Episode 288: Homebuying 101 - Where to Start, How to Budget, Inspection Tips, & More!

When you were young, you might have looked at people who were “adulting” - working full-time, paying bills, etc. - and seen that as the benchmark for adulthood. But are these tasks really what makes someone a certified adult? If not, what are the experiences that transformed us from disorganized & irresponsible youths to who we are today? Grab your most responsible friend, because we’re diving deep into this topic in today’s episode! Share your favorite “adulting” practice in the comments! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • ZocDoc: Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at ZocDoc.com/ABG • OneSkin: Get started with 15% off your order using code “ABG” at OneSkin.co • Keeper: Try Keeper with a free trial & 10% off your subscription at KeeperTax.com/ABG  • Indeed: Use a $75 sponsored job credit to get more visibility on your listings at Indeed.com/ABG • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that botox can be a treatment for teeth grinding? Or that your oral health needs may change during pregnancy? Ever heard of minimally invasive veneers? Curious about teeth whitening best practices? I chat with @joycethedentist about all of this and more. Dr. Joyce Kahng is a cosmetic & restorative dentist and the owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA. She’s been featured on Vogue, Allure, Glamour and is a forbesnext1000. On her various social platforms, Dr. Joyce shares tons of amazing and helpful information on oral health because, as she says, “maintaining good oral health is a crucial part of your overall wellness.” Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we experience ‘Eldest Daughter Syndrome’? If you haven’t heard this term before, typically it refers to the unique challenges and responsibilities that shape the personalities of eldest daughters - particularly in immigrant families. It’s a title that none of us chose, but many have found that the pressure of parental expectations and the need to be a role model for our younger siblings can have both positive and negative effects. On today’s episode, the two eldest daughters of ABG - Janet and Mel - chat about when they first realized they were the eldest, why they were a “guinea pig” for their parents, and how their relationship with younger siblings has changed in adulthood. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Bilt: Earn points by paying rent! Visit JoinBuilt.com/ABG  • SKIMS: Shop SKIMS bras at SKIMS.com/abg and let them know ABG sent you! • Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/abg • Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning a big trip with friends can be both exciting and a little stressful. Today’s episode was inspired by one of my team members after I shared that I’m heading to Vietnam soon with my college friends! She asked me how I usually plan these types of trips, and it got me thinking—coordinating travel preferences, schedules, and personalities can be a lot to manage! With my Vietnam trip just around the corner, I thought it would be perfect to bring on one of my best friends, Tiff, who’s also helping me plan this adventure. Tiff and I go way back—we were roommates at UC San Diego for 3 years and have been close ever since. She knows me better than almost anyone, and we’ve traveled together a few times, but this is our first big international trip! In this episode, we’ll dive into how we’re approaching this trip, from managing everyone’s preferences to keeping things fun and organized. Whether you’re gearing up for your own trip with friends or just love hearing about travel planning, I hope this conversation gives you some helpful tips along the way! Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/abg • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the final weeks of summer, but because the past few months have been so eventful, we haven’t had a chance to check in with ourselves and each other! In fact, summers in general now just look so different in our 30’s, particularly when friends start to have kids. When we’re part of different “villages” with various priorities and obligations, how do we still have meaningful hangouts with loved ones? From Phil’s 40th Birthday Cruise to Janet’s sister’s baby shower, we share some highlights, things we learned, and how we maintain balance in the midst of these milestone events. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng, Janet Wang, Helen Wu Editor: Michelle Hsieh __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Hiya: Get 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/ABG • ZocDoc: Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at ZocDoc.com/ABG • Orgain: Receive 20% off your order with code “ABG” at Orgain.com/ABG  • Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re uncovering the secrets to finding the perfect daycare that will set your little one on the path to success. We’re talking about the must-ask questions, tips for navigating the application process, and how to spot the red flags before it’s too late. Whether you're just starting the search or drowning in options, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to make a confident and informed choice. Get ready to feel empowered and excited about this important milestone in your child’s life!  And as promised, here are questions I asked each of the schools we visited: What is the daily schedule like? How is naptime handled? Where do they sleep? Can my child bring a blanket/lovey? What is the staff-to-child ratio? How long have the teachers been at the school? What are the qualifications of the caregivers? Do they have early childhood education degrees? What is the expectation for potty training? Are they expected to wipe themselves? What are the policies on sick children? What are the safety protocols? (Check that the facility is licensed by the state and that they have clear safety protocols in place. Look for things like secured entrances and childproofing.) How does discipline typically work? What is the standard communication of how your child is doing? Daily and periodic check-ins? How do I FEEL after this visit? (This was super important for me to jot down! These feelings are easy to forget after visiting so many schools.)  AsianBossGirl’s latest Instagram post for comments/interactions, linked here.  #SpillTheBabyTea Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Helen Wu Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So it’s finally happening - you’re now at a point in your life where you feel emotionally and financially ready to buy a home. But where do you even start? Do you need a realtor? How can you make your offer stand out in a competitive housing market? And what the heck is escrow? We’ve invited Jessica Lee, a Southern California realtor, to share her knowledge and answer all these questions. This process can be extremely daunting, and even discouraging at times, but it’s important not to give up! Your home is the place you’ll be making so many memories, and with all of Jessica’s insights, you’ll be well prepared to tackle every step of the process. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Hosts: Melody Cheng and Janet Wang Guest: Jessica Lee Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Honeylove: Get 20% OFF by going to Honeylove.com/ABG  • Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever felt that you needed to turn your life around, Charles Chen is someone you must know about. He is a yoga teacher, holistic chef, and the creator of 888 Process - a wellness community and collective that promotes transformation as a collective experience. He shares his message about the transformative power of holistic health and wellness on his various social platforms, posting content and stoking conversations around yoga, meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, and so much more. Charles has been featured on huffpost, NBC, ABG, TLC, Dr. Oz Show, Food Network, Netflix,The Discovery Channel, Whole Foods - you name it, and he’s probably been covered there. In this episode, we talk about the personal challenges that lead him to transform his own life and help others do the same, his current wellness practices, and tips for anyone who is at a standstill in their wellness journey. Prepare to be inspired by Charles and all of his positive vibes! You can find him at @charleschentv, charleschen.tv, and @888_process. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered if you’re living up to the full potential of your brain power? Today’s guest, Jim Kwik, has dedicated his career to helping people learn better and faster, improve focus, and optimize their memory. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury as a child, Jim faced many learning challenges and was even written off as “the boy with the broken brain” by his teachers. However, he now knows that the brain is only as limited as you think it is; in fact, the mind is limitless, and Jim can show you how to unlock that potential. You’re going to want some pen and paper for this, as Jim shares ways to help your brain age healthily, the importance of taking smaller steps, and why your brain learns best through creation, not consumption. Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/  __________________________________________ Host: Janet Wang Guest: Jim Kwik Editor: Michelle Hsieh Contributing Editor: Haemee Kang __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • OneSkin: Get started with 15% off your order using code “ABG” at OneSkin.co • Bilt: Earn points by paying rent! Visit JoinBuilt.com/ABG  • Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 today! • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Join our Discord channel: https://discord.com/invite/4HxZgwFbhg  • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Dumb Questions, we dive deep into the world of TV writing and what it truly takes to make it in Hollywood. As someone who's always been captivated by the entertainment industry, today’s topic is particularly exciting for me. And to make it even better, we have an extraordinary guest who’s worked on incredible shows like Loot and Superstore—plus, she’s collaborated with comedy royalty like Maya Rudolph! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Vicky Luu —an incredibly talented writer and producer in her own right. This episode feels especially personal because Vicky is not only a powerhouse in Hollywood, but she’s also my partner Ray’s older sister ;) We’re going to explore Vicky’s journey from her early days as a Production Assistant on shows like Family Guy and the 90210 reboot, to her rise as Co-Executive Producer of hit series like Superstore and Loot. Over the past two years, I’ve come to see just how humble and down-to-earth Vicky is, despite her quiet success. She’s truly one of the most genuine people I’ve met in this industry. So, let’s give a warm welcome to Vicky Luu! 🥳 Become an ABG Bestie to get new audio episodes ad-free, monthly “Dear ABG” AMA sessions, discounts on merch, and shout-outs in our episodes. https://abg.supercast.com/ __________________________________________ Host: Melody Cheng Editor: Victoria Cheng __________________________________________ P A R T N E R S • Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/abg • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month with code “ABG” at betterhelp.com/ABG __________________________________________ C O N N E C T W I T H U S • Subscribe and Follow us @asianbossgirl on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/YouTube/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook • Listener Survey: Let us know your thoughts on the podcast here • Email: [email protected] __________________________________________ S U P P O R T U S • Merch: asianbossgirl.myshopify.com • Donate: anchor.fm/asianbossgirl/support • More about us at asianbossgirl.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices