Counting your Greens!

Hey ! Hey ! Hey!

I'm back for more, and sticking to my goal of providing you with nutritious dishes at least once a month. So here I am, on the 28th day of April with my brand new serving, Counting your Greens!

At the beginning of this month, I participated in the very popular green smoothie challenge by JJ Smith. It was actually really, really fun, and for ten days straight my family and I consumed an abundant amount of healthy green drinks! I mean all I could think of was green, green, green!

Now for the specifics of this challenge; each smoothie was coupled with its own group of greens to include: spinach, kale, mixed greens, and of course, fruit. We also made an avocado smoothie which was my absolute favorite! It was soooo creamy and delicious and I just couldn't get enough. Not only were the smoothies tasteful but, the best part about this challenge was noticing that my body began to feel different. Different in such a way that I felt lighter, happier, and simply more energized! Based on these results, I would definitely recommend trying the green smoothie challenge for your self ! Here is the link where you can found out more information about all this green goodness on her blog http://www.jjsmithonline.com/blog/

OK OK OK OK... so there is actually more to the reason why I decided to share my green smoothie experience with you all, and the reason being is...

*Insert drum roll here* 

Well... It's all about the Benjamins Baby!

Money. Yup you read right, money... mula, cash, coins, currency, dough, paper, whatever you want to call it that's what I am talking about ! 

Yes, it was all the greens that I had consumed, in those ten days mentioned above, that lead me to thinking more about money, and ultimately the importance of not only being physically healthy but also financially healthy. Because let's be real health is wealth, anyway you put it!

P.S. Apparently it's national financial literacy month, so how appropriate is this serving?! Look at God!

So...I have to be honest and admit that it wasn't until I reached the age of 24 that I truly began to understand what it means to be financially fit and literate. It was at this time that I became completely independent or as my mom would like to put, financially "cut off" LOL I recently graduated with my second degree, secured a job, and rented my first apartment in my OWN name, no proxy.  So basically I went from not having to worry about much to...BILLS... and lots of them (which is why I say to all kids out there DO NOT GROW UP!!! LOL) ... Ok I'm just kidding (I think). But, needless to say, I had to quickly learn how to properly manage my money, and I am still doing so to. 

I also have a feeling that I am not alone on this one. I know that there are many millennials out there who are experiencing the same life transition, and so I thought I would provide some simple tips that I have learned along the way. 

My first point of business today, is to provide you with a Biblical perspective on money. I really wondered what God had to say about the handling of money? And tonmy surprise, I found that He has a lot to say; take this verse as an example: 

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law - Romans 8:13

Take a look at the first clause, it is not meant for us to be in debt, so you better bet the management of money is so important! But there is one debt we should continue to dig deep in, and that is love. I love this verse because it is so appropriate to this specific serving, and really my blog as a whole which is based on LOVE. Both self-love and love for others!

The second piece of business I will provide is my Fit Four!

Disclaimer: Please understand that I am NOT a financial advisor or well versed in the nitty gritty of economics, but these are just my Fit Four to counting and preserving all your greens!

1. SAVE 

I wish I could say this a thousand times! It is SOOOOO important to save. Whether it be for a down payment on a house, or for just when life throws you a ranch; it's super important to save! And the best thing about saving is that, to my knowledge, it costs $0.00 to open a saving account with a major finical institution such as Capital One (I love them so I thought I'd give them so credit... haha get it credit? lol)

 Anywho back to business... just save! For me I have two ways of saving, a "Never touch", and a "Touch and put". I learned this tid bit from my father, and it proves to be helpful. The first is self explanatory, and the second is one in which I use for such things as travel. Oh, and another thing, I suggest that you have your job automatically place a desired amount into your savings each time you get paid, that is what I do! You will be surprised how quickly the coins add up!

2. BUDGET 

Now this is where I struggled, and honestly still do. But budgeting is quite important. With budgeting you are able to easily see the dissemination of your money, and determine how you can live your best life, financially. The key is to STICK WITH IT. You, WE, can do it ! Here is a link to some blogs about budgeting that I think are a great help. Keep your Finances Fit . 

In addition, there are tons of budgeting tools out there such as apps where you can actively budget right from your phone! Click the link for some apps you may want to try Click here. 

3. CREDIT 

I remember being so terrified about getting my first credit card! My mom would always tell me horror stories of the consequences of misusing and having bad credit to the point that I waited as long as possible to get on of my own. Scare tactics really work, haha. But to my surprise, managing credit is not that hard, but it is oh so necessary. Good credit is a testament to your accountability determining your ability to buy a car, rent an apartment, buy a home, etc.

Here's another thing, you must be careful with what credit card you get. Look into the interest rates and annual fees, and get a card that works for you! For instance, I went with a card that provides me with travel benefits, because that's what I do often, so why not get rewards for doing so!  Other cards may give you cash back on common purchases such as gas and groceries. The main point here is to research before applying, and then limit the amount of credit cards you acquire.

Major credit tip: DO NOT CHARGE MORE THAN WHAT YOU ARE TRULY CAPABLE OF AFFORDING. I am not by any means a credit expert, but I do know that this is what leads to credit problems. What I will say for millennials, and those just starting out with this whole credit thing is to not apply for a credit card if you don't have a job. Just my advice. And if you do have a job try not to pay your bills with credit. I found that this keeps me realistic with my finances. If I can't pay the bill with my paycheck, then I just don't need it.

If you find yourself wanting to learn more about credit and credit restoration visit my sister's website, CreditwithChris she is a credit expert who has been featured on Fox News, and a host of other platform and publications. Trust and best believe she has helped me with understanding my own credit ! Don't hesitate to check her out !

4. GIVE 

This is my favorite! I am a strong believer that you reap what you sow! There are so many in need, and when you give with a sincere heart God with surely bless you for doing so.

So that's my serving on the importance of Counting Your Greens! I look forward to meeting you at my next meal ;)

Always served with love,

Dri♥

#saving #finances #credit #smoothies #green