Vlogmas 2018 Day 1 | December Budget + $10,000 Towards Debt | Aja Dang

[@ursulaleonowicz2744]

Doing sponsored content should not make you feel uncomfortable: KZbin is your job and you should get paid for it. I feel like a lot of people (perhaps mostly men? I dunno) have a problem with women making money as "influencers" because for the first time in history women are driving the narrative. Like, instead of an old white man making money selling women toxic tampons, you're making money introducing women to healthier alternatives (LOLA, for example). Also, it's nice to see how generous you are... there are many people who have a lot more than you and give a lot less. You deserve all the success, and money, and happiness.

[@BelligerentStyle]

Sorry, this comment is very.....full of feminist cliches and lacking common sense.

[@ursulaleonowicz2744]

@@BelligerentStyle Please do expand, as I'd be curious to know where the "feminist cliches" are (especially since it's "full" of them) and what part of the argument lacks common sense.

[@BelligerentStyle]

@@ursulaleonowicz2744 Well, first of all, why would you think it might be men that are leaving the negative comments? Correct me if I’m wrong, but the majority of her audience are women, men aren’t typically interested in such content. People don’t have a problem with women making money if they’re good at their job. What people have a problem with is all the scamming youtubers have done, which has made them wary of sponsored content, and how boring such content tends to be, let’s be honest, no one likes watching ads, especially if that’s not the content they subscribed for. Personally, I just fast forward trough any product placement and am not bothered by it that much unless the whole video is and ad, but I do get why some people got upset. And how are women influencers driving the narrative for the first time? A lot of them are just reinforcing the image that all attractive women are good for is posing for photos and advertising products. Take away the good looks and the majority of the female influencers would have dead careers (not all of them, and I greatly respect and admire content creators who first of all are creative, honest, have charming personalities and try to create innovative, entertaining and educational videos and only then can be described as beautiful). Just because tampons are produced by women doesn’t make them somewhat superior to tampons of the same quality produced by men. Would that mean that all female urologists are inferior to male urologists? And by the way, all tampons are bad for you and make you susceptible to infections and TSS. Did she touch upon that when advertising them? Maybe she has, haven’t seen the video but all I see her advertise is hello fresh and square space, just the mundane stuff that the majority of KZbinrs promote. I’m not saying they are bad products, but it’s not like they’re some ground breaking products that are saving lives. Speaking of generosity, Pewdiepie just raised money for underprivileged children in India, while she donates to Planned Parenthood, a shady organization that has received a lot of criticism.

[@ursulaleonowicz2744]

@@BelligerentStyle 1. I never said that men were leaving negative comments, I said that "perhaps mostly men" had a problem with women making money as influencers. 2. "People don’t have a problem with women making money if they’re good at their job." Why the immediate "if?" Why wouldn't they be good at their job? What does gender have to do with the ability to do a job, really, unless the job is procreation? 3. Totally agree with you RE: boring sponsored content and/or ads but personally, as a woman, I enjoy hearing about other women's experiences using certain products (like non-toxic tampons, for example) because it isn't something you hear about in mainstream media. Tampons that come apart in women's bodies were recently recalled in Canada globalnews.ca/news/4755701/kotex-tampons-recalled-canada/ so I was really interested to hear about what Aja had to say about using LOLA. 4. Women influencers aren't driving the narrative for the first time; women are (or at least they're trying to), whether they're influencers or not. KZbin allows for a certain democratization, so anyone who has something to say and a way to say it (a camera, an internet connection, etc.) now has the chance to be heard, no matter what they look like. 5. "Unattractive" women aren't given that opportunity in mainstream media... how many unattractive female newscasters are there? Politicians? Actresses? Singers? The list goes on. Generally speaking, women are not given a public voice unless they're attractive. 6. Are you referring to the same Pewdiepie who promoted anti-semitism online people.com/celebrity/logan-paul-pewdiepie-youtube-scandals/? 7. The only person that I've heard of criticize Planned Parenthood is Donald Trump... the same man who thinks it's okay to "grab women by the pussy."

[@BelligerentStyle]

@@ursulaleonowicz2744 1. And why would you think that? When the majority of women influencers’ audience is women? 2. Sorry, gender has nothing to do with it. Because we were talking about women, I used the word women. The same applies to men. 3. Well, you were interested personally, but the content might not be of much interest to women who don’t use tampons. I just watched the video actually (at X1.75 speed, I am mostly only interested in her budgeting videos) and what she said was: don’t lose your virginity to anyone, use protection, tampon ad, be wary of STDs and see a doctor if something’s wrong. To be honest, that information is readily available everywhere, quite basic, superficial and it looks like she did no research for it. It feels like she made the video not because she wanted to talk about women’s health, but because she wanted to include a sponsored product. 4. Doesn’t the same apply to men? 5. Doesn’t that apply to men? How many unattractive male actors and singers do you know? I am from Europe, so maybe in America it is different, but a lot of TV hosts and newscasters primarily have relevant education, talent and/or expertise in the area and their attractiveness varies and isn’t a measure really and they don’t read the news wearing a bikini or shirtless. I googled "bbc news presenters" and what came up was middle-aged people, definitely not bombshells that Instagram is full of. 6. No, I’m talking about the pewdiepie whose messups and bad jokes get blown way out of proportion by traditional media. just because you make one very bad anti-Semitic joke for which you apologize right away, doesn't make you an anti-Semite. And how is that even related to his charity work? Let's say, even if someone was promoting anti-Semitism, which he wasn’t, would that erase every single bit of good they have done and will do in the future? Can’t people change? Tolstoy raped his female servants, so his literacy legacy should be obliterated by it? Of course, what he did was awful, but that doesn’t change the significance of his writing. Or people who have committed felonies should not be given employment after they’ve served their time? Of course, there should be a limit where a person has done something so awful that he cannot be forgiven, that’s why capital punishment still exist, but using the N word once in a non-racist way or cracking a bad anti-Semitic joke is definitely not on that list. 7. Just because you haven’t heard about it, doesn’t mean it hasn’t been criticized by more people than Donald Trump. Try Youtubing or Googling it. And I am no Trump supporter, but why are his importunate remarks related to his criticism of planned parenthood? Just because he says stupid things doesn’t mean that every single piece of utterance he produces is nonsense.

[@lushpapaya9932]

Brian is right. You dont have to explain anything. Its your job.

[@melkol9484]

A 17min Aja video that is a vlog and finance? Yasss 🤩🎉🎊 It is a bit ridiculous for people to give you shit for doing sponsored content but then praise your finance goals & videos. Personally I don't mind it and some of your sponsored content puts me onto brands that I didn't know about but who offer products or a service I might be interested in. Anyways, looking forward to Vlogmas (Ajamas?) 😁

[@scheherazade777]

My problem w sponsored content is when the individual doesn’t really use the product. You however use and believe in the stuff you sponsor. That makes a huge difference. I am so glad that you are seeing the fruits of your labor! Never apologize for that.

[@7crysb7]

Keep doing you! It is so inspiring to see you succeed and pay off your debt. I have paid off about 60K in the last year and hope I can repeat my success next year, too! Here’s to being debt free!!

[@Porcelynnn]

7crysb7 wow!!! Good job!! You should do videos too!

[@tinahorvatek]

Congrats 🎉 🎉🎉🎉 fingers crossed you do even better 💪🏾😎

[@7crysb7]

Thanks guys!! ❤️

[@Army_of_Me]

Wow! 👏👏 Congratulations! You will surely succeed!

[@JenniferJChung]

Aja, I freaking LOVE how transparent you are with everything. When I see you doing sponsored posts, BECAUSE of how honest you continue to be with your audience, I can't help but celebrate you everytime. Also, knowing your values and how much you care for animals, the environment, etc. -- it makes me trust that the companies you work with also align with your beliefs and it helps in a major way as a consumer. Thanks so much and GET YOUR PAPER !

[@cieraaustin1354]

Don’t feel bad about sponsored content, make that money! Most people aren’t mad at the content they’re mad that it’s not them doing it. Don’t apologize for their insecurities.

[@katiehuntley6852]

I am a college student and love your videos. I would love to see a video for bugeting for broke college students or what you wish you would have done back then to save money.

[@Ava_2045]

Katie Huntley I agree. I'm still in college and make $400 a month max :,( definitely cannot relate to her budget. I buy everything from the dollar or thrift store.

[@sairathealchemist]

My goal is to finish paying off my debt! I have $4500 to go. Last year I payed off $20k as a server. In June I became overwhelmingly unhappy at that job and quit without following my plan to be out of debt in August. Needless to say that set me back a lot, but I learned a lot. I start my first day tomorrow at my new job and can’t wait to hustle. I came here immediately to get my motivation back again. Thanks Aja!!

[@AjaDang]

wow - that's a huge accomplishment!

[@missSDW]

That's amazing. And being happy would be #1 especially if you're single with no kids. So if you had to pause for a little bit to find a job at least no one else was depending on you. $4,500 isn't bad at all you'll be done in no time.

[@sairathealchemist]

Thaaankksss ladies!

[@laceyb.6617]

I feel like the only person in the world that doesn't complain when content creators do sponsored videos. GIRL GET IT. I'm happy to reap the benefits of watching your KZbin videos without having to pay for it. Let the brands pay for it so you can keep creating content!

[@monettecn]

My goal is to finish paying off all my debts! (Don’t have any student loans) but I had 18k in credit card (wtf was I doing!?) and for my car. I paid off the 16k just last month and paying my last 2k next week! Whew! 🤩🤩🤩

[@cat_pb]

Congratulations

[@monettecn]

Charlie PB thank you!!!! 🤗

[@Army_of_Me]

Fantastic! 👏

[@beautifuledie]

Girl, you get that sponsored content and pay that debt off!!

[@Shaiya5]

I love how incredibly giving and charitable you are! Even while paying off debt you find the funds to donate towards good causes - that's incredible

[@deesaysHAHA]

Goal for end of the year: not buying any more clothing items, cosmetics, and selling more of my clothes I no longer wear on Poshmark :)

[@hruyle93]

Same goals here! I'm not going to be Sephora Rouge next year and I'm not upset about it! I'm also working to cull my wardrobe down to the things I really love

[@selenadolmuz1473]

Dee Bounyavout me too!

[@chenoasimpson5733]

My December financial goal: get my first paycheck because currently I am trying to get a job. Lol On a real note, just do you Aja♡. As a non- youtuber I don't know anything about getting sponsored content from companies so I don't know how much work is put into that and editing it on footage, but I assume it's a lot of work. I love both sponsored & non sponsored videos because mostly what is sponsored by you shows me as the viewer why you like and care about the product. It's like a trusted/verified recommendation:) As for the wedding money, I also learned that recently too! Haha My boyfriend is korean & in their culture it's normal to at least send $50 to cover the food& maybe a bit more. Guests who also can't make it will also send $50 just because they were invited. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Anyways, love you & don't be stressed! You'll be financially free in less than a year♡♡♡!

[@MnC0224]

Girl, get 👏🏽that 👏🏽 paycheck 👏🏽 The ones complaining about your content are the ones not doing anything proactive to tackle down theirs. As always, love your honesty :)

[@marissaflorez6273]

I love these videos so much, thank you. Navigating how and where to spend money to both live and pay off debt + plan for the future is difficult. It’s good to hear someone work through it and talk about it publicly. Wish my friends and I talked about this more

[@yasmeenaaviles8506]

Love you, Aja! You don't have to explain yourself to people, especially when it comes this. I'll always be watching and I know there are so many of us that feel the same. Love your style and perspective!

[@haute_healthy]

I adore your vlogs and can't get enough of your financial journey! Your sponsored posts are the most legit sponsored posts I've ever witnessed where I never feel like I'm being sold anything you don't believe in or aren't interested in yourself, and your twist on things is what makes so many people love you and your channel. Keep doing you & slay that debt! xx

[@RosanaZeng]

People complain just to complain. You can't please everybody, especially those who are not willing to be pleased. I'm amazed at your hustling skills - keep at it! You go, girl!

[@mistyeve7]

My December finance goal is basically to one pay of my fall semester tuition, two buy Christmas presents, and lastly save between the range of $100-$600. I like your videos a lot and have helped motivated myself wanting to start budgeting more and make a finical planner ! In regards to the comments people do make about your sponsorship's, its your channel and your income, so don't stress !

[@thinktransnational]

A little late to this video, but just wanted to say that there is nothing wrong with doing sponsored content. Like you said, it's literally your job and without needing to be, you are super transparent about every dime that you spend. I also want to give you a little encouragement on your journey to being student loan debt free. It's going to be totally worth it when you get to the other side. I spent six years, post college, paying off my tens of thousands in student loans. Some people supported me and some people though I had lost it to be writing thousand dollar checks per month to get my debt paid down faster. December is a milestone for me too. It's the month that I sent my very last payment to Nelnet and became debt free. 2018 has been the year of building a nest egg for me and while at times I feel like I could have done better or saved more, I still did it. I have a nest egg for emergency, money to travel, and I'm contributing to my future as well. Everyone's financial journey is different, but in the end we ultimately have to do what's best for ourselves. It sounds like you're doing just that and I hope you're proud of yourself. You should be :)

[@divabonitaa]

My goal is to save $700 this month. We’re cash flowing our landscaping and we want to have $2400 by the end of this month to be on track for it. Love you girl I’m so excited for vlogmas!!!

[@SeaofKeys101]

Brian is right...GET YOUR COINS, sis!!! This is your career and I like sponsored videos from you because you’re honest af. Do you, girl 👏🏾

[@julieoh-chang6910]

Thank you for believing in your heart. There are many opinions that come at you because of your job. However, as a long-time viewer of your content, it's just so refreshing to see that there is someone out there with similar (financial and heart) mindset. And your heart is grounded in choosing good. I support you, and am continually encouraged by your journey. I'm going to be debt free in about 1.5 years! Cheers to your journey!

[@angofftheclock]

Yayyyy a new video! It makes me happy to see you do sponsored stuff because I know it just makes makes you that much closer to reaching your financial goals, and I think I just love it when I see people working hard and winning at life! So you keep doing you sisssss I’m here for it. Also I think my financial goal before the year ends is to be able to create a full solid plan and track all of my spending to get a head start on killing my credit card bill and student loans 😭

[@miodyssey]

That’s right Brian! You better stand up for your girl! ❤️😊

[@unbreakable_kimmy]

Girl, you do what you gotta do! I feel like there's a mix of people who may watch your fashion/beauty videos and those who watch your finance videos. So far all of the comments on this video are positive. We're rooting for you! My December goal is to get a third job to pay off my debt faster!

[@punkkimiko]

Reaching my 15k emergency fund goal:)

[@carnival30]

Miss Judy nice!

[@Army_of_Me]

Amazing! Congrats! Ladies like you are showing me that it can be done...and that I'm slacking😂 I'm putting in extra work TODAY!

[@punkkimiko]

@@Army_of_Me You'll get there. It took me 1.5 years of saving.

[@kayyyandriaa]

My financial goal is to start my journey in paying off my student loans. Just graduated in June and definitely didn't know enough about finances when taking out my loans as an 18 year old.. Being a first-generation student has been a learning process, but through your finance videos and others on KZbin, I feel motivated and ready to tackle my debt!

[@abijerome7178]

Girl don't let the haters slow your grind. Dave Ramsey literally preaches about reducing your spending and increasing your income. If sponshorships and side hustling is the way you do it.... Keep grinding. Cant wait for your debt free SCREAM!!!

[@jacquelinenixon3476]

Girl keep doing what you are doing! You don't have to explain yourself!! Also it's SUPER motivating hearing you coming closer and closer to your success!! Especially if it's sooner than you initially planned! LOVE YOOOOU! My goal in December is to pay $5,000 towards CC debt!

[@TheSebbyRox]

Out of all the youtubers your sponsored content videos are the most real and genuine. Yes you are being paid to talk about a company, but you are good at choosing companies you actually stand behind and use. Don't ever feel bad for getting that cheddar for your hard work!

[@AjaDang]

TheSebbyRox thank you

[@kiarabeard87]

My favorite thing about about your budgeting video is that you give real figures. Keep doing you because you earned it! You put in the time and hard work! You’re open to the community about money when it’s a taboo topic to discuss paychecks. I’m proud of you and I’m with, so keep shining ! My finacial goal for this month is to find another outlet of income!

[@kt_rvs2731]

Love your man, he's right. Get your money. KZbin is your job that we watch for free and ads is how you get paid for the work you do. Get it girl!

[@tinydreamerrr]

you're so inspirational Aja! Please keep doing you! 💛

[@yaindyroque12]

Why would people get mad that your getting paid. Do what you gotta do girl. Your real fans will always support you ❤️

[@malloriedina5159]

There’s nothing wrong with how you make your money and sponsored blogs. i love ur videos! i think that a lot of people don’t make that much money so it’s difficult to relate in terms of how quickly u are paying off your loans but your videos provide a source of motivation to find ways to possibly earn more money to pay off quickly too!

[@DaltonsFriendswood]

Wondering a little about how you split the finances with Brian. Do you go half and half. Do you each have certain things you pay?

[@EliseRomero]

Girl don't pay attention to the haters. The degree I got put me into 6 figure student loan debt as well but I was fortunate enough to also get a 6 figure salary. I support a family of 5 as well so while I want to put a lot more of money into my student loans, I recognize that I have mouths to feed. I feel the frustration of not being able to pay it off as quickly as I would like, despite my well paying job. I would never wish that frustration on anyone. Good for you girl for recognizing how fortunate you are and at least you try to help others out in need as well. Your heart is in a good place. Wish you well on your journey.

[@jocelynhernandez706]

Aja do you! You work hard and you deserve a peace of mind. I'm sure the majority of us are rooting for you!

[@ginamarie5289]

Girl you do you! If the benefits outweigh the cost of producing sponsored content, who can blame you!! Thank you for these videos they really motivate me to get a grip on my finances!

[@thehannahruth1160]

I don’t think there is anything wrong with sponsored content. Honestly, I think it’s AMAZING that it’s helped you work toward your goals. You are awesome!!!

[@vickisigh2674]

yay aja to your almost one year anniversary since beginning to conquering your debt! so proud of you for doing this, youre amazing! 💖💖

[@McCutcheonLily]

I've been following you for a very long time now, and I don't think I ever commented (silent shy viewer here), but Aja, your videos are really good, I enjoy your content, and you're putting the work in for your sponsored videos in order to not make them look that much sponsored, and I appreciate that. I really appreciate it, because it's not easy to do. I will support you in your journey, I will watch your videos and support you, because I love your content, and your soul. I want you to succeed in paying off your dept as quick as possible and get on with your life and start dreaming again. Do as much sponsored content as you need, this is part of your job, and you're really good at it :) xxx

[@lorraine113]

Forget about those people I’m glad of what you are doing and I’m learning so much . You are an inspiration for me, I actually have problems managing my money and I want to learn and get out of debt.

[@ericarenee.]

Aja, I just wanted to say I'm happy that you have sponsored content, you even let us know that it's coming ahead. So, if the people don't want to see the sponsorship stuff, they can not tune in. I highly doubt they will not tune in because we love you. I want to see you SUCCEED! I want to see you accomplish this goal and obtain the happiness and contentment you've been waiting for. Keep doing YOU.

[@creatingari6664]

I really admire you using your funds to help those in need as well as helping yourself get to a better financial position. And I support you doing sponsored videos, tons of others do and they don’t get any negative feedback, especially male KZbinrs. Make that money 💰

[@sophia_megan]

December financial goal: just to not use credit cards or borrow money from family to get through the month

[@mmmarkeezy]

My December goal is to pay off my last credit card in the amount of $800 it’s been a long time coming and I’m so excited to no longer have credit card debt lingering over my head. My last debt is a personal loan of about $10,800 which I stupidly got to pay off my other credit cards. So stoked to no longer owe anyone any money. 🤗 Love your videos Aja. So happy for how far you have come and good luck paying down your student loans.

[@AjaDang]

yes, congrats!!!

[@marethasambe9964]

I agree with you. Keeping my money in order actually helps me realize that I have something to give to the causes I feel strongly for. This would not happen before because I just spent everything for... I don't know what.

[@rsl8759]

honestly, I started following you because of your debt focus...so...some of these folks are hypocrites because they would make no apologies about accepting additional money to help them reach their goals. You aren't hiding it and your focus is clear. keep doing you and too many people dont like other people succeeding TOO WELL.

[@volcompunk58]

I’m paying off 4 credit cards this month. Paid my first one off yesterday. I plan to be out of CC debt by May but just paying off one is a big relief. Next year I hope to be done paying off my cc debt and my car. Very encouraging content right here! 👏🏽

[@meganclowers8528]

I agree with Brian. Would someone complain about the money I make from working two jobs and all that overtime? No! People just love to hate when they see someone other than them doing well. They want you to do well, but never better than them. They don't have to watch sponsored videos just like they don't have to leave negative garbage comments on your social media. December goals? I'm working every single day, 12 hour shifts on the weekends, to pay off the entirety of my debt. I have $650 left on my car loan and $2,400 in student loans. I really hope to be debt free with the last paycheck in December or the first paycheck in January.

[@Jsbdhuwbxbks3]

I agree with Brian! December goal: Have $3000 in savings

[@JustMeKelly]

My goal is to not feel guilty about spending less on my family this year, ha. I've created a budget on how much I'm allowing myself to spend this Christmas, and it REALLY makes me feel like crap that I cant spend more. But, I have to do it if I want to get myself out of debt! Also, DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR HOW MUCH MONEY YOU'RE MAKING THROUGH SPONSORS. I think it is AWESOME and INSPIRING that you're succeeding, Aja. Pay no mind to the people giving you crap about your sponsors; if they're pitching a fit about it, I feel like it probably stems from a place of personal self doubt and self hate. Keep making that money gurl, you're killing it!🖤

[@MonL12345]

Make your money if people don’t like it then don’t watch!! You are an inspiration I am trying to pay off my student loans and I love you and everything you share love

[@linal.612]

Thank you for being honest and real! I don’t love seeing a ton of sponsored content either but that’s your income! And if people don’t understand that, then it’s their problem. I appreciate how you balance it and how transparent you are about. Way to go on your debt payment for November!

[@jessicabui1006]

Keep doing you! Brian is right, it's your job and you try so hard to make these videos even if it's sponsored. It's seriously ridiculous that people are criticizing you about sponsored content. And for my financial goal before the years, I'd say I would like to save a decent amount and cut back on spending. As a college student it's tough but having that cushion would make me feel so much better.

[@azilizc]

I’m so excited for this vlogmas! I’m crawling under school work and grading and really needed something to get me through the next 20days. Keep the sponsored deals coming so you can get rid of your debt faster :) As far as financial goals for the end of this month: not spending more than 20$ on groceries for the end of the month (just did a decent one today)... I had to finish paying my school’s segregated fees and PhD applications this week so now I am really close to $0 in my bank account and it’s only dec 2.

[@lanilovezz]

Don't let those jealous people try to drag you down. MAKE THAT MONEY HONEY! 🙌🏼we support you!

[@amyernst9780]

you’ve come so far since your first budget video holy wow! also you’re awesome for donating to those in need!! don’t listen to the people trying to prevent you from doing your job. keep doing you :)

[@dieunguyen2699]

I'm vietnamese and that's how we give gifts for weddings. My bf and I go to about 6-8 weddings per year and yes girl, it adds up!!

[@tareemusic]

Yaaaassss Brian! Support your woman! People are crazy! It’s not just your job, it’s a blessing for you to have those opportunities and should serve as inspiration. For the weak, your success is a reflection of their failure, succeed anyway! On your timeline, without apology! You are creative and intentional and getting your coin and I think I speak for a lot of folks when I say that shit is like fuel! Kill it Aja! You inspire us to kill it too!

[@Kuzhy811]

We support your hustle and dreams, anyone who doesn't support you doing sponsored content clearly does not but you keep winning regardless. I'm genuinely so proud of you :)

[@HIFATS]

Can't believe it's almost been a year... I remember the first video was really motivational & now I enjoy looking back to see what I've managed to push myself to do over the year as well. Onwards to 2019:-)

[@CambreyThomas]

1) Make your money and don't apologize! I find your journey so expanding and am happy to see you succeed. 2) Where did you get those cute PJs from? 3) My money goal is to fill out my profit/loss spreadsheet for 2018 and start organizing my tax stuff.

[@sophiahenning7115]

Since I'm getting more and more into minimalism, I'm trying to declutter some of my stuff and either donate it or sell it on eBay and other reselling sites. Already did that in November and used the money I got to buy almost all Christmas presents, but the money I'll make this way in December will go straight into my bank account. Since I'll finish my Bachelor's degree in February, I already started looking for jobs and probably will have to move next year, so I'll try to save up as much money as I can.

[@zoe-elizabethmccray4868]

I'm confused...the sponsorships are part of your livelihood. You are SUCH an inspiration Aja, ignore the salty viewers 😊 December financial goal: save $1,500!

[@muliajinardi0611]

my financial goal this month is to pay for my passport and put $50 down toward my first international trip for next year!! i love these videos so much, and honestly i kind of like when you have more sponsored videos because i'm just thinking about how much of a weight is being taken off of your shoulders by making money. youre such a boss, keep doing your thing!!!

[@rashantesnowden7442]

I love your finance videos! They are super motivating and really encourage me to continue saving and paying off my small debt!

[@lenretuta]

I also had a difficult time getting used to every dollar app, but recently found the simple budget which lets you create envelopes and it’s super easy to use!

[@chrissyhepp]

Oh please lady, haters really do love to hate. You are genuine, and we see that. 💪🏻

[@m_m_m9594]

as an old subscriber, I trust your opinions & know your channel isn't solely about sponsorship. I think those complaints about u making too many sponsored videos are from new subscribers who just saw the recent sponsored contents & got the wrong idea about u & what ur channel is about. congrats on everything u accomplished this month (decor, refinancing, etc) - can't wait for the apartment tour :)

[@blancagarciaa]

I love your videos! Those who mention too many sponsored videos are not watching because they want you to succeed. They are the type of people that point out anything bad to make themselves feel like they are better than you! Don’t listen! You are doing an incredible job and being so honest and helping me be so much more motivated about being financially responsible! Get your money girl and get rid of that debt! Don’t feel guilty or feel like you have to compromise!! I’m proud of you and can’t wait to see you get rid of that debt weighing heavy on you!!

[@gcstatus09]

Get it girl! Don't worry about sponsored content. I love ALL of your content, especially since you're super transparent.

[@taploykao]

You do you; I have been watching you since before you started to do finance related videos. You are my inspo in getting my finance situation together in 2019.

[@puddflones]

I love this video! It makes me excited to budget and to know that you donate so much as well is amazing!

[@3pearsonboys]

Don't listen to those chronic complainers. Their mama didn't raise them rkght. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. They didn't learn. Keep your videos coming. They are honest and I enjoy them!

[@jodigfromfwtx4888]

Asa...You have a legitimate financial goal. As long as you're not hurting yourself or others, achieve it in any way YOU see fit. Sponsorships earn you $ so you would be unwise to pass up the opportunity to increase your paycheck. The naysayers aren't paying your bills/loan, are they? There are plenty of us out here rooting for you!

[@bridgetbaker2903]

I have two December financial goals. The first is putting that last little bit in to have 3 months of expenses saved in an emergency fund. The second is a little less tangible -- I want to sit down with my budget categories and weekly schedule and see if I need to make any adjustments to accommodate the fact that I'll be starting grad school part time at the end of January! I have been saving steadily for a year (and will continue to add to my grad school sinking fund as I go through my degree program, as I will still be working full time) so I have a budget plan for books and tuition. However, I'm anticipating having to do more batch cooking or maybe some more convenience food to save some time, which will affect my budget, and it'll be harder to pick up extra work to cover unexpected expenses.

[@Army_of_Me]

Great goals. Best of luck with everything!

[@rachelblaise5130]

I respect her hustle so much.

[@rheyabigueras6404]

Hi!! This is my first time commenting on your video! I've been watching you for a long time and I love your content. You're truly my favorite KZbinr! This year you inspired me to pay off my own student loan debt and I did it! It was a very bitter sweet moment, I was happy that I paid it off but sad that I no longer had that chunk of money. So for my goal throughout the year was to save a good amount of money from what I paid towards my loan. I am very close to my goal and hope I can reach it by the end of this month. Sorry I left out specific numbers, I don't feel comfortable saying it. But once again I love your videos, you inspire me to a better version of myself. Thank you!

[@christytran2680]

My December financial goal before the end of the year is to pay off my credit card debt! Thank you so much Aja for the tips! My credit limit has increased and I definitely need to work on my financial spending habits.

[@Army_of_Me]

Well👏 said👏Brian!👏 Don't be confused, Aja - the majority of us are rooting for you to succeed with your debt elimination, so keep going! I love watching this journey: the highs, lows, useful tips, you figuring out what works for you, the emotional rollercoaster... Well done and thanks for being brave enough to share! How/why does sponsored content bother people so much?! The product/logo is not on screen for the whole video. There's plenty of fluffy, mindless content out there for those people complaining to watch. Aja, forget the haters and make your money, girl! 💵💰 x x

[@mariamartinez7283]

Make your 💰💰! One of the many things I love about u is your honesty. Thanks!

[@doubleg3973]

My goal this year was to pay off the last of my debt, save 20k and also open a retirement fund! Did all three girl! 🎉

[@Emmit643]

Do you! Sponsorships are a great way to work towards paying off your debt! Even though our budgets are really different I still find your budget videos really useful and inspiring.

[@marieobligacion8226]

It’s more of peoples jealously that makes them say those kinds of comments. I think people who watch your finance videos are also in debt, and they are not in a content/freelance creation industry or has not reached the success you’ve created for yourself in this industry. It’s hard to see people succeed in the struggle of things quickly but for others it’s much slower. People should just support each other and stop hating on the ones at the near finish line. Get that money girl, sponsored content is part of your job. People who truly follow you will always have your back xx!

[@iliamorgan]

Aja!! I love you. I love your content sponsored or not! You are awesome and you give honest reviews. Get your money, reach for thr starts and suceed as fast as you want to/can. Love you!! And Bryian is 100% right. You don't have to apologize or explain yourself! Love you!!!

[@artofthebudget]

thanks for talking about giving as part of getting your financial house in order. i love it!

[@artofthebudget]

p.s. totally agree with brian, you don't have to explain doing your job. also, my goal this month is to get my emergency fund up to $5000.

[@iliamorgan]

It was pay off credit card debts which we accomplished!! So excited! Now medical bills and student loansA

[@mayarodriguezvillegas9234]

I’ve been spending seconds to minutes intentionally not skipping adds the last few months bc I realize the time, energy and devotion it takes to produce the content I’m enjoying and learning from. If anyone is feeling the same way, don’t skip.

[@Monica92robled]

Get your money honey!!! I get happy and excited when I see people I follow get sponsored by brands. 🙌🏽 I only follow and support people whose opinions & values are aligned to mine so I know that when you’re talking about a product or service... it’s legit.

[@MiraByler]

I want to earn an extra 1k to put toward a down payment on a car so my monthly payment can be lower. Also, I completely support you doing sponsored content! You hustle hard. You deserve to be paid. Plus you have high goals, and you’re achieving them. You’re doing great!

[@AngelissimaASMR]

I like the idea of paying for a dog sitter vs. boarding them because then you are supporting someone's "small business" as well as the dog getting more one-on-one attention, as long as you trust the person =)

[@grecia8599]

Omg I love you so much! You are my favorite channel on youtube! For December I finally want to launch my website on squarespace.

[@HelleaaBak]

I was just watching the playlist with your student debt journey and this came online hahaha, good timing. I really love watching your videos and I can't wait to see the "one year mark" video, you have come so far, so you should be really proud of yourself. I live for your vlogs so you doing vlogmas is fantastic, and your budgeting videos are what startede me on my budget journey, so thank you. Btw - I watch your videos, all of them, may they be sponsored or not. They are the effing reason (amongst other things) you can get the f**k out of debt and get on with your life (I watch them WITH ads on btw, gotta help a hardworking queen out when I can). Sorry about the rant, hugs and positive thoughts all the way from Denmark :D

[@AjaDang]

Helle Bak thanks so much for the support!

[@Emmit643]

This month, I want to actually follow a budget for Christmas shopping. Every year I just do whatever and don’t think about how much is being spent. But I’m a student again now, so I don’t have the same money I did before. 50$ limit on each family gift. Second goal, put 300$ towards debt!

[@edithloise]

Oh no honey, keep doing your sponsored content! Screw what anybody thinks or says. This is your job and that’s a major part of how you get paid. Do what you have to do! I love your videos and think you’re doing everything perfectly, keep it going girl!