

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

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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 60min
Live Webinar: A Guide to Cutting Debt and Growing Wealth
Stop giving the banks your hard-earned money - learn how to cut debt and grow wealth faster.In this live webinar, we cover smart debt-reduction strategies, how to pay off your mortgage faster, the role of equity in building wealth, budgeting techniques that actually work, and practical ways to set yourself up for long-term financial freedom.🔗 Links Mentioned in the WebinarBook a free 30-minute chat with a financial adviserWant tailored advice for your situation? Book a free session with a Lighthouse Financial adviser and start mapping out your financial plan.Try PocketSmithTrack your cashflow, cut waste, and stay on top of your finances with PocketSmith - the tool we recommend for smarter money management.Book a free 30-minute consultation with a KiwiSaver AdviserNot sure if your KiwiSaver is working hard enough? We’ll review your fund choice and contribution level at no cost.Need an Insurance Review? Book nowWhen was the last time you checked your cover? Our advisers can review your insurance to make sure you’re protected without overpaying.Book a free 30-minute discussion with our mortgage teamIf your mortgage is rolling off, or you’re looking to buy your first or next property, our team can walk you through your options.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 14, 2025 • 12min
OCR Breakdown: Will Interest Rates Drop Below 4%? | Episode 387
The OCR has been cut - but is this just the beginning for falling interest rates? In this episode, we break down the 50-basis-point cut, its impact on mortgages, business confidence, and house prices, and discuss whether Kiwi borrowers could see sub-4% rates by the end of the yearNext steps: If you’re wondering what the latest OCR drop means for your mortgage, refinancing, or property plans, get in touch with Lighthouse Mortgages 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 12, 2025 • 15min
Are Kiwi Business Owners Over-Taxed? Provisional Tax Explained Ft. Matt Harris| Episode 386
Provisional tax catches out thousands of Kiwi business owners every year.In this episode, Matthew Harris breaks down what provisional tax really is, why it’s so often misunderstood, the common mistakes people make, and how tools like tax pooling can save you from penalties and surprise billsNext steps: If you’re a business owner or property investor facing provisional tax, get in touch with the Lighthouse accounting team - we’ll help you structure smarter, manage cash flow, and avoid costly mistakes.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 9, 2025 • 18min
Why It’s Expensive to Be Poor | Episode 385
Sometimes the habits that feel frugal are actually draining your wallet. In this episode, Jess and Makayla unpack why “it’s expensive to be poor” - exploring how buying cheap, renting long-term, skipping insurance, or avoiding upfront costs can end up costing more in the long run.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 7, 2025 • 55min
Inside a Financial Plan Ep2: KiwiSaver, Crypto & Property - The Strategy Session
Episode 2 of our mini-series dives into strategy - James works with Rachel and Dion to break down how their money is invested across KiwiSaver, crypto, Sharesies, and their mortgage. Together they explore how each piece fits within their wider goals, weigh the trade-offs between risk and return, and start shaping the structure behind their long-term wealth plan.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 5, 2025 • 12min
KiwiSaver Crisis: Why You’ll Go Broke in Retirement | Episode 383
KiwiSaver won’t save your retirement - and it’s time Kiwis faced that reality.In this episode, Mike and James reveal the harsh truth behind New Zealand’s retirement crisis, unpacking why low contribution rates and unrealistic expectations mean KiwiSaver alone won’t cut it. They break down what $500,000 in savings actually looks like at retirement and outline the practical steps to build true financial independence - from paying off your mortgage faster to investing smarter.Next Steps: If you haven’t reviewed your KiwiSaver recently, now’s the time - book a 30-minute session with a Lighthouse KiwiSaver adviser and make sure your fund, provider, and contributions are actually 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 3, 2025 • 16min
OCR Predictions: How Low Will Mortgage Rates Go?! Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 383
How low could mortgage rates really go? 👀In this episode, we break down the Reserve Bank’s latest moves, discuss predictions for OCR cuts, explore what falling interest rates mean for mortgages, and look ahead at how the property market could react.Next Steps: If you’re wondering how lower rates could impact your mortgage, refinancing strategy, or investment plans, reach out to the team at Lighthouse Mortgages 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.

Sep 30, 2025 • 56min
Is NZ Education Failing? The Rise of Crimson Education Ft. Jamie Beaton | Episode 382
From Auckland to the Ivy League and beyond - Jamie Beaton’s journey shows what it takes to turn a Kiwi startup into a billion-dollar business. In this episode, Jamie shares how he built Crimson Education from the ground up, the challenges of scaling globally, insights into New Zealand’s education system, and the mindset needed for young entrepreneurs to succeed.Learn more about Crimson Education 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.