When you buy your car girl don’t tell them you’re paying cash until you seal a deal on the price. Cash is not King in the dealership. They don’t make money off cash so they won’t be willing to negotiate a deal. Congratulations on all your hard work
2021 financial intentions: do a low-buy year, become debt-free (18k to go), max out IRA, 401k up to employer match, and save a good hunk of change for when vacations are a thing again! excited to see your 2021, aja!
Thank you for being a space where we can talk about money! It’s so difficult to broach the subject with a lot of people. I would love to see content on how to manage finances for a couple. A lot of tools are designed for one person.
I'm single, but in my ideal relationship I would love to share an account for our monthly bills, emergency fund and sinking funds then have our own separate fun accounts.
Next month, I'll have achieved my emergency fund goal, and then if all goes according to plan-- DEBT FREE 2021(student loans & Invisalign)! Positive vibes to everyone! 😎
Yesss I love this. I’ve changed how I’ve been tracking and organizing my spending a few times this year which is kind of annoying. I’m just trying to find a method that is as simple as possible, but includes everything I want. Can’t wait to organize it for 2021! Hopefully I’ll make a solid plan
How funny.... I just spent almost 4 hours working through my 2021 money goals and budget. When I finished I asked myself if maybe I went overboard and need to step back. Then I check on youtube, click the video and hear “I spent five hours.....” 😂 thank you for that!! I feel better already lol
"My back hurts... i'm 34 years old" i've never felt something more in my life.... but I'm only 23 LOL. On a real note, this video is great Aja, I have similar aggressive goals so its nice to see someone else do that!
Aja, you have no idea how satisfying it is to see "vision board your home" written on top of the table in the debt overview page. That little phrase contains so much strength and discipline from the past and present and your amazing goals for the future. You are such an inspiration to me and have changed my life for the better. I can't wait to purchase your planner (going to add it to my budget) to support you and help myself. In the meantime, I will be patiently waiting for the downloadable planner templates. Thank you Aja for being your awesome self and sharing it with us.
I definitely want to save 6 months of expenses but also be able to contribute more into investing. Love love your videos super motivating and reassuring to know that I am not the only one who takes hours to plan their yearly goals!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE! These videos. Have you ever thought about creating like a group mastermind/coaching membership? Girl I would 100% join! My 2021 financial goals are 1. Pay off all my credit cards and become 100% debt free. 2. Increase side hustle income, 2020 really affected my partner and I, we both have had to change careers this year. Due to the pandemic we had to take huge salary cuts because a lot of places that would hire us have hiring freezes. We live in a high cost of living area so it’s been tight. 3. Decrease our living expenses so we can save for a down payment on our first home together. (2-3year plan) 4. Actually save money for sinking funds.
@@AjaDang she means create extra more in depth content as a paid group. You can now do it on YT. Or through a blog. But you charge a fee be it monthly or yearly and it's an extra income for you but more work, or a little less info here on your normal channel... check out Pennies into Pearl's she does it a little differently, more on family and meal planning budgeting!
I started saving $36 a paycheck from June of this year for Christmas presents! This was the first time doing that and it saved me so much stress and I was actually happy to shop this year! Love your videos!! Plan to purchase the planner! ❤️
This is coming at the perfect time! I’m in the middle of writing mine out right now, it’s so true that putting it down on paper is such a mentally gratifying thing
I just discovered you about one month ago. After seeing how you organize and vision board/mind map in your planner I was inspired to get my own passion planner! I had already started before you announced your planner. In general though, having a paper planner for the first time has brought so much more calm into my life to write out a schedule and my goals. I look forward to trying your master plan for 2022. Thank you Aja for sharing, inspiring, and remaining true to yourself while doing so.
Personally we love that our credit union accounts for sinking funds make 1.9% with dividends paid monthly. It really adds up! We’ve been saving for our kids first car since they were born with $20/month each. It just comes out of our paycheck and we don’t notice it. 🙌
So thankful I came across your videos!! I am starting quite late in life with taking my financial situation seriously but with your tips and advice, I know I can accomplish my financial goals :) The year of 2021 will be all about paying down debt and setting up sinking funds so I am no longer living pay cheque to pay cheque! Very excited about your planner and hope to get my hands on one in January for my birthday!
When I think back to when you were paying off your student loans and getting stressed and now seeing you like THIS! I am so freaking proud of you and all your hard work. And I especially love that you’re a responsible dog mom ❤️❤️ Thanks for keeping me motivated at working on my goals! 🙌🙌
Now that I became officially DEBT FREE in November 2020 :), my goal for 2021 is to create an emergency fund for post-grad. Universities in my country are free, but I'll probably have to move to another city. I wanna save a year's worth of rent + bills.
I’ve sat down and wrote down my 2021 financial goals this week. They are simple in understanding, but not so simple in execution- finish paying off the rest of the debt and save for the FFEF 🤩💪 I know how much money it’s going to take, now is just a matter of earning it 🤞
I LOVE these videos-thank you so much! Keep sharing your financial planning. This inspired me to schedule my financial planning and goals convo with my husband for 2021
This year I'm incorporating to dos into my goals. Automating investing, life insurance, things of that nature are on my radar for when I become debt free in the summer of 2021.
About new car , i buy and sell alot and the best way to buy is to look out for a newly used car you want that the first owner is looking to sell before they trade it into the dealer. People try not to buy from street car flippers unless someone recommends them , they find anyway which way to hide problems just to get your cash and there gone. They will say yes im original owner just to hook you so go with someone who has experience when buying a newly used car. NOT your Bestfriend unless hes bought several cars and knows what hes/shes doing!!
i am so ready for this planner.. i had a planner for a year & then didn't have one for another & i literally felt the difference!! from what i've seen in yours, i know it's exactly what i want & what i need.
My main financial goals for 2021: Fill up my 6 month. I am about halfway there. Make a big dent in my student loans, I have a little over 18K left. And I hope to have that paid off in 3-5 years. I'm also working on getting more money in through my side business in 2021 as well, so hopefully I can put a portion of that income towards my student loans and growing my creative projects fund for a film and a photography project I have in mind. Goal breakdown for business income once I break even (30% for taxes, 30% for business savings, 20% extra to student loans, 20% to project fund).
You and Kimiko Love at The Budget Mom are my financial gurus. I first check on your advice for the new year before I plan my money. Thanks for all your hard work to help us sort out our finances.
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
Aja you are truly so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been binging your debt free videos the last few weeks as I’m on my own debt free journey. I can’t wait to get my hands on your planner in January!
Ok but actually! My parents make me feel crazy but I’ve literally always thought in terms of sinking funds bc LIKE YOU SAID, I DETEST seeing money taken out for bills. Even when I was younger I had separate piggy banks lmaooo My goals this year are to save up enough for a year’s worth of rent for a one bedroom apt in Brooklyn (post grad life ahh!), save a sinking fund of $5K for my small business in addition to $10K in profit for the whole year, and last but not least, at all costs, freelance/work for myself successfully to not move home after graduating college. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
My only goals for the first quarter of next year are to keep my head above water, but once I am working again (currently unemployed), my focuses will be affording a car, bringing down my credit card debt, and rebuilding my emergency funds. Love the planner! I'll definitely order once I'm back to work.
Aja!! Love your ideas on how to chart your income and expenses, can't wait to order this planner and customize it for me. In 2021 I am gonna be debt free and have an down payment and emergency fund saved. Bring on 2021! 🖤
Toyota cars are quite cost effective (gas mileage and service charges) and they are trouble-free once you maintain on schedule. I've owned 2 already. Great re-sell value also.
Thank you soooo much for sharing your financial journey!!! I viewed your most current and past videos, and I’m sooo excited to start my own financial freedom journey!!!!! Thank you for sharing your ups and downs!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ can’t wait to get my master planner!!!!!
Thank you for all the wonderful advice you shared with us in this video. My intention for this coming year is centered around my finances and I can not get enough information and encouragement... I appreciate all you do and share in your videos. Also a big thank you for always keeping it real.❤️
Yesss, it is lived in san Diego for three years an that about sum up our expenses there as well, we paid about 3,000 in mortgage and HOAs, 200, electricity, 50 water, about 400 on gas, 800 on groceries, plus in our case day care which was over 1,000 a month, cars where 900 altogether, insurance was 350, ect...
Love this video! I managed to have no debt but I struggle so much with saving money vs paying off debt.but I'm 30 already and need to get on the saving train
I've been thinking so much about my goals for 2021... its so hard to plan when everything is so up in the air, especially since I'm in that weird limbo right before/after college graduation
that's why I didn't have any longer term financial goals past a year bc it's hard to think that far in the future. Goals will come as your life allows it, no rush.
Thank you for making this video. I have been geeking out to your finance and goals videos. I even got a dot journal after you first talked about your sinking funds. Uncanny timing. I was just looking for a new journal/planner, and I feel you on the car... finally got mine fixed (I think) after it failed to start five times. Keep setting yourself and all your viewers up for success.
This was so helpful to watch! I just made my final payment on my grad school loans two weeks ago and am trying to figure out what to do with money now that that my husband and I are officially debt free ($75,000 in two and a half years). Following your journey has been so inspiring for me to keep going!
Aja thanks I can’t wait to pay off my last two debts which is my car and my daughter college loans I’m on track to have them both done by Dec 2022 but in the mean time I have sinking funds for car insurance, sons tuition savings, medical. I’m inspired because without debt I can purchase a home!!!! Happy Holidays Aja!!!!
Happy new year. 🎆 you got it girlie!! All your hard work is paying off. For me this will be a great year of budgeting. Paying of debt is one of my main goals. UA-cam is my second. 😍😍😍
For my 2021 I really want to work more into saving, saving is so hard for me and my wife because we spend but I feel like saving and being strict with our spendings will really help us for the new year.
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
21 goals: 1. 12% to 401k, max out Roth IRA, max out hsa - this is the first year I’ll be maxing out Roth and hsa. This year I got close! 2. Save 100$ per month to sinking funds - this really helped this year. 3. Pay an additional 1200-1500$ per month to student loans / snowball!! - paid off 6 this year, hoping to add more! I might refi again. 4. Save 1k per month for house down payment - goal is to have 15k to contribute to my fiancé’s amount. 5. Save 250$ per month for travel - I used my travel funds for the stock market this year! If we don’t travel I’ll add this to my down loans or payment goal.
Just did the same last night spent 6 hours setting our 5 goals for 2021. I know a little late. Haha "I totally thought of another sinking fund." Thanks for being so encouraging! :)
It will be available to ship internationally but shipping costs might be pricey and it might take a while to get to you. I’ll also be offering the planner to download so you can print it yourself and there’s no wait time
Aja, i've re-watched this video three times now.. and I want to say you changed my perspective on budgeting. Monthly, before, i'll put away an x amount each month for sinking funds but now, i think for 2021 i'm going to put a lump sum aside to act for all the sinking funds in the beginning of the year. I'm also thinking of saving up for all the bills first for the year before putting money away for savings. I was thinking of buying another Eric Condren planner for 2021 budgeting but i'll hold off until your planner is on the market. Thank you!!!!!
I've got $6800 in credit card debt left to pay. In terms of wins this year, I've upped my mortgage payments so I can pay my loan faster and paid off one credit card with a balance of $600
I’ve been following you for years. You’re such an inspiration. Even though I am still confused and taking small steps your posts have been more helpful than any other financial resource I have used. I would love to try out your planner when it drops! Just some info about me, I’m a healthcare provider in the Midwest.
It's so funny I am seeing this video today, I tried out the Jan month sample for the planner. I loved it so much over my hobonichi that I bought it on the spot! I can't wait to have it in a mind as a sole budget planner, because Erin Condren doesn't do it for me anymore either
I went shopping the morning after Christmas to get gift sets and other future presents for 50% off. I also did this for my mother and now she has next years Christmas and birthday presents all done.
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
Hey Aja! I just found your channel and I am so excited to start budgeting for the year of 2021. My goal is to decrease my car loan of $13,000 into $7,000! I don't have a high paying job yet but I am trying to tackle all of my income into my loan! Thanks so much for the awesome video!
its so great to see the goals that youve set and it makes me want to adjust my layout in my planner as well! i was wondering if you could make a video about couple finances - more specifically, how to talk about it with your partner, how to navigate priorities etc
I am soooo glad to hear that you're planning on buying a house. Although renting is convenient and necessary for some, it doesn't provide any tax breaks and you get no return on your investment. Looking forward to seeing your progress in this!
thank you for all the encouragement to set goals and be responsible with money, I just made the down payment for my land lot :D and to build my dream house I'm using all your advices
My goal is to pay off 46% of my current debt load. I am eager to get to the point where my money works for me--not the creditors! Great video--feeling inspired!
I have savings and emergency fund but I'm setting up multiple sinking funds next year for the first time. Already looking forward to the feeling of taking out money specifically allotted for something rather than taking out a large sum from my savings. Some of the sinking funds I have in mind: • Vet/pet fund - I adopted a stray dog earlier this year who ended up not making it but that really cost me a lot while she was with us, I still have another dog so it will always be good to be prepared • Business fund - January renewal will obviously not be taken out of the new fund but hopefully 1st quarter will be taken from it) • Real estate tax for 2022 (already paid 2021) • Car fund - Registration already paid but fund will be for casa checkups since I decided to skip it this year going nowhere with the pandemic • Tech fund - Hopefully replacing my laptop and get an ipad in 2022 (I have no need for it now but they technology degrades lol) • Skincare fund - My only hobby these days is buying and trying out skincare • Christmas - I love spoiling people and it's the biggest shopping cost I have all year
Would love a video discussing IRAs and retirement planning! Happy New Year to y'all :') and thank you for making content that has gotten me through 2020, have looked up to you for a long time :)
I’m patiently waiting for ally to go back to 2%+ sometime within the next year. My friend and I are pissed that it has dropped so low to .5% for their savings accounts
It’s not just ally all banks interest rates have been dropping because the federal reserve is trying to increase inflation by manipulating interest... so ally isn’t going to go up unless fed cuts spending and stops trying to increase inflation
Have you thought of using YNAB? I’ve been using it for several months and it makes planning / budgeting for sinking funds super easy. You set the target amount, date due, and you can automatically allocate money from your income to your sinking funds. Additionally, there are great reporting functions to track your spending. Using this zero dollar system will help created psychological friction before buying something not in your budget, since you will have to borrow money out of another budget, etc
I started a sinking fund for 2021 after checking this out. I typically kept a mental earmark for upcoming purchases, and I only used my checking account. I started diverting the money to a separate account at another bank. Thanks.
I have some pretty simple financial goals for 2021...as long as nothing changes, I know that I'm going to pay off my car loan and my last undergrad loan this year, so I'm mostly just focusing on refilling my sinking funds as quickly as I can. However, my only true personal/professional goal is to get a new job, which was SUPPOSED to happen in 2020 but I couldn't handle a remote job search in addition to a pandemic. I'm also in grad school, so I just dealt with this job that I've long been over to avoid more chaos. But once I'm able to get a new job (with a higher salary that isn't possible at my company), I will be able to update my financial goals: such as tackling more of my grad loans, paying next year's car insurance premium when it's due instead of in monthly payments, increasing my existing 401k contributions a smidgen more, and then starting to save up for my own (rented) place for 2022 when I graduate.
I should be hitting my emergency fund goal in April with 6 months worth of expenses. My man and I are also planning to pay our house off in 10-15 years, and I'm contributing a generous amount into my 401k. I'm not entirely sure what to do now, which is why I'm watching this video haha (also this video was the first one from your channel I'm watching). But of course, we have plans to fix up the house, travel in 2022 (fingers crossed) upgrade older tech (I have an iPhone 6s and a computer from 2013). None of that is necessary though so I don't know if I'm ready to spend on these new little luxuries I can afford.
You were talking about your car registration and I started thinking about saving for that each month. Then, I started thinking about Christmas. During each and every Christmas, I think to myself I should saved up for this. Then, you mentioned you’re going to save up for Christmas. ❤️💯🎁🎯❤️
Thank you for this video...you started my new years off right...I just subscribed and hit the notification bell...give me more! I'm eager to learn....I really need these videos💞💓💞💞🌹
recently discover your video. I am still in process of paying off my student loan. Now I am incoporating your ideas into my notebook to see if it helps with the loan. My goal for next year is to pay off more of my loan and save up for a house too. Cant wait to get my hand on your journal
so cool!!!! love it Aja!! I love a payment broken up I do it for the dumbest stuff lol I think it is from a fear mindset and feeling like I always need to have cash on hand. I want to save half my bonus this year, start making an extra payment on my mortgage and an extra year's worth of payments on my student loans, limit my bad habit of keeping a balance on my credit card and increase my savings for retirement by 1%! Also additional income which is always the goal, but I probably should focus more on cutting expenses. Ok dropping one subscription service this year. Wow thanks for making me think this through. Best of luck on your goals, will be cheering you on!
My husband and I are also saving up for a down payment next year. We just signed an 18-month lease, and we really want to be done with renting when it's up! I also want to save up some money so we can adopt a dog and have enough money for vet bills, etc.
I totally recommend the pet insurance. Honestly my cat had to go twice because he keeps eating dumb stuff, buuuuut with that said I've been paid out more than I've paid into it already because he wasn't cheap so I'm really happy I have it.
When you buy your car girl don’t tell them you’re paying cash until you seal a deal on the price. Cash is not King in the dealership. They don’t make money off cash so they won’t be willing to negotiate a deal. Congratulations on all your hard work
THIS!!!^^^
GOLD thank you!
I wish I knew this before buying a car a week ago!! :S
Very true!
2021 financial intentions: do a low-buy year, become debt-free (18k to go), max out IRA, 401k up to employer match, and save a good hunk of change for when vacations are a thing again! excited to see your 2021, aja!
Thank you for being a space where we can talk about money! It’s so difficult to broach the subject with a lot of people. I would love to see content on how to manage finances for a couple. A lot of tools are designed for one person.
I'm single, but in my ideal relationship I would love to share an account for our monthly bills, emergency fund and sinking funds then have our own separate fun accounts.
Next month, I'll have achieved my emergency fund goal, and then if all goes according to plan-- DEBT FREE 2021(student loans & Invisalign)! Positive vibes to everyone! 😎
YES!
Congratulation!
Yesss I love this. I’ve changed how I’ve been tracking and organizing my spending a few times this year which is kind of annoying. I’m just trying to find a method that is as simple as possible, but includes everything I want. Can’t wait to organize it for 2021! Hopefully I’ll make a solid plan
ya it takes a while to figure out what works, kinda just need to go with the flow of how you're feeling in that moment.
When her emergency fund is bigger than your annual salary😕
How funny.... I just spent almost 4 hours working through my 2021 money goals and budget. When I finished I asked myself if maybe I went overboard and need to step back. Then I check on youtube, click the video and hear “I spent five hours.....” 😂 thank you for that!! I feel better already lol
there's no time limit on planning your future
This year has been the start of my financial journey. I’ve really enjoyed your content. Your financial advice is honest and personal.
You couldn't have said it better😊💞
This! Love her
"My back hurts... i'm 34 years old" i've never felt something more in my life.... but I'm only 23 LOL.
On a real note, this video is great Aja, I have similar aggressive goals so its nice to see someone else do that!
Aja, you have no idea how satisfying it is to see "vision board your home" written on top of the table in the debt overview page. That little phrase contains so much strength and discipline from the past and present and your amazing goals for the future. You are such an inspiration to me and have changed my life for the better. I can't wait to purchase your planner (going to add it to my budget) to support you and help myself. In the meantime, I will be patiently waiting for the downloadable planner templates. Thank you Aja for being your awesome self and sharing it with us.
thank you!
I definitely want to save 6 months of expenses but also be able to contribute more into investing. Love love your videos super motivating and reassuring to know that I am not the only one who takes hours to plan their yearly goals!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE! These videos. Have you ever thought about creating like a group mastermind/coaching membership? Girl I would 100% join!
My 2021 financial goals are 1. Pay off all my credit cards and become 100% debt free.
2. Increase side hustle income, 2020 really affected my partner and I, we both have had to change careers this year. Due to the pandemic we had to take huge salary cuts because a lot of places that would hire us have hiring freezes. We live in a high cost of living area so it’s been tight.
3. Decrease our living expenses so we can save for a down payment on our first home together. (2-3year plan)
4. Actually save money for sinking funds.
2021 goals sound great! Can you give me an example of a mastermid/coaching membership?
@@AjaDang she means create extra more in depth content as a paid group. You can now do it on YT. Or through a blog. But you charge a fee be it monthly or yearly and it's an extra income for you but more work, or a little less info here on your normal channel... check out Pennies into Pearl's she does it a little differently, more on family and meal planning budgeting!
@@chaoshome34 ok I'll check her out. Thank you!
I started saving $36 a paycheck from June of this year for Christmas presents! This was the first time doing that and it saved me so much stress and I was actually happy to shop this year! Love your videos!! Plan to purchase the planner! ❤️
This is coming at the perfect time! I’m in the middle of writing mine out right now, it’s so true that putting it down on paper is such a mentally gratifying thing
I just discovered you about one month ago. After seeing how you organize and vision board/mind map in your planner I was inspired to get my own passion planner! I had already started before you announced your planner. In general though, having a paper planner for the first time has brought so much more calm into my life to write out a schedule and my goals. I look forward to trying your master plan for 2022. Thank you Aja for sharing, inspiring, and remaining true to yourself while doing so.
paper planners are the easiest way for me to stay organized. Digital is hard for me to work with
Personally we love that our credit union accounts for sinking funds make 1.9% with dividends paid monthly. It really adds up! We’ve been saving for our kids first car since they were born with $20/month each. It just comes out of our paycheck and we don’t notice it. 🙌
So thankful I came across your videos!! I am starting quite late in life with taking my financial situation seriously but with your tips and advice, I know I can accomplish my financial goals :) The year of 2021 will be all about paying down debt and setting up sinking funds so I am no longer living pay cheque to pay cheque! Very excited about your planner and hope to get my hands on one in January for my birthday!
When I think back to when you were paying off your student loans and getting stressed and now seeing you like THIS! I am so freaking proud of you and all your hard work. And I especially love that you’re a responsible dog mom ❤️❤️ Thanks for keeping me motivated at working on my goals! 🙌🙌
Now that I became officially DEBT FREE in November 2020 :), my goal for 2021 is to create an emergency fund for post-grad. Universities in my country are free, but I'll probably have to move to another city. I wanna save a year's worth of rent + bills.
I’ve sat down and wrote down my 2021 financial goals this week. They are simple in understanding, but not so simple in execution- finish paying off the rest of the debt and save for the FFEF 🤩💪 I know how much money it’s going to take, now is just a matter of earning it 🤞
I LOVE these videos-thank you so much! Keep sharing your financial planning. This inspired me to schedule my financial planning and goals convo with my husband for 2021
This year I'm incorporating to dos into my goals. Automating investing, life insurance, things of that nature are on my radar for when I become debt free in the summer of 2021.
About new car , i buy and sell alot and the best way to buy is to look out for a newly used car you want that the first owner is looking to sell before they trade it into the dealer. People try not to buy from street car flippers unless someone recommends them , they find anyway which way to hide problems just to get your cash and there gone. They will say yes im original owner just to hook you so go with someone who has experience when buying a newly used car. NOT your Bestfriend unless hes bought several cars and knows what hes/shes doing!!
our main goal in 2021 is to fully fund our emergency fund so we can fjnally start saving for a home as well and start investing more than we are now!
i am so ready for this planner.. i had a planner for a year & then didn't have one for another & i literally felt the difference!! from what i've seen in yours, i know it's exactly what i want & what i need.
I am soooo happy you posted your financial journey over the years, thank you so so much for navigating all this with us 😭🥺
My main financial goals for 2021: Fill up my 6 month. I am about halfway there. Make a big dent in my student loans, I have a little over 18K left. And I hope to have that paid off in 3-5 years.
I'm also working on getting more money in through my side business in 2021 as well, so hopefully I can put a portion of that income towards my student loans and growing my creative projects fund for a film and a photography project I have in mind. Goal breakdown for business income once I break even (30% for taxes, 30% for business savings, 20% extra to student loans, 20% to project fund).
You and Kimiko Love at The Budget Mom are my financial gurus. I first check on your advice for the new year before I plan my money. Thanks for all your hard work to help us sort out our finances.
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
Aja you are truly so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been binging your debt free videos the last few weeks as I’m on my own debt free journey. I can’t wait to get my hands on your planner in January!
wow thank you! Good luck on your journey
I love your excitement while you're discussing sinking funds, I am exactly the same haha
#adulting
Ok but actually! My parents make me feel crazy but I’ve literally always thought in terms of sinking funds bc LIKE YOU SAID, I DETEST seeing money taken out for bills. Even when I was younger I had separate piggy banks lmaooo
My goals this year are to save up enough for a year’s worth of rent for a one bedroom apt in Brooklyn (post grad life ahh!), save a sinking fund of $5K for my small business in addition to $10K in profit for the whole year, and last but not least, at all costs, freelance/work for myself successfully to not move home after graduating college. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
When you said that you will jump from the balcony I felt that! Lol I'm on the 1st floor too but I'm tired of renting
My only goals for the first quarter of next year are to keep my head above water, but once I am working again (currently unemployed), my focuses will be affording a car, bringing down my credit card debt, and rebuilding my emergency funds. Love the planner! I'll definitely order once I'm back to work.
Aja!! Love your ideas on how to chart your income and expenses, can't wait to order this planner and customize it for me. In 2021 I am gonna be debt free and have an down payment and emergency fund saved. Bring on 2021! 🖤
lots of big money goals for 2021!
You probably hear this all the time but you are such an inspiration 💟
Toyota cars are quite cost effective (gas mileage and service charges) and they are trouble-free once you maintain on schedule. I've owned 2 already. Great re-sell value also.
Thank you soooo much for sharing your financial journey!!! I viewed your most current and past videos, and I’m sooo excited to start my own financial freedom journey!!!!! Thank you for sharing your ups and downs!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ can’t wait to get my master planner!!!!!
Thank you for all the wonderful advice you shared with us in this video. My intention for this coming year is centered around my finances and I can not get enough information and encouragement... I appreciate all you do and share in your videos. Also a big thank you for always keeping it real.❤️
I love the journey you are on and the mission to your financial independence! I need to binge watch all your videos
Definitely will be integrating the Month at a glance daily expenses and annual income log. Thank you Aja!
this was definitely much needed for me as someone who is a recent grad lol thank you!!
I just don't understand why people would downlike a video like this? 😕
This is really helpful!
Your 5 month emergency fund is $35,000.. $7000 a month for expenses.. is this a California thing because wow that’s crazy.
Yesss, it is lived in san Diego for three years an that about sum up our expenses there as well, we paid about 3,000 in mortgage and HOAs, 200, electricity, 50 water, about 400 on gas, 800 on groceries, plus in our case day care which was over 1,000 a month, cars where 900 altogether, insurance was 350, ect...
@@theraayato5346 what do you pay towards property tax?
@@N0lemts About 4,000 a year. but its integrated with my mortgage payment.
Love this video! I managed to have no debt but I struggle so much with saving money vs paying off debt.but I'm 30 already and need to get on the saving train
I started at 30. You're not too late.
Aloha! Mahalo nui Aja for doing this video!!! My main financial goal for next year is to finally pay off my student debt 🙌
I've been thinking so much about my goals for 2021... its so hard to plan when everything is so up in the air, especially since I'm in that weird limbo right before/after college graduation
that's why I didn't have any longer term financial goals past a year bc it's hard to think that far in the future. Goals will come as your life allows it, no rush.
Thank you for making this video. I have been geeking out to your finance and goals videos. I even got a dot journal after you first talked about your sinking funds. Uncanny timing. I was just looking for a new journal/planner, and I feel you on the car... finally got mine fixed (I think) after it failed to start five times. Keep setting yourself and all your viewers up for success.
This was so helpful to watch! I just made my final payment on my grad school loans two weeks ago and am trying to figure out what to do with money now that that my husband and I are officially debt free ($75,000 in two and a half years). Following your journey has been so inspiring for me to keep going!
I love this sweater! The orange is very flattering on you.
Aja thanks I can’t wait to pay off my last two debts which is my car and my daughter college loans I’m on track to have them both done by Dec 2022 but in the mean time I have sinking funds for car insurance, sons tuition savings, medical. I’m inspired because without debt I can purchase a home!!!! Happy Holidays Aja!!!!
Happy new year. 🎆 you got it girlie!! All your hard work is paying off. For me this will be a great year of budgeting. Paying of debt is one of my main goals. UA-cam is my second. 😍😍😍
It sounds funny! I did many mistakes about my financial controlling, I always spent more when I earned more, and sometimes I invested till broke!
For my 2021 I really want to work more into saving, saving is so hard for me and my wife because we spend but I feel like saving and being strict with our spendings will really help us for the new year.
you can reach a balance where you save a certain amount before you spend on items you don't need... kinda like a reward for saving.
Your financial tracker helped me save up for my car :)
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
21 goals:
1. 12% to 401k, max out Roth IRA, max out hsa - this is the first year I’ll be maxing out Roth and hsa. This year I got close!
2. Save 100$ per month to sinking funds - this really helped this year.
3. Pay an additional 1200-1500$ per month to student loans / snowball!! - paid off 6 this year, hoping to add more! I might refi again.
4. Save 1k per month for house down payment - goal is to have 15k to contribute to my fiancé’s amount.
5. Save 250$ per month for travel - I used my travel funds for the stock market this year! If we don’t travel I’ll add this to my down loans or payment goal.
Just did the same last night spent 6 hours setting our 5 goals for 2021. I know a little late. Haha "I totally thought of another sinking fund." Thanks for being so encouraging! :)
Love how you included your goals in the description. Great video and I'm stoked for the planner! It's available to ship internationally?
It will be available to ship internationally but shipping costs might be pricey and it might take a while to get to you. I’ll also be offering the planner to download so you can print it yourself and there’s no wait time
Aja, i've re-watched this video three times now.. and I want to say you changed my perspective on budgeting. Monthly, before, i'll put away an x amount each month for sinking funds but now, i think for 2021 i'm going to put a lump sum aside to act for all the sinking funds in the beginning of the year. I'm also thinking of saving up for all the bills first for the year before putting money away for savings.
I was thinking of buying another Eric Condren planner for 2021 budgeting but i'll hold off until your planner is on the market.
Thank you!!!!!
I've got $6800 in credit card debt left to pay. In terms of wins this year, I've upped my mortgage payments so I can pay my loan faster and paid off one credit card with a balance of $600
Aja, been following for some time now and all I wish for you is more awesome content and more success for the year 2021! Keep it up!
I’ve been following you for years. You’re such an inspiration. Even though I am still confused and taking small steps your posts have been more helpful than any other financial resource I have used. I would love to try out your planner when it drops! Just some info about me, I’m a healthcare provider in the Midwest.
Have seen a couple of finance blogs but yours is the easiest to comprehend and is motivating! :) keep it up! Love from Philippines!
It's so funny I am seeing this video today, I tried out the Jan month sample for the planner. I loved it so much over my hobonichi that I bought it on the spot! I can't wait to have it in a mind as a sole budget planner, because Erin Condren doesn't do it for me anymore either
I went shopping the morning after Christmas to get gift sets and other future presents for 50% off. I also did this for my mother and now she has next years Christmas and birthday presents all done.
Hi their random of the internet :) idk who you are but if you are interested in upcoming crypto you can mine for free rn from your own phone look into BeeNetwork on the app store. The future of $ will not be held physically. Not to say these types of apps will necessarily thrive in whatever market exists 5 years from now but if you find those apps promising and dont mind helping me and yourself feel free to use my referral code *Mercyhere* thank you honestly!
Hey Aja! I just found your channel and I am so excited to start budgeting for the year of 2021. My goal is to decrease my car loan of $13,000 into $7,000! I don't have a high paying job yet but I am trying to tackle all of my income into my loan! Thanks so much for the awesome video!
This is hands down the best finance video I’ve watched! Thank you!!
Learning so much with you this year! Wishing all your dreams came true this upcoming year! Thank you for all the great work you do here 😊
thank you! same to you as well.
I NEED THIS PLANNER my body is ready
its so great to see the goals that youve set and it makes me want to adjust my layout in my planner as well! i was wondering if you could make a video about couple finances - more specifically, how to talk about it with your partner, how to navigate priorities etc
I am soooo glad to hear that you're planning on buying a house. Although renting is convenient and necessary for some, it doesn't provide any tax breaks and you get no return on your investment. Looking forward to seeing your progress in this!
thank you for all the encouragement to set goals and be responsible with money, I just made the down payment for my land lot :D and to build my dream house I'm using all your advices
wow congrats!
Congrats!!
Love following your journey Aja! Can’t wait to have $35,000+ saved up as well! 🤗 Great job!!
My goal is to pay off 46% of my current debt load. I am eager to get to the point where my money works for me--not the creditors! Great video--feeling inspired!
I have savings and emergency fund but I'm setting up multiple sinking funds next year for the first time. Already looking forward to the feeling of taking out money specifically allotted for something rather than taking out a large sum from my savings.
Some of the sinking funds I have in mind:
• Vet/pet fund - I adopted a stray dog earlier this year who ended up not making it but that really cost me a lot while she was with us, I still have another dog so it will always be good to be prepared
• Business fund - January renewal will obviously not be taken out of the new fund but hopefully 1st quarter will be taken from it)
• Real estate tax for 2022 (already paid 2021)
• Car fund - Registration already paid but fund will be for casa checkups since I decided to skip it this year going nowhere with the pandemic
• Tech fund - Hopefully replacing my laptop and get an ipad in 2022 (I have no need for it now but they technology degrades lol)
• Skincare fund - My only hobby these days is buying and trying out skincare
• Christmas - I love spoiling people and it's the biggest shopping cost I have all year
Can’t wait for your planner release!!
Would love a video discussing IRAs and retirement planning! Happy New Year to y'all :') and thank you for making content that has gotten me through 2020, have looked up to you for a long time :)
Aja, i really appreciate your transparency! It’s so helpful 💛
I’m patiently waiting for ally to go back to 2%+ sometime within the next year. My friend and I are pissed that it has dropped so low to .5% for their savings accounts
TMobile is 4% for balances under 3k and 1% after that
It’s not just ally all banks interest rates have been dropping because the federal reserve is trying to increase inflation by manipulating interest... so ally isn’t going to go up unless fed cuts spending and stops trying to increase inflation
Have you thought of using YNAB? I’ve been using it for several months and it makes planning / budgeting for sinking funds super easy. You set the target amount, date due, and you can automatically allocate money from your income to your sinking funds. Additionally, there are great reporting functions to track your spending. Using this zero dollar system will help created psychological friction before buying something not in your budget, since you will have to borrow money out of another budget, etc
I love these videos! It has been amazing watching you grow. You are an inspiration!
thank you!
I started a sinking fund for 2021 after checking this out. I typically kept a mental earmark for upcoming purchases, and I only used my checking account. I started diverting the money to a separate account at another bank. Thanks.
Love these videos! And that graph at the end is a great idea for 2021. Thank you!
so awesome to see your growth!! My biggest financial goal for 2021 is paying off $26k in student loans!
I have some pretty simple financial goals for 2021...as long as nothing changes, I know that I'm going to pay off my car loan and my last undergrad loan this year, so I'm mostly just focusing on refilling my sinking funds as quickly as I can. However, my only true personal/professional goal is to get a new job, which was SUPPOSED to happen in 2020 but I couldn't handle a remote job search in addition to a pandemic. I'm also in grad school, so I just dealt with this job that I've long been over to avoid more chaos. But once I'm able to get a new job (with a higher salary that isn't possible at my company), I will be able to update my financial goals: such as tackling more of my grad loans, paying next year's car insurance premium when it's due instead of in monthly payments, increasing my existing 401k contributions a smidgen more, and then starting to save up for my own (rented) place for 2022 when I graduate.
seems like getting a new job is the main thing that can change every aspect of your life next week. Good luck!
@@AjaDang Thank you!
I should be hitting my emergency fund goal in April with 6 months worth of expenses. My man and I are also planning to pay our house off in 10-15 years, and I'm contributing a generous amount into my 401k. I'm not entirely sure what to do now, which is why I'm watching this video haha (also this video was the first one from your channel I'm watching). But of course, we have plans to fix up the house, travel in 2022 (fingers crossed) upgrade older tech (I have an iPhone 6s and a computer from 2013). None of that is necessary though so I don't know if I'm ready to spend on these new little luxuries I can afford.
Thank you for sharing! You are very inspiring ❤ I can't wait to be debt free again. Happy holidays! 😊
I just subscribed to your channel ! So glad I found it. It’s inspiring and gives me new ideas to incorporate to my own debt free journey💛
good luck on your journey!
Congrats on creating your planner! 🙌🏼 I’ve been lurking around waiting for close ups for it!
when it's ready I'll do a whole video about it! with lots of close ups
This was so helpful to watch 😊 just about to start working out my goals for the year and this has really motivated me 🙌🏻
Can’t wait to order your planner!!!! Need to hustle with my getting out of debt goals for 2021 !!!!
yes side hustles for the win
Yes!!! I'm the same way! I can't stand monthly charges.
i am not planning or setting goals for 2021 because nothing has worked out since 2016. the vibes
You were talking about your car registration and I started thinking about saving for that each month. Then, I started thinking about Christmas. During each and every Christmas, I think to myself I should saved up for this. Then, you mentioned you’re going to save up for Christmas. ❤️💯🎁🎯❤️
Thank you for this video...you started my new years off right...I just subscribed and hit the notification bell...give me more! I'm eager to learn....I really need these videos💞💓💞💞🌹
recently discover your video. I am still in process of paying off my student loan. Now I am incoporating your ideas into my notebook to see if it helps with the loan. My goal for next year is to pay off more of my loan and save up for a house too. Cant wait to get my hand on your journal
good luck on your journey! thanks for joining us
Love watching these videos and then I get bummed 🙁 save 100k for a house... I made that in 2.5 years 🤦🏻♀️
so cool!!!! love it Aja!! I love a payment broken up I do it for the dumbest stuff lol I think it is from a fear mindset and feeling like I always need to have cash on hand. I want to save half my bonus this year, start making an extra payment on my mortgage and an extra year's worth of payments on my student loans, limit my bad habit of keeping a balance on my credit card and increase my savings for retirement by 1%! Also additional income which is always the goal, but I probably should focus more on cutting expenses. Ok dropping one subscription service this year. Wow thanks for making me think this through. Best of luck on your goals, will be cheering you on!
I wish i could draw out trackers like you can!! LOVE this Merry Christmas - Looking forward to smashing 2021! 🎄😍👌
anyone can draw out trackers like me! It's the easiest thing, I promise.
"I gave myself a timeline to finish my sinking funds by...ASAP" lol!!! I know you clarified after, just thought that part was funny
My husband and I are also saving up for a down payment next year. We just signed an 18-month lease, and we really want to be done with renting when it's up! I also want to save up some money so we can adopt a dog and have enough money for vet bills, etc.
I totally recommend the pet insurance. Honestly my cat had to go twice because he keeps eating dumb stuff, buuuuut with that said I've been paid out more than I've paid into it already because he wasn't cheap so I'm really happy I have it.