What I’m Going To Do IMMEDIATELY When I'm Debt Free! | Aja Dang

I'm Aja Dang and I wanted to share a couple of things that I've been dreaming of doing when I pay off my student loan debt. Of course, these goals aren't for a couple years away but it's fun to dream of the day when I'm debt free.
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[@herydiaz6173]

1. Get out of LA/SF (miss the east coast) 2. live in Europe for a couple of months 3. Start a family 4. Buy my wife a nicer wedding ring 5. Buy my dream bicycle. Should be done by April of 2019. Started Dave Ramsey 2016 total of $250,000

[@emmatessier600]

to live in europe I advise a cheap option such as volunteering organisations (workaway, ...) or couchsurfing

[@sugalips428]

Hey are you debt free now?

[@KayKayBayForever]

I’m curious if you’ve hit your goal too. :)

[@nataliecampbell8213]

I am planning on saving 6 months worth of rent, save for a down payment and plan some travel!! I have 5 more months til I pay off my debt.

[@jackieewhackie]

Natalie Campbell hope you paid it off!

[@katiereece92]

Oooh, this is a good practice! Immediately after we (my husband and I) pay off my student loans: 1a- I'll cry for months thinking about being able to breathe, 1b- we'll contribute more towards our house fund, 2- we'll bump up our giving, 3- work towards buying a Subaru Outback 😍 , 4- work towards funding a Japan & Europe vacation, 5- once we have a house, my dream is to have a washing and drying machine that will sing to me when a load is finished. I know that sounds so strange but the one in our apartment scares the crap out of me when it yells that a load is finished, and I am so over it 😂😂

[@AjaDang]

I love the fact that one of your goals is to have a singing washer and dryer. It's funny how simple our goals are.

[@alexmcginness8859]

Lol I have a washer and dryer like that and not gonna lie, it’s the cutest thing ever!

[@kendraLMFAO]

I'm currently aggressively paying loans all while saving! You have been so inspiring the last few months and encouraged me to really up my student loan payments. You make me feel so hopeful for the future. I also feel you on that glass of wine and charcuterie board haha! Some thing I wanna do include: 1. Definitely cry and tell people close to me when it's paid off too! 2. Treating myself to something I want that's a little more on the pricier side would be nice, not sure what yet though. 3. Stop being so damn frugal and cheap (well, a little lol). 4. Go out for a nice dinner and treat others to it as well. 5. Book a vacation or at least save for a nice vacation.

[@TruFinancials]

I love this!!! Having goals and being intential is such a big deal. Putting your goals out in the world is key! It's great to hear your goals, thanks for sharing.

[@samrly6253]

I think it is important to remember that being frugal doesn't mean not ever having fun and "treats" don't have to be huge expenses. One of my favorite treats is a $1.89 vegan muffin from Whole foods once every couple weeks. I appreciate it when I have the extra cash and it satisfies a need for a treat. There are so many ways to have fun without spending money or with spending very little, because ultimately it is about the people you are spending time with. A board game night at someone's house once a week with a potluck style meal where everyone brings a dish is a great frugal way to have a great time with friends. Have a girls night in, give each other facials, do hair and nails together, chat watch a movie, have a meal that you all cook together and just generally have a good time with some good people.

[@Elena-er7zp]

Yesterday, I officially completed Baby Step 2 and have started Baby Step 3. It doesn't feel real. I treated myself throughout Baby Step 2. My treats were concerts and a three week detox program. I created sink funds for them. I considered them my living expenses. I would have given up faster if I didn't get to go see live music. But I did give up $80 haircuts, mani/pedis, expensive vacations, restaurants and bars.

[@cutiepiemania45]

Congratulations!!!!!

[@trishj6402]

i can relate to that feels about live music. concerts are liiife

[@Elena-er7zp]

cutiepiemania45 Thank you!!

[@Elena-er7zp]

Trish Jalos yes! I also foundso many great bands because spending $10, $15, $20 on a ticket got me into so many more shows than say one ticket for front row for Beyonce. lol

[@trishj6402]

@@Elena-er7zp Oh yes. What's your fave music genre?

[@irenezamora8566]

I usually don’t comment on videos but since starting my debt free journey I have felt the same way you do. I love watching these videos. When I’m debt free I think I would cry and call my mama because then that would mean I’m ready to be a mama myself. 💕

[@Christinamychas]

Aja, im just coming on here to say please don’t stop making these videos. Your struggle and keeping it real with us just reminds me that I’m not alone in my own journey of becoming debt free. I just did my November Every Dollar budget just now after watching your video, and it’s time to get aggressive with my own student loan. I racked up a six figure debt to get myself through pharmacy school, but haven’t taken what remains seriously and really am only realizing now how my choices and spending habits have set me back in what I truly want. I’m ready to sacrifice over spending, over indulgence and really crack down on this loan. Because I agree - I’ve treated myself back then and it’s probably why I’m in debt now. Crack down, get it gone, and treat yourself later. I can’t wait to meet the little Bully doggo on your channel when you’re debt free. Hopefully by then I am too.

[@lizgiddens9663]

Hmmmm 1. Cry and get a cake for myself and binge watch Dave Ramsey and tell each caller positive affirmations via my laptop screen and bed lol 2. Save up for a home 3. Get a really bomb savings going 4. Plan a great trip wherever we want with family/friends. 5. Go on a shopping spree and build a great capsule wardrobe for work + whatever looks cute haha 😁💗

[@KcRace]

I've finished paying off my student and car loans since late August. Honestly, I felt nothing. Well, mind you my loans weren't as big as your's. Paying both 18k for student and 30k for my car loans since 2014. I was living alone for the first year so I was paying the minimums every month. Then got fired from the job I went to school for and moved back home into my parents' home. Took a year off then eventually got a good paying job. 2 years later, I'm happy with this current job, it pays well, I JUST got hired on as Full Time, still live with my parents but I'm loving life. Now that I'm debt free, I want to live free. Saving up to buy a home. I feel like I've been treating myself too too much while i was paying off my debts. So I'm trying to aggressively save.

[@oliviaenglund]

I truly get super motivated by your videos Aja, you have no idea how much your words help.Thank you so much for sharing with us your progress, goals and dreams! When I become debt free I’m gonna: 1. Do my debt-free heartfelt scream 🗣 2. Take my sisters out for a lovely and fancy dinner to celebrate. 3. Start saving money for my own house. 4. Go on a trip with my best friend, something I haven’t done for years and years because of my financial situation. 5. Adopt a dog! ♥️

[@LibbyAudrey]

I appreciate how real you are and paying off debt is no joke, but you're such a role model for so many of us who have loans and debt to pay off. Side note, where is your sweater from? I need.

[@AjaDang]

Banana Republic!

[@emmmab]

1- have a nice dinner 2- get my ears pierced 3- get a puppy 4- start donating to a few organizations monthly 5- making sure I NEVER go into debt again.

[@nicoleotis4514]

We've also had people talk about, "enjoying life now." It's frustrating to say the same things over and over to people. In the process of paying off our debt, we realized just how bad we were at dreaming. Dreaming about the future, having those goals, etc. was a huge struggle for us. Once we paid off our debt, we had 1 day where we did all the things we like. Dinner out, a movie, a pedicure, etc. It didn't cost much but it was a great day. We're still thinking about what to do when BS3 is completed. :-) Love your videos and your similarities to my thoughts on the process. Makes me feel less like I'm alone in this process.

[@dreamerher2]

So inspiring! Yes I agree to have a vision of the end goal it makes it so possible and real. Plus a detail vision is real pusher to get more debt paid off. 1. Dinner with my love ones 2. Book a trip to Cali to see my family and celebrate with them 3. Get a girls night out to celebrate 4. Save and book for a Japan trip! 5. Save for Japan street food. YUMMY LOVE THIS. Thanks!

[@sloan5751]

First off: I am LIVINGGG for this look on you. STUNNING. Second: You are such an inspiration for having goals and smashing them!

[@alexlove1328]

This is such a beautiful, honest journey. Thank you for so much for sharing because it’s so inspiring

[@agoogleuser6416]

I’ve been so obsessed with this paying off debt series. I paid off my university student loans 2 weeks before finishing my final classes and went on a 3 week vacation right after I finished my last university class. It was unfortunate that i did not have as much spending money as I would have liked to have for my trip because i put that last bit of money towards my loan but it was so worth it ! It was so weird and surreal making that last payment but being 20 graduating university and being debt free is one of the best feelings ever. Now I am still in search of a job after university but I could not be more grateful to not have student loans to worry about just my occasional credit card spending. The best part is once I get the job of my dreams I can start saving right away for the purchase of my house and car without having debt dragging behind. Thank you for this series !

[@sharonhughes9122]

Your channel is my literal dream. I LOVE talking about money, I love budgeting, I probably think about it waaayyy too much! And it’s so fun to watch someone else talk budgets!

[@lienytran]

Can’t wait to hear your debt free scream on Dave Ramsey podcast!!!!

[@Brandon-gj3vn]

You should watch the livestream on KZbin

[@LorialRoballo]

Me either! I listen to him everyday and hopefully I’ll be debt free by October 2019!

[@jesseeec]

No pain no gain. I got bald spots from the stress debt incurred in college. Hair grew back and student loan free. It’s liberating to know I dug myself out of that hole. There is no other high like that. 💪👍❤️

[@TheYasminThing]

Well, here you are! Hope you celebrate it well!

[@ladybanks9766]

Keep moving forward Aja! Don't be distracted by other people's opinions. Keep moving forward pay these ugly debts to the last cent so you can live the best life you've ever lived.... DEBT FREEEEEE!!!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!

[@mzfinah]

I'm 6 weeks away from being debt free. I was 50k in debt from a previous relationship (over 6years ago). Im due with my 1st baby on 5th of November and my goal this year was to pay off my debt before babe gets here. I think I'll be 2 weeks behind but I'll be so glad. All in all im happy because ive paid all my baby needs mostly in cash and i won't be going back to work for a year so im glad i can spend time with her. In the last 6 years tho i must admit i have had the 'treat yo self mentality' so i have been on 3 trips overseas and i do treat myself relatively often, i don't think i have the determination to deprive myself all that often. But being pregnant i have pulled back and am more mindful then ever that our baby depends on us and our money decisions. I just think I'll breathe a big sigh of relief and ill put my credit card in the freezer in a big ice cube and I'll delete my credit card from all my online stores i purchase from and use my debit mastercard instead. Then i can begin to future plan and save money. I'll need to have the emergency fund instead if using my cc, then save for potentially a deposit for a house closer to work. I have loved how true/raw/real you've been aja. Its so refreshing and i love that you haven't shy'd away from how debilitating and frustrating the journey can be. Good luck and i can't wait for you to pay off your debt and get a pitbull!

[@zoe-elizabethmccray4868]

Aja, I'm debt free as of Saturday. I am a singer, and I just booked a professional contract at Disney World! The amazing thing is: now all the money I make during this contract I can now save, as the job itself will be such a vacation-esque experience. THANK YOU for your debt videos, they have inspired me during my journey!

[@AjaDang]

wow - TODAY YOU'RE DEBT FREE! CONGRATS!

[@findAplaceToCallHome]

I technically have enough in my savings to pay off my car and be left with 4 months of expenses. But the thought of forking that much money for my debt, scares me crazy. I just think I need to get serious about it and just pay the damn thing off and save some interest meanwhile. I paid 1k today, 5 months worth of payments, want to do another 2.4k in December (Christmas gift to myself), then by 6h Feb (my birthday, just pay off the whole thing). I understand about dreaming big but realistic, I literally have the exact same dreams, including the dog breed, but pitbulls are banned in the UK, so I'll have to get another dog, but that's ok, plenty of dogs out there who need love and a shelter. You'll be OK, people like you go far in life. it may seem somewhat odd, but I do think that generous people tend to do better financially than not so generous people, as if the Universe returns the joy you caused :) good luck and wish you all the best.

[@kphids]

I love how transparent you are about this touchy topic! Not a lot of people are comfortable speaking about debt, and as a recent college grad I definitely feel this financial burden. I haven't even thought of what I would do after I pay off all my loans, so I really appreciate this video. It makes me look forward instead of feeling stuck in my current situation

[@MrGraphite101]

I got emotional when you said you would adopt a pit bull after you buy a house with a yard. That is an amazing goal-- I love pit bulls (have one myself) and it breaks my heart how many amazing dogs there are in shelters. In a city like LA, it is even harder for large dogs like pit bulls to find a home. Good for you. I'm rooting for you! You're so inspirational.

[@kevans763]

I'm a Paralegal in a bankruptcy law office. I see lots of people who suffer with student loans and it's so overwhelming. I commend you for being very advantageous in taking care of this debt. You need to celebrate throughout your process so you don't become depressed over your process. Don't beat yourself up if you don't pay monthly what you would like to pay. Just remember what you pay still makes your balance less than before you paid that particular amount. You're doing a great job. Keep it up. You ROCK!

[@pearlsaremybestfriend]

Im so proud of you .. Tackling the loan and doing a budget was great because it shows how responsible and the knowledge you gained fiscally and emotionally is invaluable.

[@rosethestar87]

This entire comment section is full of amazing goals and ideas, im loving it!!!!

[@marketingbybourey4526]

Ever since you’ve opened up about your financial goals, I’m proud of you for being consistent. Please keep it up because your hard work will pay off. You have been very focused so that puts a smile in my face 😃👍

[@cristinagil9610]

I don't have any student loans but I must say I worked really hard to get where I want to be vs. if I had a degree. I'm in tech, so experience and personality is more valuable depending where you apply. Since this video doesn't apply to me I just want to say to you and others to keep going! You're almost there and enjoy the little things during the process ☺️

[@elizabethkang8382]

May I ask where your sweater is from? The color on you is very flattering!

[@AjaDang]

it's from Banana Republic!

[@elizabethkang8382]

Thank you, Aja!!

[@kaitlinparsons6556]

I just cant fathom the fact that 200k is a DOWNPAYMENT 😳 Where we live, that is the price of a nice home with a yard.

[@selenacrose]

Aja your debt free journey have been a HUGE inspiration to me! I graduated a year and a half ago and only recently am I beginning to take steps on my debt free journey. When I'm officially debt free I hope to be getting married and paying for the whole wedding in cash & eventually moving to a condo or house ... thanks again for the videos. Keep rocking it :)

[@kathynguyen9304]

Love this look on you. :) Warms my heart when you mention planning for your wedding - I got married a month ago and it's the best! You deserve the best!

[@LewisPike]

Love this!!! Your doing a great job paying off your debt! Having a strong why is key to getting your debt paid off. I remember going through some of the same things when paying off my debt, even through I was making progress and paying off loans it never really hit me until I paid my final student loan. Thanks for continuing to inspire and I’m excited to see you become debt free.

[@maurathislessofthat4964]

We are working on paying down our mortgage. our 5 things would probably be as follows. 1. add a little more spending money each month. 2, catch up on a few home repairs, 3. Go to Hawaii as we got married there 20+ years ago and have not been back since. 4. Take our kids to Disney world again (they are older now but we love going as a family) , and 5. relax a little!

[@KayKayBayForever]

About two years left till I’m debt free. Getting there! When it’s gone: 1. Nice dinner, like you mentioned. Somewhere fancy with fresh seafood. 2. Buy my parents something awesome (they’ve loaned me a lot of money over the years). 3. Leave a huge tip for some waitress or barista. 4. Start saving for an awesome holiday with my husband. 5. Go to a fancy spa and pay for my broke friends to go with me.

[@RunRiotProd]

I will stop worrying. That's all I need.

[@VS-fo9py]

I love your focused intensity on paying off the debt. That intensity is what is going to speed up your debt free journey. I am so excited for to do go do your debt free scream in person on the Dave Ramsey show. Your story will reach so many people and you will inspire more than you have already. You are truly an amazing person.

[@heyyyloe]

Oooh this is such a good idea! i'm definitely gonna make a response video to this asap!! My student loan grace period ends next month and I've already devised a payment plan! your channel has helped and inspired me a lot!!

[@AjaDang]

yes. Start conquering it NOW! great idea.

[@naydaro4441]

Good for you for staying focused on the long-term. I think a lot of people have a hard time making sacrifices in the short-term for long-term success. I promise it pays off. I made so many sacrifices when I was in trouble with credit cards...I missed out on some things but those were nothing compared to the freedom I have now. I still have student loans to take care of and I'll hopefully be debt-free in the next nine months! There are three things I have in mind for what I will do immediately when my student loans are gone: 1 - Write about it 2 - Create a plan for growth and investing #passiveincome 3 - Create a plan for making some minor updates to the current home I live in Keep it up, Aja! XO

[@LRCosta-vm5fc]

I'm going the aggressive repayment route with my student loans now. I'm paying them off one by one & it is such a great feeling when I pay one off completely. Once I have them paid off, I'm buying myself my 1st new car, unless my car dies before then.

[@Jenniinavarro]

Looking forward to you looking back at this video and I hope you accomplish everything and much more!

[@maemaemae333]

Ahh!! Love your comment about wanting to adopt a pitbull!! They are such amazing dogs and I love when I hear people spread positivity about them 💜💜

[@oliviaenglund1778]

This is so inspirational Aja! I'm right where you are now, trying to pay off my loans super fast, everything I'm earning goes to my loans, so there's not much room for anything else. I have so many things I wanna do once I'm debt free, and this is giving me even more hope. I'm gonna treat myself with a lovely dinner too once I'm debt free 😊🙌🏻

[@Jenniinavarro]

Yay Aja look at you now!! I am soon to end my debt as well! If I keep my promise I should be done within this coming year!

[@rachelfrombefore]

Champagne and charcuterie are DEFINITELY on the list for when I am debt free. I’m going to brunch so hard, too. Im going to max out my Roth IRA and my 401k. I’m going to trade my scion in for something sexy (paid in full!) and I’m going *somewhere* international for the first time!

[@AjaDang]

might I recommend Tokyo for your first international travel.

[@earthboundblueprint]

1. Cry and call my family 2. Buy a vacation for my parents 3. Start spending the extra money on some more high end/ luxury skin care.

[@danimcgeek]

It's so good to see you so confident and making future plans! Your dream day once you pay off your debt and have a house sounds like mine! Don't have any student loans yet; going back to school at a community college and then transferring to a 4-year state school, at which point I'll have to take out loans. The only other debt we have is a mortgage and we are lucky to live in an affordable place (grew up in Long Beach, CA and moved to the Midwest). Once the future loans are paid off and the house is paid off, I'm def taking friends and family out to dinner and hopefully able to book a trip to take my husband to England to visit his fam.

[@AjaDang]

community college is a great way to go.

[@gsong78]

Hi Aja, I think you're approach to being debt-free, aka aggressive, is totally the way to go. I've had to learn how to manage my own debt the hard way and am thankfully debt-free now. It can be so crippling during the process but once you reach your goal, you will feel an immense amount of freedom! You're still so young so by the time you become debt-free, you will be able to "treat" yourself to whatever you please, and that may be to even save for your dream goals! Best of luck from Canada xoxo

[@islandgalD]

you honestly are a real one Aja!! I love when you post these vids because it's such an inspiration. and while I can't even begin to image paying off my mountain of student debt in 2 years I still get inspired by your journey and honesty. so what I'm looking forward to is 1. a nice vacation with my family, 2. saving up for a house, 3. increasing my savings, 4. putting more money into investing and 5. being more generous :)

[@linal.612]

When we completed Baby Step 2, it didn’t feel real. I love that you’re dreaming about this. I think it’ll really help to keep you motivated and be present in the moment when it happens for you! After we completed paying debt, we started saving for an international adoption. After 2 years, we brought our son home this summer! Also, definitely go to Nashville. Going to the Ramsey studio was such a cool experience. I was totally geeking out and I loved it!

[@jalabi99]

YOU DID IT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, AJA!

[@vinorajavarothayam4859]

Hey Aja! Honestly these financial videos are the best! These and ur vlogs are the best! anyways best of luck with ur financial goals...I definitely want to start taking more control of my mortgage and increase my net worth while simplifying my life ...striving everyday

[@conflictpersona8]

I love this video!!! 😍😍😍😍 LOVE you seemed lighter here and that hope is REAL girl you'll get to the other side of this. I cant wait for debt free video your story is SO raw so genuine im glad you chose to document it.

[@coralakey]

I ADORE THESE VIDEOS. They've helped me so so much. You go Aja!

[@meganclowers8528]

My husband and I will be debt free February of 2019. I cannot wait to begin BS3 and 3B. While we don’t have immediate goals in mind, we definitely know what we’re going to accomplish next year. 1) Buy a king sized bed. I’m 5’10 and my husband is 6’2”. We simply don’t fit on our full size bed. 2) Put a down payment on a boxer puppy/or adopt one from a rescue. We lost our boxer, Jax, last year and it was the catalyst for our debt free journey. Our home just feels empty without one. 3) I’ve never seen our nation’s capital! We’re going to take our first vacation as a married couple to Washington, D.C. during the cherry blossom festival. 4) Save up for a Sephora haul and new clothing. I haven’t bought myself anything in a very long time and I’m going to treat myself. I’ve lost weight since starting our debt feee journey and want to look good and feel good in my body. 5) During 2019 we will be really focused on saving up for six month emergency fund and starting to save for a 20% down payment on a house. But, I have a niece and nephew that are going to be getting to be teenagers very soon. Since my husband and I don’t have kids yet, I’d like to set aside some money for each of them to go towards a car on their 16th birthday.

[@AjaDang]

Feb 2019 is SO CLOSE! Also, my debt free journey started because of my dog as well. Please adopt! There are lots of Boxers (in CA at least) in shelters. I know you'd give them a good home!

[@michaeljcole9203]

Honestly, I'm probably going to save a good amount of money until my credit score goes up. There is literally nothing else to do, I mean I would buy clothes (not agressively) but I've always been the type to spend what I have to, and dream about the rest until it becomes a reality. Also I think it's extremely healthy that you vocalize your aspirations because we filter so many thoughts and ideas that our brain makes and because of that, it can be hard for us to decide what's actually tangible until we take the first steps into believing that it's real even if it's only by saying them outloud.

[@victorinedomisse4460]

i wish you the best, hope you'll achieve your goals! You truly deserve it !

[@valeriehenneberger25]

I'm still in school for another 5 1/2 years for Pharmacy so I will be in Baby Step 2 for awhile. The good news is that I will be able to work during the summers so I can save more for the school years. 2024 can't come fast enough!

[@anouskaal8508]

I would LOVE to see you do a debt free scream on the Dave Ramsey show! Your journey has been so motivational for so many people.

[@AyaPapayaxP]

Because of you I refinanced my student loans (which was SUPER easy btw!) and am now on an aggressive plan to pay it off! 🤗 thanks for making these videos!

[@AjaDang]

yay! I'll be refinancing myself soon as well

[@robinsky139]

I'm so inspired by you Aja Dang and love it!!! I wish you the best of luck with paying off your loans and most of all achieving your goals for your dream life. Thank you.

[@susanlee101]

Aja! You’ll get their. I think you’ll feel relieved. I know I would be when I finish paying off my school loans. You can do it.

[@XProShopperX]

Aja, this video is amazing. Your goals inspire me so much. I’m 19 and I don’t even know how I came across your video but it helps me out a lot. I’m going to school for (hopefully) dental hygiene and my future goal is to ultimately travel, then I wanna settle down with a big house and lots of dogs too 😂

[@kcorpz]

My mom always taught me and my brother to never do student loans. I am now in 3rd year in Accounting and I never did student loan. Prior to that I did Bachelor of Science for 3 years and I switched to Business. I’m so thankful that I never did student loan before or else I’ll be in so much debt now. I’m working part time and studying full time. So whatever I get for my paycheque it goes to my tuition for this coming January. I also have savings that’s locked for 2-3 years so I can’t even use it but I plan that to use as a down payment for a car or house.

[@Jewelbunny411]

I think it's hard to explain to others why it's so important to get rid of debt as quickly as possible and why you have to work so hard. People tell me to treat myself and I feel like I don't need To "treat" myself. MY treat is being debt free and proud.

[@AjaDang]

exactly

[@mademoisellesachaaa]

There's definitely a culture of acceptance around debt, and it's abnormal not to feel comfortable with debt hanging over your head. But personally, it's hard for me to have it hanging over my head and so I avoid it at all costs.

[@joelyliriano]

you can do it, i look forward to hearing about it in 2 years (or less) 1. cry happy tears 2. start saving for a down payment on a home 3. adjust my mind state (slowing down the constant crave to work work work) 4. congratulate myself 5. help others on their journey

[@LivinglikeLeila]

Yessss for adopting a pitty! I have a pit and I love her :) I would definitely 1) cry as well 2) go on a nice vacation 3) start saving for buying a house (I want to move to California) 4) start investing in the stock market more aggressively 5) more saving?? lol Mine aren't necessarily IMMEDIATE but would definitely start planning on those. I have about $78K left to go.

[@_noahrh]

I paid off my student debt earlier this year, and it DEFINITELY was a huge relief. I do now have a car payment, but am happy to do it because it's something I tangibly use multiple times a day and it has greatly enhanced my quality of life. I had all sorts of crazy ideas about what I might do once I paid my student loans. Maybe I would move to a small town in New Mexico and work at an art studio? Maybe I would pack up and move to Mexico City? Road trip to Canada? All sorts of things I thought I would want to do and I believed that my monthly loan payment was preventing me from doing them. To be honest though, while it WAS a huge relief and did eliminate the "tunnel vision" I had, life carried on pretty much the same! I happily have the same job and live in the same city pretty much doing the same things with the same great people. I'm just happier and don't feel that weight I did before. I definitely feel freer and more in control. I think what I'm trying to say is even though you have debt right now, try not to imagine this phase of life as "pre-debt free" or somehow not "real life" yet. You are living your life now and will still be living it once you click that final payment button. You'll eventually have a hard time remembering what it felt like when you had so much debt, which will be so cool. I hope that makes sense. You are on the right path. I think in a couple years future Aja will look back and be proud of all the hard work, and would wish she could've told today's Aja that everything is going to be great, and remind her that everything is already great in this very moment :)

[@khloesilverado]

I’m waiting for my PSLF to finish off my student loans in a few years, but I am working on my personal debt! I would do similar things once I’m done: play the “bye bitch” lizzo video at least 100 times, bottomless mimosa & bellini fueled brunch with friends, weekend getaway, work on my rainy day fund savings (which is now non-existent), and start investing (in addition to my current retirement pension).

[@GabrielaRosette12]

Thank you for this. I really needed this today and it is very inspiring to watch you through your story. I am also in the process of repaying my student loan debt and I will cry tears of joy when I am done repaying. Thank you again! :)

[@emu9520]

Such an interesting series. You will feel amazing when debt free! It's such an incredible feeling. Your focus will get you there quickly!

[@MKS73636]

Aja, I loved this! 💗 I will save to buy a tiny home 🏡 I can’t get enough of these financial videos you make, it is so refreshing to hear you be so open about this.

[@kwako21]

Thank you so much for posting! I'm trying to get rid of my college and medical student debt and it can be soul crushing. I look forward to your budget and student loan videos. It seriously motivates me! Would you be able to do a video on doing taxes for bloggers or youtubers?

[@elizabethgracefashion]

1. Build up my emergency fund 2. Invest 15% of income to retirement 3. Invest money in mutual funds 4. Pay for a Tesla (in CASH) this one is the funnest one 5. Buy a house I have about 5 years until I pay off my debt. I just started my Dave Ramsey journey yesterday, but I'm going into it like a Gazelle!

[@deleted8281]

I've been following your financial journey since day 1 and you've come such a long way. Thank you for sharing :)

[@ekatiemo]

"Happiness is sacrificing what you want now for what you want most."

[@yEyA017]

Great video Aja, thank you! I've been debt free for a few years while me and my SO traveled and just had fun. Now we're saving for my first car. Then a bigger house and another cat :D

[@KimmyHiuify]

I love this video! This is definitely a happy video to watch! It’s hopeful and a great celebration to look forward too! It is nice to hear and talk about the optimistic part of post debt free! More people should do this personally to keep motivated and positive towards debt-free 😆👏💜 Aja stay strong! I am rooting for you, girl! ✊

[@MissNickkieJ]

Thanks for sharing, Aja. Also - love this pink color on you! 💕

[@TheBudgetingWife]

I love hearing your debt free dreams!! I’d love to see your debt free scream!

[@itsvnessa3475]

I always love seeing your financial journey videos. You will get there in no time! PS you always look amazing!

[@maemaemae333]

Could you do a video with tips on how to find a good financial planner? Or how you found your financial planner?

[@kumihi5988]

I’m with u, having a big goal and small goals to get there. I would try to pay off a student loan first, too. I think what u r doing is great!

[@charlielover110]

I’m in 420k debt bc of graduate school...so after paying $5k a month for the next 10 years, I ll be debt free 😪. So I completely understand your friend’s comment about living in the moment bc I’m frequently overwhelmed and i feel sad seeing all that money leave my acct. But it’s all about balance so I think it ll help me stay focused if I have mini goals to work towards

[@SimplyHerpes]

What a great video. Don't refinance your loan. Rates are going up and it won't make a dent in your progress anyway. You are going to have this paid off in less than two years regardless of the interest rate. The only thing it will let you do is lower your payment by resetting the loan term length which won't help you at all. Just keep making those big payments. I love that you were able to recognize that your friend has good intentions but lacked the understanding of the long term vision and the commitment it requires. Since you have made a commitment to this journey, since you are sacrificing now, you are going to get everything you want. Everything.

[@RiceTeaLover]

Keep debt slaying girl! You got this!!!

[@ambition1224]

I would get on ny knees and thank Jesus because I know without His GRACE I would not be able to do it! Love u Aja! XOXOXO!💖

[@PockyluvrProductions]

1. Save up at least 10k for cushion in my savings 2. Save enough money to buy an electric car with cash (they're supposed to be banning gas cars by 2040 in CA) 3. Go on a trip abroad 4. Start my own practice (this can go anywhere after 1) 5. Save up to buy a house or condo with cash.

[@AjaDang]

electric cars are amazing. That would be a goal for me as well, but not immediately.

[@AJ-xv7sb]

hi! i love you and your channel and how honest you are about finances. However, i did start watching you late so i was wondering if you could maybe do a video about your financial journey and maybe how you've adjusted your spending and some tips? im personally finding it hard to budget so watching these vids help a lot

[@itsreesah]

I definitely relate to your story!! I found Dave Ramsey's podcast right after I graduated college, so I was very lucky. I put 80% of my income into my student loans every month, so I definitely feel your pain. I should be done when I hit 18 months, wooh! But I feel like you shouldn't have to constnatly justify your financial plan to pay off your debt! You are incredibly smart to pay off as fast as you can even if that means sacrificing for a little while. Good luck with your debt free journey!

[@mjunettec]

you did it girrrrlllll 💕💕

[@misselainemarie]

So happy I found this channel! I am paying off a very similar amount of debt! You got this!

[@AjaDang]

you got this too!

[@eunicelovelee]

I like the way you set your goals! Def will be following your method once I'm out of pharm school and have to start paying off my loans T__T

[@eunicelovelee]

Also, how highly do you suggest getting a financial planner?

[@08Ilovehorse]

Hey aja would you ever consider a video on what you would differently? In terms of student loans tips and tricks. I personally want to go to chiropractic school & I know I will be in debt. And I would love to hear you opinion! Thanks Aja!

[@AjaDang]

great idea.