How to Leverage Credit for an Optimal Life

“Your smart, no-nonsense friend helping you leverage credit for business, travel, and life.”

Hey there, and welcome to another edition of The Leverage Letter—the weekly newsletter that demystifies credit, helps you travel in style for a fraction of the cost, and empowers you to build a more financially fit life.

You may have heard it a hundred times: Don’t use credit; it’s a trap. Or maybe you’re worried that credit cards will lead you into debt. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The unfortunate truth is that many people see credit as something dangerous—something you should avoid at all costs—because they’ve only heard the horror stories of high interest rates, missed payments, and ever-growing balances.

But what if we flip the script and show you that credit is a tool, not a trap? 

Used correctly, credit can be your ticket to building wealth, traveling the world (often for free or close to it), and fueling your entrepreneurial ambitions without depleting your bank account.

So, let’s dig in. This Leverage Letter is all about taking a new perspective on credit. By the end of this read, you’ll see how smart credit use can open doors you never thought possible, whether you’re after luxurious flights to dream locations or simply want to protect your purchases and grow your business faster.

Let’s start with the basics. Why do we call credit a tool? 

Think of it like a hammer. A hammer can help you build a house or make a big mess—it depends on how you use it. Credit is the same way: if you use it responsibly, it can construct a solid financial future. If you swing it recklessly, it can tear things down.

Most people hear “credit” and imagine piles of bills, late fees, and endless frustration. 

That’s because the culture often frames credit as “borrowing money you don’t have.” 

But here’s what no one told you:

If you’ve been relying solely on cash or a debit card, you’re missing out on massive benefits—from points and miles that lead to free travel, to fraud protection and extended warranties that save you money in the long run. 

Let’s break down why leveraging credit is crucial, especially for individuals and small business owners looking to make the most of every dollar.

With a debit card, if someone steals your information and goes on a shopping spree, that money comes right out of your bank account. Even if your bank eventually reimburses you, you might spend months wrangling with customer service and waiting for your money to come back.

On the other hand, credit cards typically come with zero liability protection. That means if you report a fraudulent charge, you’re not responsible for paying it. The issuer handles the investigation. No dealing with an empty checking account because a scammer got ahold of your info.

Imagine buying a new laptop, only to break a day after the warranty expires. Or you accidentally drop your phone and crack the screen a week after you purchased it. If you used the right credit card, you might be able to replace or repair that item at no cost—no separate insurance policy is required.

Many credit cards offer:

These benefits can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars over the lifetime of your electronics, appliances, and other big-ticket items.

Ever stroll past the airport lounge and think, “Those people look comfy”? 

Many premium credit cards grant lounge access—complete with complimentary drinks, food, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even showers or private sleep pods. 

That alone can transform a miserable layover into a relaxing pit stop.

And that’s just the start:

These perks can be worth thousands of dollars if you travel even a couple of times a year. All of this comes standard with many premium travel rewards cards.

One of the biggest reasons credit trumps cash is rewards. 

If you’re already buying groceries, paying for gas, dining out, or shopping online, you might as well get some of that money back. Different credit cards offer different earning structures—like 3 - 5x points on certain categories.

Here’s an example:

For entrepreneurs and side hustlers, business credit is a game-changer. Separate your personal finances from your business by leveraging business credit cards. 

Many offer massive sign-up bonuses and high credit limits, allowing you to:

When used correctly, business credit helps you scale while protecting your personal credit score. And yes, these business expenses can fuel your rewards points, letting you fly business class or stay at luxury hotels for the cost of taxes and fees.

Credit isn’t about free money; it’s about spending strategically. Here’s how to make sure credit starts working for you (not against you):

Late payments are kryptonite for your credit score. They can tank it faster than you can say “interest rate.” To avoid this, set up auto-pay for at least the minimum amount due. Even better, pay the statement balance in full every month. You’ll avoid interest and maintain a pristine payment history.

Your credit utilization ratio is a key factor in your credit score. It measures how much of your available credit you use. Aim for under 30%. If you want a score of 750 or higher, aim for under 10%.

Credit card rewards are amazing—but only if they’re free. The moment you start paying interest, you’re giving away those rewards right back to the bank. 

The strategy:

No interest, just pure value.

Many cards offer a promotional 0% APR for 12-18 months on purchases or balance transfers. Treat that like a free loan to:

Remember: the key is to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.

If you learn to harness sign-up bonuses, category multipliers, and strategic redemption, you can fly in business or first class and stay in luxury hotels without paying thousands of dollars. Keep reading to see some real-life examples of how this works in practice.

Before we dive deeper, let’s bust a few myths that keep people from using credit the right way:

Let’s see how this all works in real life. Here is an award booking that highlights just how much value you can squeeze out of points.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) Business Class – San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (HND)

Fly in ANA’s spacious business-class seat with fine dining and impeccable service. It’s an entirely different travel experience, and it’s available to you for pennies on the dollar once you know how to accrue and redeem points effectively.

Even if you don’t have the miles, buying them would still be cheaper than paying full price. 

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re sitting on a goldmine of rewards points potential. 

Here’s how:

In short, if you own a small business or a side hustle, business credit cards can help you scale up while earning the travel benefits typically reserved for high-rolling executives.

Not everyone starts with perfect credit. If your score needs some love, here are the steps to rebuild:

Once your score improves, you’ll qualify for credit cards with better rewards and perks. 

It’s a virtuous cycle: good credit unlocks more opportunities to build wealth and travel cheaply.

By now, you might be thinking, “Alright, I see the value, but how do I start?” 

Here’s a blueprint:

Aside from the major perks we’ve already covered (fraud protection, extended warranties, lounge access, etc.), here are some lesser-known benefits of using credit:

It’s these little add-ons that make credit cards even more valuable than most people realize.

Sometimes you need a little guidance to map out the perfect strategy:

While we love credit, we’re also your no-nonsense friend who wants you to stay on track. 

Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

Some cards rotate categories every quarter, offering 5% cash back (or 5x points) on specific spending like groceries, gas, or online shopping. Use CardPointers to automate these offers. 

Many cards reward you for referring friends and family. If you share your link with someone who signs up, you often get bonus points—sometimes up to 5,000 to 20,000 points per referral.

Combine ongoing promotions with your card benefits. For instance, if your credit card is offering 3x points on groceries and you stack that with a supermarket loyalty program, you could double-dip on discounts and points.

Before buying anything online, see if your credit card issuer or favorite airline has a shopping portal. These portals give bonus points just for clicking through their links. You could earn an extra 2x to 10x points on top of what you’d normally earn on the purchase.

If you know you’ll have a major expense soon (wedding, remodeling your kitchen, buying new tech equipment for your business), time it so you can knock out a sign-up bonus requirement. That way, you’re turning a necessary expense into thousands of points.

So, are you feeling that shift in mindset yet? Credit is not the boogeyman it’s often painted out to be. It can be your strongest tool for financial fitness and a life filled with premium experiences.

All it takes is a strategic approach: picking the right cards, aligning them with your spending, and paying off balances in full.

Forward them this newsletter. Because, really—who doesn’t want to fund their life and business in a smarter way?

Q: I have credit card debt right now. Should I still focus on rewards?
A: If you’re paying high-interest debt, your priority should be bringing that balance down as quickly as possible. That said, you might consolidate onto a 0% APR card to pause the interest clock and pay off the principal faster. Just don’t start charging non-essential expenses until that balance is under control.

Q: What if I don’t travel much?
A: Credit can still be valuable for non-travel perks: high cashback rates, purchase protection, and extended warranties. If you don’t want travel rewards, aim for a card that offers statement credits or gift cards instead.

Q: Is there a limit to how many cards I can have?
A: There’s no universal limit, but each bank has its own rules. Some have guidelines like the “5/24 rule” (if you’ve opened five or more cards in the last 24 months, you may get denied). However, if you manage credit responsibly, there’s no harm in holding multiple cards to maximize rewards.

Q: Do I need to close old cards with no rewards?
A: Not necessarily. Closing older accounts can reduce your average age of credit, which can lower your credit score. If the card has no annual fee, consider keeping it open to help your credit history and utilization ratio.

Let’s be clear: we’re not advocating that you spend money you don’t have or buy stuff you don’t need. That’s how people get into trouble and label credit as “dangerous.” 

Our stance is that credit, when handled responsibly, is one of the most powerful financial tools at your disposal.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to benefit from strategic credit use. You just need:

This newsletter is your weekly reminder that there’s a better way to handle finances, a more comfortable way to travel, and a smarter way to leverage credit for a life that aligns with your goals.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re already ahead of most people who never get past the negative headlines about credit card debt. You know better now. You know that credit can be your ticket—literally and figuratively—to an upgraded life.

Let’s close with a quick story:

That’s less than a year of your normal spending turned into a trip worth $1,000 or more in cash value. And that’s precisely the type of story you can write for yourself when you see credit as a tool.

If you’re ready to:

Then reply to this email or click on the links below to learn more about our customized services. We’re here to help you make the most of every opportunity credit has to offer.

Hit “reply” if you have any questions or if there’s a specific topic you’d like us to cover in a future edition of The Leverage Letter. We’re all about that no-nonsense, straightforward guidance that can help you take control of your financial future.

Don’t forget to forward this to a friend who might be missing out on these insights!

Keep your eyes on your inbox for next week’s dose of credit tips and travel hacks. Whether your goal is to snag business class seats to Europe, find the perfect 0% APR offer for your startup, or simply build a stronger credit score, we’ve got you covered.

Thank you for joining us for this week’s edition of The Leverage Letter.

Remember: credit is a tool, not a trap. Use it wisely, and you’ll open doors to a life of greater financial fitness and unforgettable experiences.

Your smart, no-nonsense friend who sends you weekly mail on leveraging credit for business, travel, and life—
Ade O.

“Because life is too short to ignore the power of credit.”