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
May 11, 2025 • 25min
How The Rich Structure Their Finances Ft. Amanda Quill | Episode 318
Trusts, tax hacks, and how the rich play the game. Amanda Quill, Accounting Director at Lighthouse Financial, breaks down the sophisticated financial structures the wealthy use to minimise tax, protect assets, and stay within the lines—and how you can apply the same principles to get your own setup working smarter.Next Steps: Not sure if your financial structure is working for you? Chat with the team at Lighthouse Financial we’ll make sure your structure fits your goals and keeps more money in your pocket.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.
May 8, 2025 • 34min
Is Your KiwiSaver Ethical? Ft. Pathfinder CEO John Berry | Episode 317
We’re joined by Pathfinder CEO John Berry to unpack the grey areas of ethical investing, from greenwashing and responsible due diligence to AI’s energy footprint and how your KiwiSaver choices can shape a better world – all while aiming for strong returns.This episode is proudly sponsored by Pathfinder. Are you ready to align your KiwiSaver with your values? Explore how Pathfinder can help you invest ethically without compromising on performance here.Pathfinder Asset Management Limited is the issuer of the Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan and Pathfinder Investment Funds. Product Disclosure Statements for the offers are available at pathfinder.kiwi. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. We encourage all investors to seek financial advice prior to making investment decisions. Learn more about how they invest ethically by reading their Ethical Investment Policy on the website 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.
May 6, 2025 • 13min
Recession Fears Rise: What’s REALLY Happening In The Market? Q1 Report | Episode 316
Markets stumbled and optimism faded in Q1, as recession fears took hold and political uncertainty shook investor confidence.In this quarterly report we cover:• Q1 2025 market update• Bonds vs shares• Recession fears and global volatilityNext Steps: Have you got a lump sum or not sure what to do with your money? Reach out to Lighthouse Financial for a personalised plan to help you invest with purpose.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.
May 4, 2025 • 18min
What Would Happen If Property Investors Disappeared? | Episode 315
What if every property investor in New Zealand vanished overnight? We explore the economic chaos that would follow - crunching the numbers, unpacking the housing market’s fragile balance, and revealing why their exit could crash the banking system.Next Steps: If you're a first home buyer, investor, or just want a sharper mortgage deal, chat with the team at Lighthouse Mortgages - tailored advice that works for you, not the banks. 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.
May 1, 2025 • 18min
The Cost Of Having A Hair Transplant: Is It Worth It? | Episode 314
Hairlines, finance, and tough choices — is a hair transplant really worth it? In this episode, James shares his personal journey through getting a hair transplant, what it cost, why he did it, and how big-ticket spending like this fits into your long-term financial plan without derailing your future goals.Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:How To Build Your Emergency Fund FastStep By Step Guide: How Financial Advisers Budget Their MoneyFor 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 29, 2025 • 23min
The Governments Got Retirement Wrong: We Ran The Numbers | Episode 313
Think you're all set for retirement? Think again. In this episode, Jess and Makayla break down why New Zealand Super and KiwiSaver might not cut it, and use real numbers to show the true cost of living comfortably in retirement—plus the serious financial gap many Kiwis are facing.Next Steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver and retirement plan will get you across the finish line? Book a free chat with a Lighthouse Financial advisor and get a clear, tailored strategy 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.
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.
