
Cheques and Balances
46% of Kiwis are worried about money. Whether it is just making it to the next payday, trying to get onto the property ladder, paying down credit card debt or saving for retirement. James Blair and Michael Vincent have been in financial services in New Zealand for 20 years combined. Cheques & Balances is a weekly podcast where James and Michael share their insights on how to get ahead financially and achieve financial freedom.
Check out our website below:
lighthousefinancial.co.nz
Latest episodes

Apr 27, 2025 • 32min
How Does Compounding Interest Work? Ft. Luke Kemeys | Episode 312
Compounding interest is your secret weapon to long-term wealth—if you know how to use it. In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kemeys from Keep the Change to unpack the power of compounding returns, when to invest versus pay down debt, the psychology behind delayed gratification, and how consistent action—financial or otherwise—can lead to exponential outcomes over time.Learn more about Luke here:Keep The ChangeNext AdvisoryNext Steps: Ready to invest smarter and build a financial plan that actually works? Connect with the team at Lighthouse Financial to get started 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.

Apr 24, 2025 • 17min
Step-by-Step Guide: 10 Smart Tax Moves for the New Financial Year | Episode 311
Start the new financial year on the front foot by getting your tax setup sorted early. Amanda Quill, Accounting Director at Lighthouse, joins us to share 10 smart tax moves every business owner and property investor should know—from setting up the right bank accounts and claiming deductions to managing GST and planning ahead for provisional taxNext Steps: Unsure about your tax setup? Chat with Lighthouse Accounting to stay compliant, maximise deductions, and kick off the financial year with confidence.Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:How to Build Your 2025 Financial PlanWhat Kiwis Should Do Now: Trump Market CrashFor 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.

Apr 22, 2025 • 10min
How Tariffs Have Hurt Your House Price and Mortgage | Episode 310
Trump’s tariffs are making waves — but are they hitting the New Zealand property market? In this episode, we unpack how global economic uncertainty and the risk of recession are putting pressure on house prices, tightening credit markets, and driving interest rates down. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or buyer, we break down what it all means for your next move.Next steps: All this talk of tariffs and uncertainty might have you feeling a little nervous. Well, Lighthouse Mortgages is here to help. We’ve got a team of expert mortgage brokers ready to help you navigate the waters of refixing, restructuring, or purchasing a new property. 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.

Apr 20, 2025 • 15min
Do Gen Z Really Have It Harder? We Run The Numbers | Episode 309
Boomers blame brunch, Gen Z blame broken systems — but who really had it tougher trying to buy a home in New Zealand? In this episode, we compare house prices, income ratios, mortgage costs, and the rising cost of living across generations to settle the great housing debate once and for all.Next Steps: Feel like the odds are stacked against you? Chat to the team at Lighthouse Financial for smarter mortgage advice and a plan to get ahead in today’s market.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.

Apr 17, 2025 • 12min
Why Rental Prices Are Dropping And Vacancy Is Increasing | Episode 308
Rents are falling and properties are sitting empty—what’s going on? In this episode, we break down why rental prices are dropping across New Zealand, what's driving the surge in vacancies, and what it means for renters, landlords, and the housing market.What we cover:-Why supply has surged and demand has slowed-The impact of migration, unemployment, and interest rates-What falling rents mean for investors and rental yields-Tips for renters to negotiate and save moneyNext Steps: Need expert guidance on navigating the changing property market? Lighthouse Financial helps clients look beyond today’s rent prices to make smarter investment decisions and build a long-term financial plan—reach out today!Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:NZ’s Economy in 2025: Is the Worst Over?Should You Buy Property with Friends?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.

Apr 15, 2025 • 31min
Creating Luke Kemeys Financial Plan | Episode 307
Luke Kemeys is building serious wealth - without a mortgage, without the pressure, and 100% on his own terms. In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Kemeys from Keep The Change and Next Advisory to break down the financial plan that’s helped him save 40% of his income, deploy $700K across different investments, and avoid the pressure of homeownership.Learn more about Luke here:Keep The ChangeNext AdvisoryNext Steps:Want help creating a financial plan that actually fits your lifestyle and goals? Lighthouse Financial works with clients across New Zealand to build personalised strategies that make your money work harder — and smarter.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.

Apr 13, 2025 • 17min
Subscription Theft: The Hidden Cost You’re Not Noticing | Episode 306
Subscription theft is costing Kiwis hundreds — and most don’t even realise it. Jess and Makayla break down how sneaky subscription traps are draining your bank account, why Paddy Gower is calling for government action, the worst offending companies (yes, we’re naming names), and what you can do to cancel, track and take back control of your spending.Next Steps:Need help reviewing your spending? The team at Lighthouse are holistic financial advisors who can help you take control of your budget and plan for the future learn more hereWant to learn more? Check out these episodes below:Step By Step Guide: How Financial Advisers Budget Their MoneyHow To Build Your Emergency Fund FastFor 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.

Apr 10, 2025 • 38min
How To Sell Your House In 2025: The Do's And Don'ts ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 305
Selling your home in 2025? The game has changed — and buyers are playing smarter than ever. In this episode, we sat down with Alex Martelli from Martelli & Co Buyers Agents to unpack what sellers need to know — from buyer psychology and auction tactics to the legal details that can make or break your sale.Next Steps:Need expert guidance on structuring your lending strategy and getting the right finance in place? Lighthouse Mortgages can help you secure the funding you need to achieve your property goals. Get in touch hereWant to learn more? Check out these episodes below:Rent, Buy or Hold? What To Do When RelocatingShould I Buy A House Or Invest In SharesFor 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.

Apr 9, 2025 • 18min
What Kiwis Should Do Now: Trump Market Crash | Episode 304
Markets are tanking and Trump’s back with tariffs — but should Kiwis be panicking? In this episode, we break down what’s really causing the global market dip, how tariffs are affecting everything from inflation to business confidence, and what smart Kiwi investors should be doing right now — whether you're buying, selling, or just riding it out.What we cover:Why Trump’s new tariffs are shaking global markets The impact on Kiwi investors What a balanced investment portfolio looks like in volatile times What Kiwis should actually do right nowNext Steps: Feeling unsure about your investments in a falling market? Lighthouse Wealth helps Kiwis build resilient portfolios that align with their goals—no matter the market mood. Reach out today for expert advice and peace of mind.Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:OCR Predictions: Orr Is Out, Tariffs Are InIs The S&P 500 Just An Illusion Of Diversification?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.

Apr 6, 2025 • 14min
OCR Predictions: Orr Is Out, Tariffs Are In | Episode 303
Adrian Orr steps down and Trump’s tariffs step up—this week, global finance is in flux and Kiwis are wondering what comes next. We break down what the Reserve Bank’s next move means for borrowers, how Trump’s tariffs are shaking the global economy, and what Orr’s exit signals for the future of monetary policy in New Zealand.Next Steps: Need help navigating rate changes? Talk to the team at Lighthouse Mortgages—no guesswork, no stress, just the right loan with the right structure at the right price. Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:How Trump is Shaping the Global Economy ft. Jarrod KerrNZ’s Economy in 2025: Is the Worst Over? 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.
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