In 2016, I bought my first home. It was a proud moment—a symbol of independence and financial achievement. But life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. Not long after, I was laid off. The bills didn’t stop coming, credit card balances grew heavier, and my once-proud credit score plummeted.
I remember staring at my credit report, feeling overwhelmed. But instead of letting it define me, I made a choice—a choice to rebuild, to learn, and to regain control of my financial future. Today, I want to share that journey with you—not just to inspire, but to show you that no matter where you are in your credit cycle, you can rebuild, rise, and thrive.
The First Step: Rebuilding with Self
One of the first tools I used to rebuild my credit was Self, a program designed to help you improve your credit score through manageable monthly payments. With Self, I was able to open a credit-builder account, essentially loaning money to myself while building my payment history. Slowly but surely, I started to see progress.
At the same time, I tackled my old credit card debt—settling what I could and creating payment plans for the rest. It wasn’t easy, but every dollar I paid down felt like a step closer to breathing room.
If you’re starting your credit rebuild journey, Self is a fantastic tool to begin with. Here’s my referral link to get started.
The Power of Teaching: Sage’s Credit Journey
As I rebuilt my credit, I realized I had an opportunity to share what I was learning with Sage. Coming from Nigeria, where the economy operates largely on cash (Naira), credit isn’t a part of everyday life. There’s no emphasis on credit scores or building credit history. Financial trust is built through cash transactions, not repayment history.
When Sage moved to the United States, he had to start from scratch—not just building credit, but understanding how it works. Together, we focused on the basics:
• Paying bills on time every single month.
• Keeping credit utilization low.
• Using credit cards responsibly, not as free money but as tools for financial growth.
Today, Sage has his own solid credit profile, and we both strategically use credit cards to maximize points and rewards.
If you’re just starting out, know this: it’s never too late to learn, build, and thrive.
The Credit Cards That Changed Everything: Chase and American Express
Once my credit improved, I applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and it became one of the most powerful tools in my wallet. Every purchase became an opportunity to earn rewards points.
In addition, we also started leveraging our American Express Gold Delta Card, which opened up even more possibilities. Just this year, we used Amex points to book our flights to the UK and our London hotel stay for our upcoming March trip.
These points aren’t just numbers on a screen—they represent real value, real opportunities, and real savings.
If you’re considering starting with these cards, you can check out my referral link for Chase here and for American Express here.
Maximizing Every Opportunity: Flights, Hotels, and Experiences
The beauty of rewards points is their versatility. Beyond our upcoming UK trip:
• Last November: We booked our Miami hotel stay entirely with points for our pre-cruise trip.
• This Month: We’re once again using points for our hotel stay in Miami before another exciting cruise adventure.
• This July: Our flights to St. Thomas for my birthday trip were booked with Chase points.
• St. John Getaway: We’re staying at the stunning Westin Vacation Club on St. John—a luxury experience under the Marriott Vacation Club umbrella—made possible through ownership perks and smart planning.
Each of these trips was made significantly more affordable—and in some cases, entirely free—by leveraging the power of credit card points and strategic planning.
If you’re curious about Westin Vacation Club or Marriott Vacation Club ownership, please reach out to me. I will need to get some basic information from you to connect with a Marriott vacation club representative to add you to my friend share list. They will then reach out to you regarding the program.
Even Travel Advisors Know the Value of Points
As travel advisors, we have access to exclusive rates, deals, and perks. But even with these advantages, we still recognize the immense value of leveraging points and rewards. Why? Because points make it possible to travel more often and more luxuriously.
Every swipe, every point earned, and every strategic redemption adds up to more adventures, more relaxation, and more unforgettable experiences.
No Matter Where You Start, You Can Get Here
I’m sharing this story because I know what it feels like to look at your finances and feel stuck, uncertain, and overwhelmed. But I also know what it feels like to book a luxury trip on points, to stay in stunning resorts, and to see a plan finally come together.
Wherever you are in your credit journey—whether you’re starting from scratch, rebuilding, or refining your strategy—know this: it is possible.
Start small. Use tools like Self to begin building. Explore powerful cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® and American Express Gold Delta. Dream about luxury stays with Westin Vacation Club.
Your financial past does not have to define your travel future. With focus, consistency, and the right tools, you can rebuild your credit and unlock the world—one point at a time.
If you’re ready to start your journey, feel free to use my referral links above. And if you ever need guidance or support, I’m here to help.
Here’s to financial freedom, dream vacations, and believing that with the right tools, anything is possible.