Shawn Sharma on Thinking Before You Swipe

Seven-figure entrepreneur, Shawn Sharma, teaches clients how to maximize returns on their credit cards to amass thousands in annual revenue

How many times have you gotten a credit card, carelessly swiped it to buy groceries, airline tickets, or even furniture, only to pay hundreds in interest later? Shawn Sharma has made a career showing thousands of clients how to turn their daily spending habits into profit. Through financial education on why people should care more about their credit score, how to raise it fast, and smart ways to get the most out of their credit card perks, Shawn has amassed over a million Instagram followers. The best news is, he started out with nothing when he was in college, which roughly translates to, “If he could do it, maybe anyone could!”

Daily Habits into Big Opportunities

The general principles of credit card hacking and travel hacking, both completely legal, are that you maximize bonuses, special deals, cash-back offers, and rewards just by using the cards the correct way. For example, did you know that by paying your credit card bill each month before the statement is closed, you can save yourself interest, plus hold on to your rewards, cash-back, and miles? Shawn shows his valued clients how to amass wealth by improving their credit scores, accessing credit lines for funding their businesses, and offers tips to look at daily habits as potential earning opportunities.

Pursuing the American Dream

Shawn grew up in a financially struggling family, not because of laziness or motivation, but because of unfair and unfortunate circumstances. His parents, disabled immigrants possessing high-level educations (Dad was a doctor, Mom was a college professor), could not translate their experience and education in India to comparable US jobs. Between ailing health and the demands of feeding a young family, his parents could not achieve the American dream they set out for when leaving their home country. It was bearing witness to his parents’ struggles that fueled Shawn’s desire to pursue their dreams through his own education and business success. Hard work in high school earned him a full ride to an elite Math and Science boarding school. Shawn continued to Cornell University, where he was at the top of his class. Shawn refused to quit on his goals, even when life threw him a wicked curveball. His father passed away during Shawn’s final year at Cornell. Rather than giving up his dreams, Shawn dipped his toes into the profitable world of credit card arbitrage, with more-than-favorable results.

Finding Value in the Struggles

Shawn discovered the secrets to credit card arbitrage when he began maximizing credit card rewards and airline miles. What began as a way to save his parents money on airline tickets back and forth from college became a side gig that generated $3,000 daily. “I saved this money and was able to invest six figures into a 30-property Airbnb portfolio that I started from scratch with three other partners,” Shawn explains. Although that business saw its share of struggles, including two partners bailing on him and a third embezzled from Shawn, it was still a valuable learning experience. Creating Credit 101, a company that helps clients fix their credit and build wealth without the common obstacle of start-up money has grown into a leading credit repair company. Shawn emphasizes that everyone is created equal in the realm of credit, and everyone can make money from his tips and courses. He explains:

“My goal is to show people that in the world of credit, we are all on the same playing field regardless of background, color, or station in life.”

Education is Key

In under two years, Shawn was able to build an Instagram following of over one million. Considering he did not utilize paid-for advertising, that is an impressive feat. Instagram is the perfect platform for attracting new clients and distributing easy-to-follow daily tips, providing motivation, and networking with other entrepreneurs. One way Shawn stays at the top of his game is sparing no expense on furthering his education. Having spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on coaching, seminars, and courses, Shawn understands that to provide value to others, he needs to better himself first.

Helping Others

While Shawn stays busy with dozens of businesses, he has no intention of slowing down. “I’m active in a few charities, spend a lot of time helping my disabled mother, and grinding on the goals I still have for my future.” One of his biggest goals is to get his medical degree and make a significant innovation in the medical technology space. “Seeing my parents struggle with chronic disease for years, I cannot rest until I create something to help others suffering from chronic pain and illness.” Shawn also credits his success to his clients whose lives have been dramatically changed from his financial advice. Most clients report significant increases in their credit scores in only a few months, opening doors of opportunity they had all but given up hope on.

Keeping Up with Shawn Sharma

To follow Shawn Sharma and learn more about how you can fix your credit score and maximize your personal wealth, check him out on his website and Instagram.