

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

Aug 12, 2025 • 22min
5 Key Steps A Beginner’s Guide to Property Investing ft. Adan Farrell | Episode 360
Buying your first investment property? Start with the right strategy, not the closest suburb.In this episode, Lighthouse Financial’s Property Director Adam Farrell breaks down the five essential steps to purchasing your first investment property - from defining your goals and assessing affordability, to choosing between new builds and existing homes, running the numbers, and getting the right professional advice.Next Steps: Book a chat with Lighthouse Financial to create your investment strategy and find the right property to meet your financial goals.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.

Aug 10, 2025 • 15min
Should Your KiwiSaver Have Crypto In It? | Episode 359
Crypto in KiwiSaver: bold move or big mistake? In this episode, we break down whether cryptocurrency deserves a place in your KiwiSaver, exploring its volatility, potential returns, scams, and the risks of mixing it into one of New Zealand’s most important retirement savings tools.Next steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver is set up for success? Book a free 45‑minute chat with our KiwiSaver advisers and make sure your money’s working as hard as you are.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.

Aug 8, 2025 • 35min
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Debt, Growth, and New Zealand's Economic Future | Episode 359
You can’t tax your way to prosperity - but you can grow the pie. 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.The 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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 19min
Global Markets Are Up: So Why Is NZ Still Struggling? Q2 Report | Episode 358
Markets are bouncing back - but not all economies are sharing the gains. In this April-June 2025 quarterly update, we unpack the drivers behind the global market rebound, the impact of Trump’s tariffs, asset class performance from property to global equities, and why New Zealand continues to lag behind despite worldwide growth.Next steps: If you’re making investment decisions without a clear long‑term plan, talk to our team for independent, research‑backed advice tailored to your goals.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.

Aug 3, 2025 • 10min
Why Revolving Credit Will Ruin Your Life | Episode 357
Revolving credit might feel like financial freedom - but for most people, it can be a fast track to long-term debt. In this episode, we unpack how revolving credit works, the pros and cons, why it can be a trap for poor budgeting habits, and smarter strategies to pay off your mortgage faster.Next Steps: If your revolving credit is holding back your financial progress, talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team about restructuring to a plan that actually works 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 31, 2025 • 16min
Retirement Crisis: NZ’s Ageing Population | Episode 356
Nearly 1 in 4 Kiwis will be over 65 by 2050 - and that’s not just grey hairs, it’s an economic shake-up. In this episode, we break down what an ageing population means for New Zealand’s workforce, housing, retirement system, and future tax burden - and what needs to change before it's too late.Next Steps: Want to take control of your financial future? Join our next free webinar where we cover everything from buying your first home to preparing for retirement. Register 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 29, 2025 • 18min
Step by Step Guide: How To Get Your First Mortgage | Episode 355
Think getting your first mortgage is confusing? We break it all down - from KiwiSaver strategies and saving hacks to bank vs broker comparisons and how to boost your approval odds.We guide first home buyers through the entire mortgage process, including deposit options, gifting rules, pre-approval conditions, and common pitfalls - plus how to know if you're ready sooner than you think.Next Steps: need help figuring out your deposit or what banks will lend you? Talk to a Lighthouse mortgage advisor and find out what options are actually available to 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 27, 2025 • 17min
4 Reasons Why You Won’t Retire At 65 | Episode 354
Think you’re on track for retirement? Think again. We unpack the four biggest mistakes that are quietly derailing Kiwi retirement plans - from mortgage stress and poor financial habits to over-reliance on KiwiSaver and underestimating the true cost of retirement.Next Steps: Worried about whether you're financially ready for retirement? Chat to Lighthouse Wealth to build a financial plan that gives you confidence and 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.

Jul 24, 2025 • 11min
Are Kiwis Giving Up on Property? | Episode 353
Some Kiwis are walking away from property - but is that the right move?We break down why public sentiment is shifting, the risks of short-term thinking, and the structural changes in the market - from mortgage stress and declining yields to smarter buying strategies and new pathways into homeownership.Next Steps: Ready to buy your first home but not sure where to start? Chat with the expert brokers at Lighthouse Mortgages - they'll help you structure your loan, stress test your budget, and find the best deal for your situation.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 22, 2025 • 16min
NZ Debt Crisis: Why Half A Million Kiwis Are Behind On Bills | Episode 352
Debt stress is rising across New Zealand and it’s not just mortgages. Over 485,000 Kiwis are behind on bills, with short-term debt spiking and KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals soaring. We unpack what’s driving the pressure: rising living costs, stagnant wages, and an economy that’s leaving more households at breaking point.Next Steps:If you're unsure how to manage your mortgage in this environment, talk to Lighthouse Mortgages - whether you're refixing, refinancing, or just need a second opinion, the team can help you make a smarter move.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.