Issue #042

The Leverage Letter
Smarter Tools. Better Credit. Optimal Living.
Your weekly guide to funding your business, flying for free, and staying financially sharp.

You see it everywhere:
“0% APR for 12–18 months!”
It feels like free money.
You grab the offer, fund a project, breathe easier. Growth, no interest. What’s not to love?

Then—boom. The promo ends.
You still owe thousands. Interest jumps to 22%. Minimum payment spikes. Your cash flow tightens overnight.
Suddenly, that “free” money turns into an expensive trap—and your profits start bleeding.

You use 0% APR like a pro—only for smart investments.
You set a repayment plan. You pay it off before the promo ends.
You keep control. You keep leverage.
Here’s how to do it right.

They look like the ultimate growth tool—but without discipline, they become financial landmines.

Payment Shock
When the promo ends, the interest rate spikes—often to 18–25%.
If you still carry a balance, your minimum payment jumps.
Cash flow gets squeezed. Profits vanish.

Deferred Interest Danger
Some cards (especially retail/store cards) don’t waive interest—they defer it.
Miss the deadline by even $1 and you owe all the interest from day one.
Read the fine print. Look for “waived interest,” not “deferred.”

Overspending Psychology
“0% interest” makes it easy to buy more than you need.
You justify that extra software or ad spend because “it’s not costing me anything right now.”
Then you’re left with a mountain of debt and no plan.

Minimum Payment Trap
Paying the minimum means the balance stays high.
When the 0% ends, you’re hit with massive interest on a big number.
Minimums are designed to keep you in debt.

Forgetting the End Date
Busy life = missed deadlines.
That one overlooked statement cycle?
Could cost you hundreds—or thousands—in sudden interest charges.

These offers can be gold—but only if you treat them like a loan, not a loophole.

Don’t use 0% APR for random spending.
Use it for:

Then do this:
[Total Spend] ÷ [Promo Months - 1] = Monthly Payment Goal
Set that number. Stick to it.

Don’t rely on memory.
Set auto-pay from your business account for your calculated monthly payment.
Treat it like a business loan—because it is.

Put the 0% APR end date on your calendar.
Set reminders: 60 days before, 30 days, and 2 weeks.
Missing this date = big trouble.

Stop using the card for new expenses in the last 2–3 months of the promo.
Focus on paying it down. Don’t risk carrying over a new balance into high-interest territory.

Don’t overpay the 0% balance if you have other debt at 15–30%.
Stick to the repayment plan—and attack the expensive debt first.

What happens when the promo ends?
Is it 19%, 21%, or 24%?
Knowing that number keeps you honest—and motivates timely repayment.

Chloe needed $12K for inventory.
She got a 12-month 0% card.
She set auto-pay at $1,100/month. Inventory sold well. She paid it off a month early.
Total interest paid: $0.

Ben got the same card.
Put $12K on inventory—and $5K more on “stuff he’d been eyeing.”
Paid only minimums (~$200/month).
At month 13, he still owed ~$15K—and now it was racking up 21% interest.
His monthly payment jumped, and the debt started choking cash flow.

Same offer. Different strategy. Different outcomes.

Do you have any 0% APR business cards open?
If yes, do this now:

→ Hit reply: Have you ever been surprised by a 0% promo ending early (or hitting you with interest)?
Yes or No?

Boston → Paris in Business Class
Points Used: 60,000 Flying Blue Miles + $236 taxes
Cash Price: $4,608
Booked with: Capital One Miles → Transferred to Flying Blue

A low-interest balance didn’t pay for this trip. Smart points did.
Book your travel using points.

P.S. Want to make sure you’re ready to use 0% APR offers without risk?
Start with the [Business Credit Foundation Checklist]—free for subscribers.

To smarter leverage,
Ade O.
Chief Leverage Officer
Helping high-performers fund smarter, fly better, and build optimal lives.

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