

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

Sep 23, 2025 • 10min
The Midlife Financial Crisis: Why Your 40s Feel So Expensive | Episode 379
Midlife money stress is real - and it’s hitting Kiwis harder than ever. In this episode, we break down the “midlife financial crisis,” exploring how childcare, mortgages, aging parents, and debt all collide in your 40s, and the practical steps you can take to regain control and build long-term wealth.Next Steps: Ready to take the pressure off your finances? Book a free consultation with a Lighthouse Financial adviser and get a clear plan for your cashflow, mortgage, and long-term wealth.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.

Sep 21, 2025 • 12min
This Is Why You Feel Poor: The Brutal Truth Of Inflation | Episode 378
Inflation is down, but Kiwis are still feeling broke. In this episode, we unpack why everyday essentials like rent, groceries, and mortgage repayments remain painfully high despite inflation easing, exploring wage stagnation, rising living costs, and what it really means for households across New Zealand.Next Steps: Take control of rising costs. Book a free session with Lighthouse Wealth and take the next step towards financial confidence.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.

Sep 19, 2025 • 24min
NZ Economy Shrinks: Why GDP is Falling | Episode 377
NZ’s economy has gone backwards - here’s what it really means for Kiwis. In this episode, we break down the 0.9% GDP decline, what it signals for business and households, the impact on manufacturing and construction, Reserve Bank policy decisions, and why interest rate changes could bring both relief and riskNext steps: from surviving summer spending to saving thousands on your mortgage, our upcoming webinars are packed with practical strategies for every stage of your financial journey. Register nowFor 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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 17min
Most Played Moment: Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Debt, Growth, and NZ's Economic Future | Episode 376
Your Most Played Moment Of 2025: In this exclusive interview from inside the Beehive, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins us to discuss NZ’s economic future covering everything from housing affordability, debt, and financial literacy to KiwiSaver, exports, and why cutting red tape is critical for growth.Watch the full episode hereThe Minister's appearance is not an endorsement of any particular financial advice service or company.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.

Sep 14, 2025 • 17min
Debt-Free Faster: How to Cut 10 Years Off your Mortgage Ft. Justin Gauci | Episode 375
Stop sleepwalking on your mortgage - learn how small changes could help you cut years off and reduce interest costs. In this episode, we explore practical strategies that may shorten a 30-year mortgage to 10–15 years, including smarter repayment structures, avoiding lifestyle creep, and making the most of pay rises or interest rate changes.Next Steps: Ready to knock years off your mortgage? Register for our free webinar with practical tips to pay down debt faster and take control of 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.

Sep 11, 2025 • 22min
2025 Property Market: Negotiation Tactics to Save Thousands Ft. Adam Farrell | Episode 374
In today’s buyer’s market, smart negotiation could save you thousands on your next property. Adam Farrell joins us to unpack the strategies behind timing your offers, spotting undervalued opportunities, negotiating beyond price, and knowing when to say yes so you don’t miss out on the best deals.Next Steps: Ready to put these strategies into action? Lighthouse Property can help you find the right home or investment and negotiate with confidence - get in touch today to start your journey.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.

Sep 9, 2025 • 18min
Why Rentvesting Will Ruin Your Retirement | Episode 373
Rentvesting might look smart now, but it could leave you broke later. In this episode, James and Jess break down the numbers behind rentvesting, comparing real financial projections to show why renting long-term while investing elsewhere often ends in running out of money before retirement.Next Steps: Want to see how your own numbers stack up? Book a financial plan with Lighthouse Wealth and get a clear, tailored roadmap to retirement. 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.

Sep 7, 2025 • 17min
Foreign Buyers Ban Changes: Will They Save or Sink NZ’s Economy? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 732
Foreign buyers are back...sort of. In this episode, James and Matt unpack New Zealand’s revised foreign buyers rules, the $5 million price cap, and what it means for our property market, economy, and international reputation.Got a hot take? Drop it below - the best comment scores a Lighthouse “Need Money for Real Estate” hat.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.

Sep 4, 2025 • 8min
NZ's Infrastructure Crisis: Why Are Taxpayers Footing the Bill? | Episode 371
NZ’s infrastructure is crumbling and taxpayers are footing the bill.In this uncut episode, James and Mike unpack the government’s new road user charges, debating whether it’s a genuine solution to New Zealand’s infrastructure crisis or just another way to shift the cost onto taxpayers, while diving into EV taxes, political timing, and the state of our roads.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.

Sep 2, 2025 • 26min
$150K Insurance Mistake: Cancer and Cancelled Cover Ft. Emily Powell | Episode 370
A personal story of cancer, cost, and the true value of insurance. In this episode, we share the financial and emotional journey of losing a parent to terminal brain cancer, uncovering the hidden costs of treatment, the consequences of cancelled cover, and the lessons every Kiwi family can take from this experience.Next Steps: We know nobody expects to get sick - but the right cover makes all the difference. Talk to the Lighthouse insurance team today about health, life, and income protection options that actually work when you need them most.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.


