
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
Latest episodes

Jun 19, 2025 • 16min
Debt 101: Fixed, Floating & Revolving Explained | Episode 337
Done right, debt can build wealth - not just cost it. We break down everything you need to know about the core types of mortgage lending in New Zealand - fixed, floating, revolving credit, and offset - and how to structure your debt to support your financial goals.Next Steps: If you're not sure your current mortgage structure is helping or hurting you? Chat with Lighthouse Mortgages to make sure your setup is working in your favour.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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 15min
End of Life Finances: What to Organise Now for Your Family’s Future | Episode 336
We get it no one likes thinking about their mortality, but planning now protects your family later. Makayla and Jess unpack the financial steps every Kiwi should take to prepare for the inevitable - from setting up a will and choosing an executor, to organising accounts, insurance, and estate planning so your family isn’t left with a financial mess during an already difficult time.Next Steps: Make life easier for your family - get your will, insurance, and estate plan sorted with Lighthouse.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.

Jun 15, 2025 • 29min
$0 To 20% Deposit In 2 Years: A First Home Buyer’s Story | Episode 335
From $0 to 20% deposit - here’s how Jordan did it. In this episode, we unpack the real-life journey of Jordan Hosking, who went from living paycheque to paycheque to buying his first home, using smart financial planning, forced savings, and support from the Lighthouse team.Next Steps: If you're like Jordan and looking to purchase your first home, chat to the Mortgages team - They will help you work out the smartest move based on your goals and budget.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.

Jun 12, 2025 • 19min
What If NZ Introduced Capital Gains Tax in 2026 ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 334
Is a capital gains tax coming to New Zealand? We’re joined by Matthew Harris, Managing Director at Lighthouse Financial, to unpack what CGT could look like in 2026 — from its potential impact on investors and property prices to whether it would really solve the issues it's designed to fix.Next Steps: If capital gains tax becomes a reality, you're going to need a good accountant. The team at Lighthouse can help get in touch 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.

Jun 10, 2025 • 12min
Is 55 Too Old To Buy A House? | Episode 333
Buying your first home at 55? It’s not as crazy or as simple as it sounds.In this episode, we unpack the financial trade-offs of buying later in life, the risks of taking on debt near retirement, and why it all comes down to income, time, and a solid financial plan.Next Steps: If you're weighing up buying versus renting at 55, get a personalised financial plan - Lighthouse Wealth will run the numbers and help you make the right call.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.

Jun 8, 2025 • 21min
Money Habits We Inherit: The Good the bad and the frugal | Episode 332
The way you spend, save, or stress about money? Chances are, you learned it at home.In this episode, we unpack the financial behaviours passed down through generations—from piggy banks and petrol budgets to guilt-driven spending and inherited debt. Discover how early experiences shape your relationship with money and what you can do to break (or build on) those patterns.Next Steps: The way you grew up with money shapes how you handle it now. Lighthouse Wealth can help you rewrite that story. Book a free consultation 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.

Jun 5, 2025 • 9min
Trump’s Market Manipulation: Crypto and Meme Coins | Episode 331
Trump’s crypto play is making headlines - but is it hype, hustle, or something more serious? In this episode, we break down Trump’s endorsement of Bitcoin, the launch of meme coins tied to his name, and the surge in market activity that followed. We explore the fine line between promotion and manipulation, the political implications, and what everyday investors should be watching for.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.

Jun 3, 2025 • 37min
James Sells His House Part 1 ft. Jono Barton | Episode 330
Selling your first home? Here’s what you need to know before it hits the market. From valuations and setting the right price to fixing dodgy renos and staging the home, Ray White’s Jono Barton walks us through how to prep a property for market and attract serious buyers. Learn more: get in touch with Jono or the Ray White Mission Bay team 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.

Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
Most Played Moment: How Does Compounding Interest Work? Ft Luke Kemeys
Your most played moment of 2025: 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.Watch the full episode hereLearn 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.

Jun 1, 2025 • 10min
Investment Boost Explained: The New Tax Deduction That Will Save Kiwi Businesses Thousands Ft. Amanda Quill | Episode 329
The Investment Boost could slash your tax bill — but only if you know how to use it. Amanda Quill, Accounting Director at Lighthouse Financial, breaks down exactly how the new 20% upfront deduction works, what assets qualify, what to avoid, and how to structure your purchases to maximise the benefit without making costly mistakes.Next Steps: If you’re looking to take advantage of Investment Boost tax deduction, Lighthouse Accounting can help you understand what to buy, how to structure it, and how to maximise your claim.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.