I was recently looking back through my blog and realized I haven’t written in my Healthy You, More Independent You series in a while. I usually focus on food and nutrition in this space—but you know what else belongs here?
Financial health.
Financial health, just like physical health, plays a huge role in independence.
I’ve always been honest that healthy eating hasn’t come naturally to me. Right now, though, I’m working very hard on that part of my life. I’m seeing a nutritionist and using MyFitnessPal, and for the most part, I’m doing well. Could I do better? Of course. But I’m showing up, making better choices, and doing what I can.
Along with nutrition, I’m also going to speech therapy to strengthen muscles that are affected by cerebral palsy. That work matters. It’s part of taking care of my body and investing in myself.
Now that I finally feel like I have a better handle on the nutrition side of my health journey, I’ve realized something important:
It’s time to work on my financial health, too.
Years ago, in my 20s, I relied heavily on credit cards. I put myself into so much debt that my parents had to help me get out of it. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the long-term impact of those choices.
Now that I’m on my own, debt is my responsibility. But I’ll be honest—I still find myself going to the “Bank of Mom” or asking my brother for help at least once a month. They are willing to help, and I’m grateful for that support, but I also know it isn’t right—and it isn’t helping me grow.
If I want true independence, I need to take responsibility for my financial health the same way I do my physical health.
One of the biggest things I’m learning is the importance of prioritizing. I need to be more intentional about how I spend money—what I truly need versus what I simply want in the moment. Just like food choices, financial choices add up.
I know saving is important, even though I live on a very limited budget that doesn’t allow much flexibility. For a long time, that made me feel like saving wasn’t possible at all. But I’m learning that saving doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
Right now, I can save $50 a month.
It may not seem like much, but it’s a start. And starts matter.
This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, accountability, and small steps forward. Just as learning healthier eating habits takes time, patience, and grace, building healthier financial habits does too.
A Healthy You isn’t just about what you eat.
A More Independent You isn’t just about living on your own.
It’s about caring for your whole life—your body, your choices, and your future.
I’m learning that independence isn’t something you wake up with one day—it’s something you practice.
Some days I practice it well. Other days, I fall short. But every small step counts, whether it’s choosing a healthier meal, strengthening my body in therapy, or setting aside $50 even when it feels tight.
Financial health, like physical health, isn’t about shame or perfection. It’s about honesty, effort, and believing that I am capable of caring for myself—one decision at a time.
And today, that’s enough.
OUR BEAUTIFUL CHALLENGES 