDang and a combo of grid and line paper for notes!

[@califlorican]

I’m super excited about the planner too, but I don’t think I’d want quotes in my planner. They do nothing for me personally 😬

[@MsInformAsian]

Aja, i remember when you were almost at 200k in debt...girl you're ALMOST done. I started my journey the same time as you and was able to pay everything off in 1 year (38K). I know that feeling and I remember being just a few months from being finished and just wishing it was here already. You got this girl and I'm proud of you! Always ignore the haters (easier said that done, i know) but it comes from a place of jealousy (always remember that). Anyways, i'm looking forward to that video in a few months, when you push that "submit" button for your final payment. We are all cheering you on!

[@mannyjeanpierre4062]

Ahh negative criticism over the internet..... never wouldve thought. Keep doing you and winning at life

[@cooscooskitty]

$1,000 emergency fund? No, we have a year’s income (finally) saved. You have no idea how calming this is. ❤️😊

[@Porcelynnn]

Michelle 陳珍珠 Chun LeRoy congrats!!

[@Angie2Pink]

Awesome!! Congrats!!

[@FeliciaMesadieu]

I love how transparent you are about not having a 0 based budget and allowing yourself to have more in your savings since you are a freelancer. I also find it amazing that you have been able to pay off so much debt even though you have customized the DR Plan to your lifestyle and profession. Sometimes, we just have to be real with ourselves an you are totally doing that. Thank you for sharing.

[@irenelorraine1352]

When Brian yelled... beeeetch! 😂 screw those haters, Aja! Keep doing your thing.♥️

[@smileitsisadora]

Girl! You've decreased your student loan to an amount most people would spend YEARS doing!!! Don't beat yourself up! You're doing AMAAAAAZING!!!! Just keep trucking and plowing through these dry months!!!! Keep kicking ass!!!!

[@ddbd123]

Your financial videos are the reasons why I’m glued to your channel! Don’t let the haters get in the way of your greatness and perseverance. It’s healthy to take a break and time for yourself and reflect on why you choose to do this but just know that you have so many people that support you on your journey!

[@lizitis]

I appreciate how organic your videos are. You had a nonprofitable few months, you shared about it. You moved and had to adjust, you’re real about it. You’ve noticed patterns for every March / April , you’re reflecting on it andddd learning from it. Lol Keep it real, thanks for sharing your joys, frustrations, uncertainties, and well.... how to become an adult - 30s and still learning and seeking self-improvement. 👌🏻

[@AElyse-zb9ko]

Whoever is getting under your skin....block that out! We are here to support you and one another! I made my first ever $1,000.00 payment towards my student loans and had my first successful budget set up because of you! I appreciate your video so much girl! I just wanted you to know! Keep up the amazing videos!

[@amandas5220]

Don’t let the negativity steal your shine girl. You’re the reason why I finally bit the bullet and started tackling my debts. So much respect for what you do 🙏🏼

[@EmilyA0903]

You're honestly my favourite person on the internet. Your transparency around finances is incredibly refreshing, and its a breath of fresh air from all haul videos on here where people just spend spend spend. My financial goal isn't about debt at all, its just about saving and making the most of the money I make (i.e. not just buying random shit, but buying things and experiences I really appreciate), and your videos are so inspiring. Keep doing what you're doing and ignore those who try to drag you down - their issue isn't you, its them.

[@kimberlyleefatt3482]

Aja, I totally understand your anxiety about dumping money in times when your income is questionable. I will say this. My husband and I buckled down and paid off over $300k in student loans over 3 years. In the last year we got the balance down to 30k and just one day decided to take our emergency fund and wipe out the debt. We had only 2 months of expenses in savings left, but the trade off of removing the anxiety from waiting another 6 months to pay it down was worth it. You'll be surprised how fast you'll build up your savings when you don't have bills. All that to say, regardless of what others say, make the choices that give you peace, keeps your blood pressure down, and on track toward your goals. You're almost done. You got this. Forget the haters, get your coin, and wave that flag of financial independence at the end of the year.

[@zicario2533]

You are AWESOME Aja! Thank you so much for sharing your financial goals. I watch many KZbinrs similar to your channel and none of them do any segments on the financial side of their lifestyle. Thank you for sharing! I love your financial diagram as well. It’s great to visualize your goals.

[@adventuresinfitnessland5066]

No, do t let the haters stop you ! You’re such an inspiration 🙏🏾

[@KayGee_yt]

Hey Aja, I discovered your financial videos like a year ago and have recently come back to them. I'm about to run out of scholarship money and have to either spend all my savings or take on some debt for college. Watching you finance videos have really helped calm my stress. Ppl r always going to hate but just know that you're doing good things for us!

[@balletgirl2003]

Can you pursue legal advising/action about the money you’re still owed? Did the original contract discuss payment and timelines? 2017 was quite a long time ago and that company shouldn’t act like they forgot they owe you. Anyways, love your channel and content! F*** the haters and you do what feels good/right for you.

[@emilyy7825]

1) Sorry you're getting shit from ppl. 2) I started following for these videos--even my close friends don't always like to discuss finances, so it's great to be able to follow your journey!

[@meganblake3038]

Girl you’re doing phenomenal. Don’t let anybody drag you down. We all see you achieving and bearing your heart here.

[@aznpridebuhhd]

Also, thank you for remaining transparent even during the harder financial months. People very seldom talk about the hardships or obstacles, but I really enjoy witnessing your process.

[@adhdslay]

Girl I LOVE your budgeting/debt videos... I'm sorry that some people are being rude to you... I don't even know what they could be saying because I honestly don't see anything wrong with your videos. Keep up the good work! I can tell you put a lot of work into everything that you do, including your personal life, KZbin, jobs, etc.

[@user-ru5ve3it3m]

I love your content, have recently adopted a more minimalist lifestyle and someone recommended your videos and have been bingewatching your budgetting/loan-payoff videos all day, it's very motivating haha!

[@lm5176]

I don't normally post comments. I just wanted to say that I enjoy your videos. They keep me motivated and encouraged toward working on my debt journal. Whatever you are going through, let us know. We are here for you. I love what you are doing and you are doing fantastic!!! Forget the haters!

[@AuthenticInFashion]

Omg what have people said to you???!!! You’re awesome Aja. I’m sorry there’s so many crap people out there. You rock, I love watching you journey.

[@AjaDang]

meh - just part of my job but sometimes it does get under my skin

[@aryannaramirez8150]

Aja Dang tell them to turn their location on and square tf up, bet they’re lame af and ain’t shit

[@shirifeldman6510]

You are educating and helping so many people, Aja! Ignore the hate

[@abeaatriz]

Fortunately, I have no debt but I do work as a freelancer and god knows I understand your pain of not knowing when you'll get paid. I just wanted to thank you for your videos because they made me a bit more conscious about my money and I've started budgeting and dealing with it more wisely because of all your videos. You're so inspiring, keep doing you girl!!!!

[@lilydaquila9847]

Super real video. It's been crazy busy for me so I am only catching up now. I want you to know that I appreciate your posts and videos. There will always be haters, and sometimes it gets under your skin, but that's natural. So when it does get to you, just know you have supporters and people who look forward to what you put out there. You are brave and you make me brave. Love you, girl.

[@brittneyparks6756]

I’m here for the finances! Take a step back and see how far you have come! It’s amazing how much you have paid off! I love seeing people win in there finances! Excellent job!

[@zzl3234]

I understand that the haters comments are louder than the positive comments YOU ARE AWESOME! Love how you taught me more about being a financial smart lady than all my years at school. Sure I came across your channel years ago for skincare and beauty routines but I totally love how diverse your channel has become. Love the financial video’s because I always learn something from it and I loce the skincare video’s because I always learn something new from those also 😁 Financial video’s make me and my boyfriend happy because we get to do fun things and save money for our emergency fund And the skincare video’s make me and my boyfriend happy because my skin is so clean and soft when I get kissies 🥰

[@allisonmedina4884]

Get it girl! The fact that you made such a huge dent in your student loans earlier this year is amazing! Don’t feel discouraged with a slow month bc in 6 months you’ll easily be deft free and we can all look forward to your debt free scream!

[@alisonancheta]

You’re doing amazing paying off your debt! You’re already half way to financial freedom, Aja! Great job 💓

[@feliciaandary6521]

You have inspired me so much in my financial journey! I love watching all of your videos but especially your financial/budgeting videos! The ones who bash are also the ones that envy you, just remember that! I think you're amazing and you have worked so hard to get where you are at financially and you shouldn't let anyone affect your shine! You're a badass and they just cant handle it!

[@lololo_33]

Don’t let the haters bring you down! Some people (especially those who aren’t committed to paying down larger debts) just don’t get it. They will try to shame you for making a lot of money but then also shame you for how you spend it. Pay them no mind and live your truth. I love your budget videos. They inspire me to keep going with my student loan repayment journey! Keep it up! :)

[@2brokenthumbs]

I appreciate your financial awareness and willingness to share. You have great habits and with some slight adjustments can really supercharge you wealth building. I hope others follow your strong lead.

[@junenojuly]

I’m not even all the way through your video and I wanna say your content is valuable af. I appreciate your transparency on finance & budgets, keep it coming pls!!

[@pbassan]

You're so inspiring Aja! Please don't take the negativity to heart. I know it's easier said than done but focus on the positive comments you keep you motivated. You motivated this 30 year old to pay off her loans. $17K paid in 2 months (granted I had money saved). Now time to save for that down payment on a house! I love watching your videos. Please never stop! Lots of love

[@TaMus629]

You are great. I have told a lot of people who struggle with budgeting that if they want to see real life budget examples to check out your channel. It has helped me so much.

[@msmatou22]

I looooooooove your budget videos. They are the reason I have fun budgeting and saving up for nice things and also have a life with not just necessary things and living to work since the beginning!!! 💞

[@NORAH.PREPPYLOVE]

Hey Lady, i'm so impressed by your dedication and how hard you have worked to pay your debt off. You really do inspire me. Thank you for being so real and being so transparent. Keep hustling!

[@elliecbron]

Aja your financial videos really keep me motivated. I’ve paid off 1/2 of my student loans!

[@AjaDang]

wow, congratS!!

[@burkies8273]

DAAAAANNNNNG girl! Cant all be rainbows and butterflies when working towards a goal. You're gonna do it, keep at it! Excited for your progress and this weight to be lifted off ya!

[@michaelaNkristin]

I really enjoy your financial videos. They definitely sparked a fire in me and now I’m debt free. I can definitely relate to the guilt of not starting to pay more than the minimum earlier in life!

[@katrinalee009]

I would totally get a planner from you. I look forward to whatever you decide to put out.

[@aprilreguis-yadao233]

I feel your pain girl! I’m a full time student and living off not much more than minimum wage but part-time...does some financial-mental damage. Keep going. Every day is new and filled with opportunities. Will be following your grid when I graduate!!

[@rochd4817]

Respect for being an influencer who doesn’t cash in on the Coachella hype that is soooo annoying to see during April. You’re doing amazing keep your head up!!

[@naydaro4441]

Isn't it funny how money is such a touchy subject for people? How defensive and nasty and negative people get? I don't understand it. See it as insecurity and move past it. Other people's insecurities are their personal problems, not your problems. Thank you for continuing to share with us!

[@Anna-pd6dc]

Girl that's huge! Your balance is so low now! You're killing it! You'll be free so soon!

[@daniiiv1]

I just wanted to say how honest and real you are. I love planners and I am on my financial journey ( your video really inspired me to tackle my debt)

[@foreverstrong5288]

I’m so proud of you Aja! You are doing great. Look how far you’ve come. These videos are sooo inspiring.

[@akikoito1383]

i love you!! such real content. i paid off my student loans and have been debt free now for almost a year!

[@miajene100]

I love that I have someone to come to that cares about the things I do, saving money, the environment, and being creative. I'm more focused and believe I can do what ive been saying I'm gonna do. I would love to meet you at an event. Maybe a women empowerment finance event would be so fun just intimate and educational!

[@NoraTKD]

Love your videos Aja, please do not let some troll to have their negativity affect you so much. You are a wonderful human being, keep up the good work!

[@disney.daze.55]

New month, new budget!!!! I’m here for you and your videos. Keep them coming.

[@AlessandraCristinax26]

We missed you!!!! Thank you for uploading for your true followers ♥️

[@MamaBearSA]

Thanks so much for posting these videos...i had stopped paying my student loan but i just made my first payment in 3months and i feel like a badass! my emergency fund has also been suffering so i am now motivated to feed it a bit more too...you just helped me want to adult again. 🥰💛

[@SR98889]

Please don’t let the haters get to you. The majority of us love your content, and understand that not everyone takes the same path. Good for you on not putting up with the negativity!

[@evao3646]

love watching your videos, especially you talking about your financial journey Aja! There have definitely been times where i'm envy of the $$$ you make for the work you do and all I can say is YOU DO YOU, KEEP IT UP!!! Don't let others negativity get to you because they're just jealous of your success.

[@karinalexis22]

Wow. You’re definitely gonna get rid of that debt before the end of the year. You are awesome

[@237883]

You’ve really inspired me to start budgeting and paying off my debt! I don’t make your income and I do really enjoy not working side hustles but budgeting has truly helped me. Before I was barely making ends meet and constantly dipping into my credit cards but now I’ve cut myself off of my credit cards and in the first month have paid off $1,200 of $20,000 of student loan and consumer debt. Hoping to get it paid off in the next year. Would love to hear how you decide what to pay off first? I’m struggling a bit with that.

[@Emmit643]

Omigosh. I love my passion planner; but if you came out with a planner with a budget aspect I would be *SO* down! Hopefully cost/exchange rate won't be too prohibitive for us Canadians!

[@AjaDang]

I am definitely trying to figure out ways to make shipping more affordable. Do you remember how much you spent on shipping for your passion planner?

[@Emmit643]

When I purchased last in November I believe the shipping to Canada had come down to 10$USD, for a while, it was 22$+, sometimes more expensive than the planner itself! (Since they go on sale) even then, I made sure to purchase when the planner was on sale (waited for Black Friday). I waited a pretty long time for the shipping to come down before repurchasing.

[@AjaDang]

@@Emmit643 ya shipping outside of the US is really hard. I've been trying to figure out how to make it affordable for my merch but at some points we'd be losing money. just have to find a balance.

[@Emmit643]

Aja Dang hopefully you can find that balance! Appreciate the effort nonetheless!

[@ashlyash63]

You are doing so great with your debt payments. I'm still on credit cards and just barely scratched the surface for that debt. But you're right about the emergency fund. I have to have some car repairs and found out I have to get cavities filled. I'm able to pull some from my emergency fund to cover it without stopping minimum payments

[@KellyD929]

Thank you for putting yourself out there, Aja. You're helping so many people and starting a conversation. Love you! Looking forward to more videos. Sending all my love and best wishes to you on your moving journey :)

[@kimdeline4590]

Hi! Hope all is well 😊 I follow the same fund plan as you - as a parent, there is absolutely no way to only have $1000 in an emergency fund...and, no way to zero balance either. I’m fine with $300 remaining each week, no no less than that! I’m just too cautious to be risky like that.

[@PenniesNotPerfection]

I'm sure it's hard to put yourself out there with such a huge audience. I just found your channel and already love it so I hope you keep going!

[@bettyc931]

Girl you got this! You have managed to come this far, you will continue to! Oh and yes, that planner is on my list to get. As always, your videos bring me energy and serve as a reminder to always look into my finances. Entering May with a new look.

[@khoubrowne9017]

I really appreciate your financial videos. I think it's awesome how honest and open you are with numbers because people are normally so quiet about numbers but the audience needs to hear it even when people wanna be negative about that shit. But like you said, chill the fuck down. Haha. Thank you so much!

[@alibella248]

You got this girl! You’re so inspiring! Ups and downs will always be there. Looking forward to the next videos! ❤️

[@Rozanna69]

Amazing progress! You're doing fantastic and you're almost there! I follow Dave Ramset too and I wanted to touch on what you have mentioned in the video. 0 based budget means giving every dollar a name. You mentioned that you always have money in your account and you never have $0 in your account. That's not what it means. With giving every dollar a name. Say you want to put $200 from your budget and label that as "buffer", and then labeling where the other money goes. It's not suppose to be at $0 of your account after each month. I just wanted to clarify :) Aja, Dave Ramsey has a group on Facebook called The Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, a community where people have the same goal to pay off debt and a lot of people ask for advice on there too. From what I saw there is a worksheet from Dave Ramsey that helps you with unstable income. Keep it up! You're almost there!

[@de5072]

i do a zero based budget but i include my buffer money for my main bills account in there. i treat it as a sinking fund. once i budget out my money *i always low ball my checks*so the remainder is the buffer plus whatever few dollars in my budget is left over. it helps me see how much im not actually using. i hate having $1 bills and coins so thats usually what is budgeted in my buffer category

[@TheOtherAuntLydia]

The people that hate on you for making financial videos are probably the ones that are drowning in debt and too afraid to do something about it. I feel sad for them but they still need to grow up. I hope you keep up the great work. Even if people don't agree with you on your videos you're still shedding light on an extremely important topic.

[@ruchipatel21]

Keep doing what you're doing! My student loans FINALLY dipped below $60k. Race you to the finish line!! (You'll probably win since my income is fairly stable, but some healthy competition always helps keep me motivated! It's simply amazing that I can finally even SEE THE FINISH LINE!)

[@Thejennmachine]

I love your videos, you really inspired me to get on a budget and build an emergency fund. I’m weeks away from completing an emergency fund that I’m comfortable with and then I can tackle my debt. Love you 💕

[@nonamenojane]

Aja, I’m a pretty new subscriber and I love all your content. Don’t let those hatin’ assholes keep you from all the people that love your videos!

[@ianbagnall7438]

You’re smashing it, keep going. I think the Emergency Fund is a great idea . You really need to work on saving 3 months living expenses in it. It might take 5 - 10 years, however long it takes, the peace of mind it brings makes it all worthwhile.

[@PengxueYG]

Aja are you on any podcast?!? I love these videos and honestly can hear you talk 24/7 about just budgeting, financial stuff, and etc.!

[@AjaDang]

I will be launching my very own podcast within the next couple months! It will be called Heavy Topics with Lightweights. So stay tuned!

[@PengxueYG]

@@AjaDang cant wait! thanks for sharing your stories!

[@jojovasquez8111]

Def love the planner idea!!!

[@auroranightz]

Can't wait for the planner!!!

[@mette1983]

Aja. You´re an AMAZING human being! period! Fuck the haters!!! You´re so down to earth and real and it´s so refreshing to see because your vids actually have value compared to 99% of other ppl´s vids so you just keep doing what you do girl:-) Love you!!! Sending love from Denmark:-)

[@citygurl0105]

Girl, you are KILLING it!!!

[@7Rosaaa]

Love you! what you do and proud of your journey! just do you boo we're here to support you

[@OrganicLifewithDaniella]

You’re doing great girl. I also listen to Dave Ramsey and have the same money mindset. Keep being real and sharing what you care most about. There will always be criticism, use it as fuel 🖤

[@OrganicLifewithDaniella]

Also love, 1,000 is only a starter emergency fund. Once you have 1,000 dollars you should keep adding to it every month. But yes it is the first step!

[@joelyliriano]

you’re doing great :) can’t wait to see how your planner turns out maybe take inspo by your DIY debt diagram in your notebooks where you provide outlines and people can plug in their own info and color and highlight as they go :). love the warmth in your hair color

[@KrnCrftn]

Girl, all i have is a credit card bill to pay off (there is still an upside to living at home at 30 and breaking my parents hearts in the process 😉) but since finding your channel and the content that you make - it makes me so stoked to get that balance down to €0 owed and more excited to go full throttle into saving for my own space! Im super excited to see you get to your final stretch and hear you scream! good luck from Ireland! x

[@jujuinthejungle7296]

Love your honesty!! You are an inspiration!

[@breng5222]

No need to explain yourself... just do you don't worry about the haters. Thanks for the content it is inspiring😘

[@jveshg60]

i think it's a definition thing. It's not an emergency fund outside of your 1000 it's a hill and valley. You work freelance so you have extra money to cover the hills and valley. emergency fund is for emergencies. You know you'll have short months and thats what the hill and valley is for. nice work on everything. keep up the good work! (dave talks about it if you listen to the podcast a lot. you'll hear it)

[@stupidsmartperson]

justin vesci I agree, to me an emergency fund is something you’re not planning for at all. To me, most things in life are not emergencies. You can predict hills and valleys to some extent, you can predict that your car will need repairs and that one day you will need a new car, etc etc. planning and knowing your own needs and budget is so important!

[@mlbmachine99]

Dave Ramsey says you should have 3-6 months of living expenses in your EF. He recommends starting with $1000 before you focus on paying off debt.

[@pannycakesbabycakes]

Bitch!! Bahahahaha, y’all are awesome, I love you budget videos!

[@itsanjuhlli]

Sorry about the haters, but your videos are so helpful!! Glad to see you posting again 😊

[@KellyChase]

Oh my that planner sounds so fun! Don't let the haters bring you down, love all of your content 💕