One of the foundational milestones on the road to financial freedom is 0% APR funding, also known as zero-interest financing. Zero-interest financing is a type of loan or credit card offer that allows the borrower to make purchases or take out a loan without paying any interest for a certain period of time. This period is typically between 6 and 18 months, after which a regular interest rate will apply.

The benefits of 0% APR financing are many. Not only does it allow you to make large purchases without paying interest for a certain period of time, which can be especially beneficial for big-ticket items such as a car or a home appliance, it also allows you to pay off a balance over time without accruing interest, which can help you save money in the long run. This saved money can then be used to invest in other areas, such as stocks or real estate, which can help you build wealth over time. Additionally, by taking advantage of 0% APR financing, you can avoid high-interest debt, which can be a major obstacle — one which is all too common — on the road to financial independence.

To get 0% APR financing, you typically need to have good credit and meet certain qualifications. Having good credit is a must, and is the first step in the 3-step process to financial independence: credit, income and wealth. In this article, we will go in depth on these 3 focus areas. Specifically, we will discuss how to optimize your credit, show you how to get the most low-interest credit possible, and provide you with all the knowledge and resources you need to create new income streams. Finally, we will discuss the proven strategies that only the ultra-wealthy know in regards to achieving true financial independence.

Credit

Optimizing your credit is crucial for securing 0% APR funding and achieving financial independence in general. Here are some key tips to consider when working on improving your credit:

1. Diversify your credit: Having a mix of different types of credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, and credit card, shows lenders that you are responsible with different forms of credit.
2. Consider adding yourself as an authorized user on revolving credit card accounts with family, friends, or significant others that are spending wisely and making payments on time. This can help boost your credit score.
3. Review your FICO credit report for errors. Credit agencies can make mistakes, so it’s essential to check for discrepancies periodically. Make sure you’re viewing your FICO report, not just a Vantage report. If you find any errors, such as medical collections, they can be removed by filing a complaint with the CFPB. The 3 major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, & Equifax) may be in violation of HIPAA laws, so report errors at www.cfpb.gov for review and potential removal.
4. Keep your accounts active by using them regularly (and responsibly). Not using your credit accounts can lower your credit score as it shows no recent credit history or the creditor could close the account after 6 months of inactivity. Or, they could lower the credit limits to mitigate their risks.
5. Set up recurring accounts like Spotify, Amazon Prime, or small everyday purchases on your credit card instead of using cash or debit. Consistency helps build a positive credit history.
6. Tackle high-interest credit card debt by negotiating with creditors for lower rates or 0% APR for 6-12 months. Look into balance transfer options as well. Remember, it’s in creditors’ best interest to help you stay current on payments, avoid missing payments, and maintain a good relationship with you. They don’t want you taking your business elsewhere, whether you are buying a house, a car, or refinancing.
7. Keep your oldest credit accounts open, as the length of your credit history impacts your score. Also, request higher credit limits from your creditors, even if you don’t plan on using them. This can boost your score.
8. Avoid maxing out your credit cards, especially on the statement date when creditors report your utilization rate. Too much credit usage can hurt your score, so keep your balances low.
9. Don’t apply for too much credit at once: This results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your credit score. Be selective and spread out your applications over time to minimize the impact.
10. If you have unknown or duplicate hard inquiries on your report you can request that the company submit letters for the duplicate inquiries to be removed from your credit report. Submit a complaint via CFPB and state that they are duplicate or fraudulent and must be removed.
11. Time – there’s no overnight miracle that will boost your credit score above 800. The average age of your accounts is crucial. Be smart, be responsible, but also be patient. With time, you can achieve a sky-scraping credit score!

Income

Creating new income streams can help you achieve financial independence by providing you with more money to save and invest.