Raise your Income, investments, and life to the next level! Do you want to live life on your own terms? Financially independent people have assets that generate income greater than their expenses. We explore ways how people have increased their income and net worth to achieve financial independence (and how you can too) .
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June 16, 2026Episode 31230 min
Next Level 312: How to use Creative Financing to Succeed in Any Part of the Real Estate Cycle with Chris Prefontaine
The real estate market is constantly changing, and successful investors understand that the ability to adapt is one of the most valuable skills they can develop. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, I sit down with Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, to discuss how creative financing strategies can help investors build wealth and find opportunities regardless of where the market cycle stands.Chris Prefontaine is a 4x best-selling author, former Forbes Business Council Member, and a 3-time Inc5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. Through his work at Smart Real Estate Coach®, Chris has helped thousands of aspiring investors learn how to approach real estate differently by focusing on creative strategies rather than traditional financing methods.In this episode, Chris shares the lessons he has learned from decades of experience navigating different economic environments, including the challenges of the 2008 real estate crash, global uncertainty, and changing market conditions. Rather than allowing market shifts to create limitations, Chris explains how investors can use creativity and strategic thinking to uncover opportunities in every phase of the real estate cycle.Resources & Links🌐 http://smartrealestatecoach.com/Giveaway: https://3paydaysbooks.com/nextlevel
June 9, 2026Episode 31130 min
Next Level 311: $450M in Assets and The Framework to Help You Evaluate Deals and Create Generational Wealth with Gino Barbaro
Building wealth is about more than simply acquiring assets. True financial success comes from having a clear framework, making disciplined decisions, and creating a legacy that extends beyond your lifetime. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, Chris Larsen sits down with investor, entrepreneur, Certified Money Coach®, and bestselling author Gino Barbaro to discuss how he built a real estate portfolio of over 1,900 multifamily units and $450 million in assets under management while staying focused on family, values, and long-term wealth creation.Gino’s journey is a powerful example of how consistent action, education, and the right mindset can transform financial outcomes. Throughout the conversation, he shares the lessons he learned during his transition from restaurant ownership into multifamily real estate investing. Rather than chasing quick wins, Gino focused on developing systems and principles that could be repeated over time, allowing him to scale his portfolio while minimizing unnecessary risk.One of the key topics discussed is how investors can effectively evaluate opportunities. In a marketplace filled with countless investment options, understanding how to properly assess a deal is critical. Gino explains the importance of looking beyond surface-level numbers and focusing on the underlying fundamentals. He emphasizes the value of understanding market dynamics, cash flow potential, management quality, and long-term appreciation opportunities. These principles help investors avoid emotional decision-making and build confidence in their investment choices.The discussion also explores the concept of generational wealth. According to Gino, creating lasting wealth requires more than financial knowledge. It involves establishing healthy financial habits, maintaining strong family values, and fostering open conversations about money. Many families struggle not because of a lack of income, but because they lack a clear vision for preserving and growing wealth across generations.Drawing from his work through Barbaro 360 and the insights shared in his bestselling book Happy Money Happy Family Happy Legacy, Gino highlights the connection between financial success and family relationships. He believes that money should serve as a tool to create freedom, opportunity, and stronger family bonds rather than becoming a source of stress or conflict.Listeners will also gain valuable insight into the mindset required to succeed in today’s economic environment. Gino discusses the importance of personal responsibility, continuous learning, and maintaining a long-term perspective even when markets experience uncertainty. By focusing on fundamentals and staying committed to proven investment principles, investors can position themselves for sustainable growth regardless of short-term market fluctuations.Whether you are a seasoned investor looking to refine your strategy or someone just beginning your journey toward financial independence, this episode delivers practical wisdom and actionable insights. Gino Barbaro’s combination of real-world investing experience, financial education, and family-centered values offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to build wealth.Tune in to this inspiring episode of the Next Level Income Podcast to learn how to evaluate deals with confidence, develop a framework for successful investing, and create a financial legacy that can benefit future generations for years to come.Resources & Links http://www.barbaro360.com/ http://www.jakeandgino.com/Giveaway: https://barbaro360.com/happy-money/
June 2, 2026Episode 31012 min
Next Level 310: How to Be Financially Free by Forty Chapter 5: From Financial Freedom to Generational Wealth
Achieving financial freedom is a goal that many people strive for, but what comes after reaching that milestone? In this episode of the Next Level Income, Chris Larsen explores Chapter 5 of his journey to financial independence: transitioning from financial freedom to creating generational wealth. While financial freedom allows individuals to live life on their own terms, generational wealth extends those benefits far beyond a single lifetime, creating opportunities and security for future generations.Chris Larsen, founder and Principal of Next-Level Income, brings decades of experience in investing, business, and wealth-building to this discussion. After spending 18 years in the medical device industry, Chris shifted his focus toward helping others achieve financial independence through education and strategic investments. With more than 20 years of real estate investing experience and involvement in over $1.5 billion in real estate acquisitions since 2016, he offers valuable insights into what it truly takes to build lasting wealth.One of the central themes of this episode is the distinction between financial freedom and generational wealth. Financial freedom means having enough passive income and assets to support your desired lifestyle without relying on active employment. Generational wealth, however, requires a longer-term perspective. It involves building assets, systems, and values that can continue to benefit children, grandchildren, and future family members.🔗 Resources & Links🌐 https://www.nextlevelincome.com/financialfreedombook
May 26, 2026Episode 30916 min
Next Level 309: How to Be Financially Free by Forty Chapter 4: Investing for Cash Flow, Not Just Appreciation
Chris Larsen dives into one of the most important principles of building long term wealth: investing for cash flow instead of relying solely on appreciation. As part of the ongoing “How to Be Financially Free by Forty” series, Chapter 4 focuses on creating predictable income streams that can support financial independence and reduce reliance on active employment income.Chris brings decades of real estate investing experience to the conversation, sharing practical lessons from more than 20 years in the industry. Having participated in over $1.5 billion in real estate acquisitions since 2016, Chris explains why many investors make the mistake of chasing appreciation alone while overlooking the power of consistent monthly cash flow. Although appreciation can significantly increase net worth over time, it is often unpredictable and heavily influenced by market cycles, interest rates, and economic conditions. Cash flow, on the other hand, creates stability and financial flexibility.Throughout the episode, Chris explains how cash flowing assets can help investors achieve financial freedom faster. Whether through multifamily properties, self storage facilities, mobile home parks, senior housing, or other commercial real estate opportunities, investments that generate recurring income can provide reliable returns while also allowing investors to weather economic uncertainty more effectively.Resources & Links🌐 https://www.nextlevelincome.com/financialfreedombook
May 19, 2026Episode 30824 min
Next Level 308: How to Be Financially Free by Forty Chapter 3: Tax Strategy and Entity Structure
Building wealth is not only about how much money you make. It is also about how much money you keep and how strategically you position your assets for long term growth. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, Chris Larsen dives into Chapter 3 of the “How to Be Financially Free by Forty” series, focusing on one of the most overlooked pillars of financial success: tax strategy and entity structure.Chris Larsen, founder and principal of Next-Level Income, brings decades of experience in real estate investing, finance, and business strategy to this conversation. After spending 18 years in the medical device industry, Chris shifted his focus toward helping others achieve financial independence through education and strategic investments. With more than 20 years of real estate experience and involvement in over $1.5 billion in acquisitions since 2016, Chris offers listeners practical insights that go beyond traditional financial advice.Throughout the episode, Chris explains why understanding taxes is one of the most important steps toward accelerating wealth creation. Many investors focus heavily on earning income but fail to realize how taxes can quietly erode their financial progress over time. Chris emphasizes that successful investors and entrepreneurs understand the tax code and use it to legally and ethically create advantages that preserve wealth and improve cash flow.Link: https://www.nextlevelincome.com/financialfreedombook
May 12, 2026Episode 30738 min
Next Level 307: How Debt and Interest Rates are Affecting Commercial Real Estate Today with Jake Clopton
The commercial real estate market is going through one of its most significant shifts in decades. Rising interest rates, tighter lending standards, and changing investor expectations have created both uncertainty and opportunity across the industry. In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we sit down with Jake Clopton, founder of Clopton Capital, to discuss how debt markets are evolving and what investors should be paying attention to right now.Jake brings years of experience working with real estate owners and operators nationwide, helping clients secure debt and equity solutions in a rapidly changing environment. Throughout the conversation, he explains how today’s higher interest rate environment is impacting everything from underwriting standards to deal flow and investor confidence.One of the major themes discussed in this episode is the dramatic change in borrowing costs over the past few years. Many commercial real estate investors became accustomed to historically low interest rates, which allowed deals to cash flow more easily and encouraged aggressive acquisitions. However, with rates rising significantly, the economics of many projects have changed. Jake explains that lenders are now placing greater emphasis on debt coverage ratios, sponsor strength, and conservative underwriting assumptions.🔗 Resources & Links🌐 https://cloptoncapital.com/
May 5, 2026Episode 30635 min
Next Level 306: Where are Bitcoin and Digital Assets Going in Today’s Market and How to Make Volatility Your Friend with John Gillen
In this episode, the conversation dives deep into one of the most dynamic and often misunderstood sectors of modern finance: digital assets. Featuring insights from John Gillen, the discussion explores where Bitcoin and the broader crypto market are heading—and how investors can rethink volatility as an opportunity rather than a risk.John Gillen brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience working on BlackRock Aladdin platform, one of the most powerful portfolio management systems in the world. His transition from traditional finance to co-founding TRU Capital reflects a broader shift happening across the financial landscape: institutional expertise is increasingly flowing into decentralized and digital markets.A key theme of the episode is understanding volatility. In traditional markets, volatility is often seen as something to avoid. However, in crypto, volatility is the market. Gillen explains that instead of fearing price swings, investors can position themselves to benefit from them through disciplined strategies, long-term conviction, and a solid understanding of market cycles.🔗 Resources & Links🌐 http://trucapital.fund/
April 28, 2026Episode 30514 min
Next Level 305: How to Be Financially Free by Forty Chapter 2: Saving 50% Without Feeling Deprived
In this Episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, host Chris Larsen dives into Chapter 2 of the journey toward financial independence by forty, focusing on a concept that often feels intimidating at first glance: saving 50% of your income—without feeling deprived. While the idea may initially sound extreme, Chris reframes it as a powerful and achievable strategy rooted in intentional living, not sacrifice.Chris Larsen, founder of Next-Level Income and a seasoned real estate investor with over two decades of experience, brings a practical and experience-driven perspective to this discussion. Having been involved in over $1.5 billion in real estate acquisitions since 2016, Chris understands firsthand how disciplined financial habits can accelerate wealth building and create long-term freedom.🔗 Resources & Links🌐 https://calendly.com/taxessaved/taxanalysisWebinar Replay: https://youtu.be/fkJD6e8fIzo?si=i9VjBMPkEYb23w2t
April 21, 2026Episode 30434 min
Next Level 304: How to Lower Your Tax Rate (Even if you are a W2 income earner)
Level Income ShowSubscribe NowIn this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in personal finance: how high-income earners—especially W-2 employees—can legally and strategically lower their tax burden. Joined by tax strategy expert Davis Oliver, this conversation challenges the conventional belief that only business owners have access to meaningful tax-saving opportunities.Davis Oliver has helped clients save over $88 million in taxes through advanced planning, alternative investments, and innovative structuring. With a background in economics and entrepreneurship from UNC Chapel Hill, his journey began in the oil and gas industry, where he first discovered the potential of emerging assets like Bitcoin. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to bridge the knowledge gap in the accounting world and empower both individuals and CPAs with smarter tax strategies.Resources & LinksTo schedule your complimentary Tax Strategy call, 🌐 https://calendly.com/taxessaved/taxanalysis
April 14, 2026Episode 30310 min
Next Level 303: How to Be Financially Free by Forty eBook — Introduction and Chapter 1
In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, Chris Larsen takes a personal and practical approach as he introduces his upcoming eBook, How to Be Financially Free by Forty. Chris shares the inspiration behind the book, his own journey, and the foundational principles outlined in Chapter 1.Chris begins by explaining why financial freedom by forty is not just an ambitious goal—it’s an achievable milestone with the right mindset and strategy. Drawing from over two decades of real estate investing experience and his involvement in more than $1.5 billion in acquisitions, he emphasizes that financial independence isn’t about luck or timing the market. Instead, it’s about discipline, education, and consistent action over time.Resources & Linkshttp://www.nextlevelincome.com/financialfreedombookEp. 127: The Perfect Week For Dads (And Everyone Else) With Craig BallantyneEp 245: The Dark Side of Discipline with Craig BallantyneGet a Free Copy of Perfect Week FormulaConsider working with a coach or operator partner, like Craig BallantyneThe 8-Week Passive Income Roadmap Course: Heartbeatapp.heartbeat.chat/nextlevelincome/invitation?code=B23674
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