The Next-Level Income Show

Success is often measured by achievements, income, and recognition. But for Derek Peterson, the true definition of success was discovered when he realized that achievement without freedom comes with a hidden cost.

In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, Derek shares the powerful story of how struggle, reinvention, and intentional living transformed his life from chasing success to creating a life built around freedom, purpose, and impact.

Derek’s journey began in Columbia, Maryland, during a defining moment in eighth grade when he nearly failed and was placed into a lower academic track. Instead of accepting that as his future, he made a decision that would shape everything that followed. He realized that his trajectory was not fixed and that discipline, effort, and vision could completely change the direction of his life.

Resources & Links

🌐 https://www.adapt.agency/
🌐 http://amyandderektravel.com/

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

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/

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

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