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
Nov 4, 2025 • 18min
Should NZ Have 30 Year Fixed Mortgages? | Episode 398
Would 30-year fixed mortgages work in New Zealand? In this episode, James and Michael unpack how long-term fixed loans in the US provide stability for borrowers, compare them to New Zealand’s shorter-term system, and explore the trade-offs between flexibility, certainty, and economic control.Next Steps: If you’re wondering whether your bank, rate, or mortgage structure is right for you, get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgage team for personalised advice.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.
Nov 2, 2025 • 28min
OCR Cuts & Capital Gains Tax: NZ’s Recession or Rebound? ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 397
Rates are down, but inflation’s still biting. In this quarterly update, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr unpacks the OCR cut to 2.5%, Labour’s proposed capital gains tax, and what it all means for New Zealand’s economy heading into 2025. From housing and business confidence to inflation and investment, we ask the big question - is this the start of a recovery, or just calm before another storm?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.
Oct 30, 2025 • 14min
Will You Get Superannuation? The Debate on Means Testing | Episode 396
Should New Zealand’s wealthiest retirees still receive NZ Super? In this episode, James and Mike unpack the growing debate around means testing - exploring the political risks, financial realities, and whether cutting payments to high-income Kiwis could make the system more sustainable.Next Steps: Your retirement shouldn’t depend on the government. Talk to a Lighthouse adviser today to build a plan that puts your financial future back in your control.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.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Live Webinar: How to Plan for Retirement - KiwiSaver, Property or Shares?
Retirement isn’t about luck - it’s about planning, action, and time.In this live webinar, James and Justin break down what Kiwis really need to retire comfortably - from understanding how much you’ll need for a $100K annual income, to paying off your mortgage faster, leveraging property and shares, and building a financial plan that actually works.Next Steps:Ready to see what your retirement number looks like? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Lighthouse Financial to start your personalised plan 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.
Oct 28, 2025 • 23min
28% Capital Gains Tax? What Labour’s Plan Means for You | Episode 394
Labour’s back with a bold play - a 28% capital gains tax on property.In this episode, we break down the proposed 2027 capital gains tax - exploring its political timing, how it could impact property investors, business owners, and farmers, and whether it’s the right move for New Zealand’s struggling economy.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.
Oct 26, 2025 • 37min
Investing in Shares vs Property: Inside a Financial Plan Ep4
What would you do if your financial plan said you’ll have $6 million at 100?In this episode, we reconnect with Rachel and Deon to unpack their latest financial plan - from whether to buy another investment property or focus on shares, to paying off their mortgage, structuring trusts, and finding balance between spending today and securing their family’s future.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months. Learn more 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.
Oct 23, 2025 • 16min
Top 5 Mistakes Most People Make When Investing In Shares | Episode 392
Most investors lose money not because of the market - but because of their own mistakes.In this episode, we break down the five biggest mistakes people make when investing in shares - from chasing hot tips and trying to time the market to over-leveraging and ignoring debt. The hosts reveal the mindset and strategies that separate long-term investors from short-term speculators.Next steps: Want to learn how to invest smarter and plan for retirement? Join our free Retirement Planning Webinar on Wednesday, 29 October at 6:30pm - Register now. 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.
Oct 21, 2025 • 14min
KiwiSaver Untaxed: A Game Changer for Retirement | Episode 391
What if your KiwiSaver balance could double - just by removing tax?In this episode, we explore the radical idea of untaxed KiwiSaver returns, comparing outcomes to Australia’s super system, breaking down the numbers, and debating what it could mean for retirement, government revenue, and the future of NZ Super.Next Steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver is set up for success? Book a free 30-minute session with a Lighthouse KiwiSaver adviser and make sure your money is working for your 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.
Oct 19, 2025 • 55min
Mortgage Free in 4 Years and Retired at 52: Inside a Financial Plan Ep3
What does a real financial plan actually look like? In this episode, James walks Rachel and Dion through their personalised financial roadmap - covering budgeting, mortgage strategy, investment property planning, KiwiSaver comparisons, and retirement scenarios that show how they could achieve both lifestyle freedom and long-term wealth.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
Oct 16, 2025 • 21min
Struggling With Debt? 3 Key Steps to Fix Your Finances | Episode 389
Struggling with debt? In this episode, we share 3 key steps to fix your finances - from recognising the problem and shifting your mindset, to building a roadmap with clear goals, structure, and accountability.Next steps: If your finances are off track, Lighthouse can help - from tackling debt to building a clear plan tailored to your goals. Book a chat with our team todayFor 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.
