Business Debt Strategy: How $18k Buys Me 2 Months Off A Year
Business Debt Strategy: How $18,000 Buys Me 2 Months Off Every Year
Business debt strategy can collapse your timeline to retirement. Most business owners think the smartest financial move is paying off debt as fast as possible.
But what if paying off your debt too quickly actually slows down your path to wealth?
Right now, I’m strategically carrying $18,000 in business debt, paying 0% interest, continuing to invest, growing my net worth, and taking three-week vacations every quarter, nearly two months off every year.
That isn’t an accident.
It’s my business debt strategy.
This isn’t about accumulating debt. It’s about knowing when debt is a wealth-building tool and when it’s time to eliminate it.
Why My Business Debt Strategy Doesn’t Focus on Becoming Debt-Free
Most financial advice treats all debt the same.
I don’t.
A 24% credit card balance is completely different from a 0% APR business credit card that’s allowing you to preserve cash, invest, and grow your business.
When I have access to 0% financing, I ask myself one question:
Where will this dollar create the greatest return?
Sometimes that’s paying off debt.
Sometimes it’s investing.
Sometimes it’s hiring a coach.
Sometimes it’s keeping cash available so my business has flexibility.
The goal isn’t becoming debt-free as quickly as possible.
The goal is becoming wealthy as efficiently as possible.
How I Use Business Credit Cards Strategically
Business credit cards aren’t inherently dangerous.
Using them without a plan is.
I use business credit cards to:
- Preserve cash flow
- Earn travel rewards and premium perks
- Avoid paying unnecessary interest
- Invest cash instead of draining it immediately
- Separate business and personal spending
Every dollar has a job.
Every card has a purpose.
That’s the difference between using debt emotionally and using it strategically.
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
One of the first financial systems I recommend is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
An EIN allows you to:
- Separate business and personal finances
- Open business bank accounts
- Apply for business credit cards
- Build business credit
- Make bookkeeping and taxes dramatically easier
It’s one of the simplest ways to start thinking like a CEO instead of a freelancer.
My Business Debt Strategy Isn’t About Debt
It’s about freedom.
Because I’ve intentionally optimized my cash flow, investments, and debt strategy, I’ve been able to design a business that supports my life instead of consuming it.
That means I can take:
- Three-week vacations every quarter
- Nearly two months off every year
- Weekly massages
- Midweek Pilates classes
- Time to travel without constantly worrying about money
Money isn’t the goal.
Freedom is.
The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make
I see business owners do one of two things:
They either avoid debt completely because they’re afraid of it…
…or they use debt with no strategy and end up paying thousands in unnecessary interest.
Neither builds wealth.
The sweet spot is understanding how to leverage debt intentionally while continuing to optimize your cash, investments, taxes, and business systems.
That’s what I teach my coaching clients.
Listen to the Full Episode
In this episode of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast, you’ll learn:
- Why I’m strategically carrying $18,000 in business debt
- How I use 0% APR business credit cards without paying interest
- How an Employer Identification Number (EIN) helps separate business and personal finances
- How to optimize cash flow so your business builds wealth instead of stress
- How to create a business that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and time off while continuing to grow your net worth
If you’re already making good money in your business but aren’t sure you’re making the right financial moves, this episode will help you think like a CEO and use your money intentionally to build long-term wealth.
In my latest Unicorn Millionaire Podcast episode, I go deeper into how to invest extra cash.
“How $18k in Business Debt Buys Me 2 Months Off A Year” 🦄
🎧Listen to Episode 154 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Spotify
🎧Listen to Episode 154 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Ready to optimize your money?
If you want to build a six-figure retirement without needing a six-figure salary, join my free DOM YOUR DINERO emails. Every week, you’ll learn how to optimize your cash, credit, and investments so you can be your own sugar daddy now and still retire early.
And when you’re ready for personalized support that goes beyond what you can get from a podcast or Reddit, book a free Clarity Call to start my private money coaching program.
I’d love to help you make your money work for you.
If you want hands-on support understanding your investments, opening the right accounts, selling out of overpriced or underperforming funds, boosting your credit score, and building toward early retirement, you can learn more about my six-month one-on-one money coaching program.
I help LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and first-gen folks crush confusion around money and start building a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary.
If you’re ready to maximize your savings and invest it, let’s work together.
We’ll get you on track to:
- Crush debt without shame
- Grow your cash in the right places
- Raise your credit score (see how my client raised her by 100 points in less than 6 months)
- Learn to sell stock without guilt
- Start building a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary
Coaching includes bi-weekly calls, daily messaging, and a full curriculum covering savings, credit cards, debt payoff, investing, and money mindset.
Investment: $6,000 or two payments of $3,100.
Six-Month 1:1 Coaching includes:
- Bi-weekly calls
- Daily messaging support
- A full curriculum on savings, debt payoff, credit, investing, and money mindset
- Investment: $6,000 or two payments of $3,100
Or, sign up for my Crush Debt, Retire Early Emails here.
About Charly
I’m Charly Stoever (@travelercharly) — a trans Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast. I help LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and first-gen folks crush debt and build a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary.
As a formerly undocumented Mexican American and ex-stockbroker who’s traveled solo to 39 countries, I now coach full-time while also international pet sitting.
If you’re ready to stop avoiding your finances and start using your money on purpose, work with me.
Get your coaching FAQs answered here, and book a call with Charly to get started with 6 month coaching here.