Ep 245: The Dark Side of Discipline with Craig Ballantyne

Welcome to the Next Level Income Show! In this episode, Chris Larsen is joined by Chuck and Davis Oliver of The Hidden Wealth Solution to uncover legal and powerful strategies for reducing your tax burden and maximizing your wealth. Whether you're a W-2 employee, business owner, or investor, you'll discover how to save thousands in taxes, make smart Roth conversions, and unlock hidden tax deductions. Stay tuned and learn how to grow your income — and keep more of it. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Interest rate shifts have reshaped the multifamily market, forcing a focus on operations and long-term holds. ✅ Lone Star Capital’s strategic pivot to affordable housing is reducing risk and driving strong returns. ✅ Houston’s diversified economy makes it a prime market for resilient real estate investments. ✅ Insurance costs, weather risks, and immigration policies are major factors investors must consider today. Meet our guest: Bio: CHUCK: Radio show host and best-selling author Chuck Oliver is a nationally recognized Wealth Strategist who works with Baby Boomers, Retirees and business owners nationwide who desire asset optimization and wealth preservation planning. Their focus centers around having a written, compressive plan incorporating tax savings, reducing unnecessary market risk, maximizing income and growth while securing peace of mind with asset and estate planning protection. Learn the formula for how clients establish a tax-free income for life that will transfer tax- free to future generations. Chuck helps clients gain direction, confidence and capability with the proven success of The Hidden Wealth Solution. He and his team educate clients on the pillars of asset protection. Protecting clients from known and unknown creditors. DAVIS: Davis is a Wealth Strategist. Davis got his start working in the private equity space as an analyst. Davis works with our clients to educate them on wealth building alternatives with a focus on strategic tax savings planning. Davis currently works closely and consults with our clients and our strategic tax team. Davis is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a degree in economics with a minor in entrepreneurship. Davis is a devoted triathlete who enjoys competing at the highest level and he has achieved high ranking results as well as qualifying for and competing in, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Contact Today's Guests: Website: www.TheHiddenWealthSolution.com To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.comCheck out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

In this episode of The Next Level Income Show, host Chris Larsen sits down again with Rob Beardsley, CEO of Lone Star Capital. They dive into the latest trends in the multifamily market, discuss why operations now matter more than ever, and reveal how affordable housing strategies are reshaping real estate investing. Tune in for expert insights, actionable strategies, and a fresh look at the Texas market! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Interest rate shifts have reshaped the multifamily market, forcing a focus on operations and long-term holds. ✅ Lone Star Capital’s strategic pivot to affordable housing is reducing risk and driving strong returns. ✅ Houston’s diversified economy makes it a prime market for resilient real estate investments. ✅ Insurance costs, weather risks, and immigration policies are major factors investors must consider today. Meet our guest: Bio: Rob founded Lone Star Capital in 2018 and has overseen the acquisition, financing, and management of over $750 million in apartment communities. As CEO, Rob drives the strategic growth of the firm, while also identifying and raising capital for new investment opportunities. He leads Lone Star Capital's in-house property and construction management division, Lone Star Communities, ensuring excellence in renovation, lease-up, and ongoing management. Rob has sold over 25,000 copies of his two books on commercial real estate. Contact Today's Guest: Website: www.lscre.com PROMO/GIVEAWAY: iconLscreFund Manager Underwriting Toolkit: https://www.lscre.com/resource/fof-underwriting-toolkit To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level!Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

In this episode, I welcome back my friend Brett Swarts—author, podcast host, and expert in capital gains tax solutions. We dive deep into how to engineer truly passive income, leverage Deferred Sales Trusts, and structure your financial legacy for multi-generational impact. Brett shares personal stories, real-life client examples, and practical frameworks around family mission, vision, and values. If you're looking to grow wealth and legacy at the same time, this episode is packed with gold. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Deferred Sales Trust vs. 1031 Exchange: Brett breaks down the pros and cons of each and explains why DST offers more flexibility and broader application. ✅ Mission, Vision & Values: Creating a family mission is critical for guiding generational wealth and impact. ✅ Truly Passive Income: Brett defines the TPIN (Truly Passive Income Number) and explains how focusing on that number unlocks freedom. ✅ Real Client Results: From real estate owners to business sellers, DSTs have helped clients defer taxes and reinvest with greater returns and flexibility. Meet our guest: Bio: Brett Swarts is a best-selling author of "Building a Capital Gains Tax Exit Plan”. He is host of the Build it to Billions & Capital Gains Tax Solutions Podcasts. His insights have been featured at the Best Ever Real Estate Conference, DLP Capital Conference, American Entrepreneur with Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank, and also seen on Fox Business Network. As a real estate broker, his expertise is one of the few in the world who has closed Deferred Sales Trust, Delaware Statutory Trust, and 1031 Exchanges. He is the Founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions where he teaches purpose-driven entrepreneurs and investors to build their capital gains tax exit plan to multiply their freedom, wealth, and impact. He has closed over ½ Billion in DST and Real Estate Transactions and he was the first to help Bitcoin owners exit millions of gains and defer their capital gains tax using a DST. Contact Today's Guest: Website: www.brettswarts.com Expert CRE Secrets Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expert-cre-secrets-podcast/id1542856955 Capital Gains Tax Solutions Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capital-gains-tax-solutions-podcast/id1506283542 Build It To Billions Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-it-to-billions-podcast/id1763711234 FB: https://www.facebook.com/brett.swarts IG: https://www.instagram.com/brett_swarts/ YouTube: @CapitalGainsTaxSolutions Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

In this episode of the Next Level Income Show, I welcome back my good friend Dr. Vikram Raya—cardiologist, real estate investor, high-performance coach, and author of The Perfect Week Formula. We discuss how to escape the “comfort cage,” generate massive energy, and build a life of freedom and purpose. Vik shares his transition from medicine to real estate, the secrets to optimizing your time and mindset, and how to “sprint the marathon” in life. Don’t miss this one! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Energy is the ultimate currency for entrepreneurs and high performers. ✅ Transitioning from medicine to real estate gave Dr. Raya true freedom and autonomy. ✅ Tools like the 20/20/20 morning routine and Perfect Week Formula can massively increase productivity. ✅ The concept of “sprinting the marathon” enables long-term, sustainable success. Meet our guest: Bio: DR. VIKRAM RAYA, MD, FACC CEO / FOUNDER OF VIKING CAPITAL CEO/FOUNDER OF LIMITLESS MD BY VIKRAM RAYA CARDIOLOGIST/ SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR/ HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH Vikram is a trained cardiologist and functional medicine physician. He is an international speaker, high-performance coach, and real estate expert. He has been active in multifamily real estate since 2015 and is a Founding Partner and CEO of Viking Capital Investments. As a real estate private equity firm, Viking Capital is approaching 4300 units and $600 Million of assets acquired. Vikram was elected into the Forbes Business Council, and was Commemorated by US Congressman Tim Connolly and Don Beyer into Congressional Record for excellence in Entrepreneurship. He has helped high achievers, doctors, and other professionals around the world achieve ultimate vitality, financial abundance and a bulletproof mindset through his coaching, Limitless MD. He recently gave a keynote lecture at the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta with Dr. Mehmet Oz on entrepreneurship. He also is the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award on Wall Street. Most recently, he's made the Inc 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the US. Contact Today's Guest: Website: www.vikramraya.com Get his free book: www.perfectweekmd.com To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level!Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Join Chris Larsen as he welcomes Jim Pfeifer back to the show to discuss the evolution of his investing journey, from active real estate to building communities for passive investors. Jim shares his insights on why communities are essential for successful limited partner investing, how Passive Pockets is creating new opportunities, and lessons learned along the way. Learn more about Jim’s upcoming Passive Pockets Summit and why it’s the event you don’t want to miss! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ **Importance of Community:** Successful limited partner investing heavily relies on connecting with a supportive community for learning and sharing insights. ✅ **Transition to Passive Investing:** Jim Pfeifer details his shift from active real estate management to focusing on syndications and why it made sense for his goals. ✅ **Navigating Market Changes:** Understanding the real estate market’s cyclical nature is critical for success, especially during times of economic uncertainty. ✅ **Passive Pockets Summit:** The upcoming summit in Columbus, Ohio, aims to connect LPs and GPs, offering valuable networking and educational opportunities. Meet our guest: Jim Pfeifer has dedicated his career to helping educate and advise people on personal finance and investing. As a full-time passive investor, founder and former President of Left Field Investors, and co-host of the PassivePockets podcast, Jim is passionate about empowering investors with accessible education and community networking opportunities. He holds a degree in Finance & Marketing from the University of Oregon and a Masters in Business Education from The Ohio State University. In his free time, Jim enjoys skiing, playing Ultimate frisbee, and cheering on the Buckeyes. He lives in Columbus, OH with his wife and kids. Contact Today's Guest: Passive Pockets: http://www.passivepockets.com To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.comCheck out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Join us for an engaging conversation with Brennan de Raad, Founder and CEO of Vessel Advisors, as he breaks down the role of fractional CFOs and how they can empower businesses with financial clarity and control. From startups to large companies, Brennan shares invaluable insights on optimizing processes, leveraging AI, preparing for exits, and driving long-term business growth. Don't miss out on this episode, which is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Brennan de Raad explains the differences between accountants, controllers, and CFOs, emphasizing the importance of a forward-looking financial strategy. ✅ Fractional CFOs provide expertise and flexibility for businesses from pre-revenue startups to companies with hundreds of millions in revenue. ✅ Leveraging AI and automation in accounting can significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost management. ✅ Preparing for a successful business exit involves clean financial records, accurate forecasting, and identifying valuable add-backs. Meet our guest: Brennan de Raad is the Founder and CEO of Vessel Advisors, a CFO, Controller, and accounting services company with over 40 professionals dedicated to empowering business owners with financial clarity and control. With over 10 years of experience as a fractional CFO, Brennan has personally served over 50 businesses, representing over $800 million in combined annual revenue. His leadership experience spans a diverse range of financial events, including companies going public, acquisitions (both as acquirer and acquiree), and successful capital raises through venture capital, traditional banking, and private investment. Vessel Advisors offers fractional CFO, Financial Controller, and accounting services, providing clients with the financial insights and actionable recommendations they need to thrive. Brennan and his team are passionate about transforming accounting teams from cost centers into profit centers, enabling businesses to grow with confidence. Learn more about how Vessel Advisors can help your business at www.vesseladvisors.com Contact Today's Guest: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennanderaad/ To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.comCheck out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

🚀 Ready to take your goals to the next level? In this episode of the Next Level Income Show, host Chris Larsen shares how to build momentum in Q2 by setting powerful quarterly goals. Learn how to create a three-year vision, prioritize your health, wealth, and personal growth, and structure your perfect week for success! 📈💪 Plus, grab your FREE copy of “The Perfect Week Formula” and our coaching program details! 🔥 Don’t miss out—watch now and start leveling up! 👇 📘 Get your free book: nextlevelincome.com 📩 Join our coaching program: [email protected] 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ **The Three-Year Vision** – A long-term success roadmap that helps filter opportunities and decisions. ✅ **Quarterly Planning for Success** – Setting clear, actionable goals in four key areas: **health, wealth, social, and personal enrichment**. ✅ **The Perfect Week Formula** – A structured way to **prioritize time** for goal achievement, blocking off **sleep, workouts, and high-value tasks**. ✅ **Efficiency & Focus** – How **blocking time for non-urgent but important tasks** helps maximize productivity. 🚀 To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level!Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Welcome to the Next Level Income Show! In this episode, I’m joined by Rod Zabriskie and Blake Brogan from Money Insights to talk about one of the most powerful financial strategies—Perpetual Family Banking. Learn how you can make your money work in two places at once, optimize your investments, and build generational wealth like the ultra-wealthy. 🚀 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ **Investment Optimizer Strategy** – Using high cash-value life insurance to store and grow cash before investing. ✅ **How Perpetual Family Banking Works** – A method for transferring wealth across generations while keeping money working. ✅ **Tax-Free Wealth Growth & Access** – The strategy allows for tax-free compounding and tax-free withdrawals. ✅ **Using Insurance for Cash Flow & Investments** – How investors leverage policies to fund real estate and other investments. Meet our guests: Blake is a Wealth Strategist whose role primarily involves interacting with current and prospective clients of Money Insights. He has been in the financial services industry for eight years, primarily working with maximum overfunded life insurance strategies. Blake graduated from Grove City College with a bachelors in Entrepreneurship. He resides in Michigan with his wife and three children and in his free time enjoys playing golf and Michigan State athletics. Rod is the President of Money Insights working directly with clients and the team to create an enjoyable environment for all. He has worked in financial services since 2009, after a decade of working in small businesses for others. He holds an MBA, with an emphasis in entrepreneurship, as well as an undergraduate degree in Marketing Communications. Rod is married to Jodi, and they have 7 amazing children. Contact Today's Guest: Blake: [email protected] Rod: [email protected] To learn more visit nextlevelincome.com/banking & nextlevelinocme.com/kids 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.comCheck out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Are you looking to achieve financial freedom through real estate investing? In this episode, we delve into the world of fixed-income investments with Nic DeAngelo, founder of Saint Investment Group, who has built a $200M+ real estate portfolio. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Fixed Income vs. Equity Investing: Understanding the benefits of fixed income investments in today's market. ✅ Investing in Distressed Mortgages: How purchasing non-performing mortgage notes can lead to steady returns while aiding homeowners. ✅ Economic Trends in Real Estate: The importance of analyzing long-term real estate market trends for informed investment decisions. ✅ Nic's Journey to Success: From unpaid internships to managing a nationwide real estate fund, learn the strategies behind Nic's achievements. Why Watch? Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, understanding alternative investment strategies like mortgage-backed securities can diversify your portfolio and provide stable cash flow. Gain insights into the real estate housing market, discover tips for buying a foreclosed home, and learn about the best time to buy a house.​ Don't Miss Out! Stay ahead in the real estate market by learning from experts like Nic DeAngelo. Subscribe to our channel for more insights into investment properties, passive income, and achieving financial independence through real estate. Nic DeAngelo is known as the "Fixed Income GOAT" in real estate circles. With a $206M+ portfolio, he fuses economic foresight and real estate prowess for an exciting and value-driven discussion for podcast audiences. He invests by two foundational beliefs: - Wall Street is broken. Real Estate is the cure. - Economics tells the future. As CEO/Founder of Saint Investment Group, He leads a veteran team acquiring institutional-grade real estate assets nationwide. Our 30+ state portfolio, 24 projects, and 500+ loans showcase our strategy-driven prowess, with Saint on track to raising $100M+ yearly. I’ve received praise from high-level podcasters like Hunter Thompson, Tyler Lyons, and Jonathan Cattani, with me being the guest on some of their highest-reviewed episodes. My data-driven investing approach. For this reason, every podcast I’ve been featured on has invited me back for updates on the compelling economic insights we’ve reviewed on their shows. My knack for simplifying complex theories allows me to provide you with dense material in an entertaining, bite-size way. Contact Nic: Check out saintinvestment.com Learn more at: http://saintinvestment.com/resources/ Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-deangelo/ 📚 Get a FREE copy of my book at NextLevelIncome.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level!Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The real definition of discipline and why most people get it wrong✅ How to eliminate distractions like social media, alcohol, and negative news✅ Why 99% commitment isn’t enough—you need to go all in✅ How to identify your Level 10 problems and focus on what truly matters✅ Practical success habits to take your life and business to the next level Craig Ballantyne is known as the "World’s Most Disciplined Man" and is a business coach for high performing entrepreneurs who want to go to the next level. His previous books include The Perfect Day Formula, The Perfect Week Formula, and his Wall Street Journal best seller, Unstoppable. He was also the creator of the Turbulence Training fitness system and owns EarlyToRise.com.Contact Craig:Order Craig's book here: www.darksideofdiscipline.com 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone looking to take their income and investments to the next level! Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com