

Cheques and Balances
Cheques and Balances
Whether you're buying your first home, tackling debt, or building long-term wealth, we’ll show you how to make smarter money moves. With over 20 years of combined experience as qualified financial advisers, James Blair and Michael Vincent share straight-talking advice, practical strategies, and real conversations about money - all to help you take control of your financial future with confidence.
Check out our website below:
lighthousefinancial.co.nz
Check out our website below:
lighthousefinancial.co.nz
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 15, 2025 • 17min
Mortgages 101: Deposits, Interest and Equity Explained | Episode 349
Mortgage jargon got you confused? We unpack the fundamentals of deposits, loan structures, and equity - breaking down what they actually mean, how they work, and how to use them to get ahead in your property journey.Next Steps: Thinking about buying your first home or restructuring your loan? Chat with one of our specialist mortgage brokers at Lighthouse to make sure your structure is working for you.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 13, 2025 • 13min
5 Traits That Mean You’ll Be Wealthy | Episode 348
Being rich is easy - being wealthy is a different game. We break down the five traits that separate the truly wealthy from the paycheque-rich - from mastering your income and spending habits to building assets, setting clear goals, taking calculated risks, and developing lifelong financial literacy.Next steps: Want a free financial workshop at your workplace? From building a financial plan to buying your first home or preparing for retirement, we offer a range of practical, engaging workshops to suit any team. For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 10, 2025 • 20min
Luxury Investments: The Birkin Bag vs. The S&P 500 | Episode 347
Can a $30,000 Birkin bag really beat the S&P 500? We unpack whether luxury assets like handbags, watches, wine, and cars truly outperform traditional investments, reveal the hidden risks of luxury investments, and share smarter ways to build real wealth.Next Steps: Ready for real wealth-building strategies? Talk to a Lighthouse Financial advisor today and start creating a practical plan for your financial future.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 9, 2025 • 33min
OCR Breakdown: 2025 Economic Update Ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 346
The OCR stayed put - but what does that mean for you?In this episode, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr breaks down the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold rates, what it means for mortgages, inflation, unemployment, and where the economy is headed in 2025.Next Steps: If these uncertain times have you wondering what to do next with your mortgage, get in touch with Lighthouse – whether it’s reviewing your current structure, buying your first home, or planning your next property purchase, we’re here to help.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 8, 2025 • 11min
6 Month Money Reset: How To Fix Your Budget Fast | Episode 345
With only 6 months left in 2025 - is your money on track? We share practical ways to check your progress, trim hidden costs, tweak your budget, increase your income, and build systems that keep your finances on track for the rest of 2025.Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too! Apply hereFor more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 6, 2025 • 14min
Why Term Deposits Are Costing You Thousands | Episode 344
Term deposits might be costing you more than you realise. We unpack why parking your cash in term deposits could leave you going backwards after inflation and tax, and explore smarter ways to grow your money.Next Steps: Are you stuck in term deposits earning low returns? Talk to Lighthouse Wealth today to build a smarter investment plan and set yourself up for a better future.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 3, 2025 • 20min
Should you buy a house in your 20s? | Episode 343
Is topping up a mortgage at 22 really the dream? Makayla and Jess break down the pros and cons of buying young, why some Kiwis are purchasing at 22, the cultural pressure to own property, and alternative ways to build wealth if homeownership isn’t your priority.Next Steps: If you’re thinking about buying your first home, make sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as you are - get in touch with Lighthouse Financial for tailored advice today.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jul 1, 2025 • 11min
OCR Predictions: Is A Rate Cut Off The Table? | Episode 342
Will the RBNZ cut rates in July or keep Kiwis waiting? We unpack why the Reserve Bank might hold off on cutting the OCR, from unexpected GDP growth and stubborn inflation to the global oil price shocks that could hit your mortgage and financial plans.Next Steps: For tailored advice on your mortgage strategy ahead of the next OCR decision, talk to the team at Lighthouse Financial today.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jun 29, 2025 • 33min
From Scaling Canva to Backing NZ’s Next Billion Dollar Startups ft. Mahesh Muralidhar | Episode 341
From scaling Canva to transforming New Zealand’s startup scene - Mahesh Muralidhar knows how to think big. In this episode, we unpack Mahesh’s journey at Canva, his mission to make NZ happier and wealthier, and how Phase One Ventures is backing the next generation of billion-dollar companies.Learn more about Phase One VenturesEver wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too! Apply hereFor more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

Jun 26, 2025 • 11min
Is NZ’s Economy at Risk? Trump Escalates Middle East Conflict | Episode 340
Markets are rising, oil prices are spiking - but what does Trump’s strike on Iran mean for your money? We unpack how rising tensions in the Middle East could affect KiwiSaver balances, inflation, mortgage rates, and the everyday cost of living in New Zealand.Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too!For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.


