
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

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.

Apr 3, 2025 • 9min
Rent, Buy, or Hold? What To Do When Relocating | Episode 302
Selling, Renting, or Holding — What’s the Smart Move? We answer a listener question about whether to rent, sell, or hold when relocating across the country. We break down the pros and cons of each option, how to handle your house sale profits, and why timing and market differences between cities like Wellington and Christchurch really matter.Next Steps: If you’re moving cities and unsure whether to sell, buy, or rent, get in touch with Lighthouse Mortgages for expert advice tailored to your situation here.Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:Why You Should Buy A Negatively Geared Investment PropertyShould I Buy A House Or Invest In Stocks?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 1, 2025 • 14min
Midweek Short: Creating Iyia Liu's Financial Plan | Episode 301
We spotlight the best bits from our deep dive into Iyia Liu’s financial planning journey. From managing unpredictable income to navigating the challenges of self-employed lending, Iyia shares practical lessons on building wealth and working toward financial freedom.Key Topics Covered:Creating a financial plan as a self-employed business ownerManaging lumpy income and irregular cash flowChallenges of getting lending when self-employedSetting goals for financial freedomThe importance of wills and insuranceWatch the full episode hereNext Steps:Need expert guidance on building wealth and making smarter investment decisions? Lighthouse Financial Wealth provides tailored financial advice to help you secure your financial future—reach out today!Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:Live Workshop: How To Build Your 2025 Financial PlanShould I Buy A House Or Invest In StocksFor 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

Mar 30, 2025 • 11min
Should You Buy Property with Friends? | Episode 300
Buying a house solo can feel impossible—could teaming up be the answer? As housing affordability becomes more challenging, co-ownership is becoming a popular solution. In this episode, we explore the benefits and risks of buying with friends, share our own experiences as co-owners, and discuss the key financial and legal considerations to ensure a smooth partnership.Next Steps: Thinking about co-owning a property? Lighthouse Mortgages can help you navigate the finance, find the best lending options, and structure your purchase the right way—get in touch today!Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:What To Do With Your KiwiSaver in 2025Should I Buy A House Or Invest In StocksFor 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

Mar 27, 2025 • 12min
Gendered Pricing: Who is Paying More? | Episode 299
Gender-based pricing affects more than just individual purchases—it has a lasting impact on household budgets and long-term financial wellbeing. In this episode, Jess and Makayla explore the pink tax, examining how it shows up in everyday products and services, the broader economic implications, and how greater awareness and small shifts in spending habits can help mitigate its effectsNext Steps: Feeling the impact of your everyday spending? Lighthouse Financial can help you create a tailored financial plan that accounts for these hidden costs and sets you up for long-term success. Get in touch with our Wealth team today.Want to learn more? Check out these episodes below:Dupe CultureHow To Financially Get Ahead In Your 20'sThe 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.