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BiggerPockets Real Estate · May 6, 2026 · 42m

If You’re Worried About Money, Hear This w/How to Money

Joel Larsgaard & Matt Altmix

Joel Larsgaard from the How to Money podcast shares his personal journey from watching his parents’ constant financial stress to building a slow, low‑risk rental portfolio over sixteen years. He describes house hacking as the ideal first step for new investors and explains why, even with higher home prices and economic uncertainty in 2026, real estate investing remains a crucial path to financial peace. The conversation highlights how rental income can directly reduce money anxiety and why a gradual, scalable approach trumps risky moves.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Money worry is a major source of stress, and rental income can alleviate it
Joel Larsgaard explains that seeing his parents chronically stressed over money due to overspending made him determined to build a different life; owning rental properties now provides him lasting financial peace.
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House hacking is the no‑brainer first rental property for new investors
Joel describes buying a multi‑unit property, living in one unit, and renting the others as the obvious first step because it slashes housing costs, builds equity, and teaches landlording skills.
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A slow, low‑risk rental portfolio built over years creates scalable financial freedom
Instead of gambling on flips or over‑leveraging, Joel added cash‑flowing properties gradually for 16 years, a strategy he credits with surviving economic cycles and achieving steady income growth.
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Uncertainty and high prices make real estate investing harder but not optional
Joel argues that despite a tough 2026 market with elevated home prices, sitting on the sidelines guarantees being left behind; long‑term focus and ignoring macro noise are essential.
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Misc

✧Joel's parents constantly kept up with the Joneses—buying more house and expensive cars than they could afford, leading to financial strain.
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