

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 28, 2025 • 23min
28% Capital Gains Tax? What Labour’s Plan Means for You | Episode 394
Labour’s back with a bold play - a 28% capital gains tax on property.In this episode, we break down the proposed 2027 capital gains tax - exploring its political timing, how it could impact property investors, business owners, and farmers, and whether it’s the right move for New Zealand’s struggling economy.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 26, 2025 • 37min
Investing in Shares vs Property: Inside a Financial Plan Ep4
What would you do if your financial plan said you’ll have $6 million at 100?In this episode, we reconnect with Rachel and Deon to unpack their latest financial plan - from whether to buy another investment property or focus on shares, to paying off their mortgage, structuring trusts, and finding balance between spending today and securing their family’s future.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. Learn more 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.

Oct 23, 2025 • 16min
Top 5 Mistakes Most People Make When Investing In Shares | Episode 392
Most investors lose money not because of the market - but because of their own mistakes.In this episode, we break down the five biggest mistakes people make when investing in shares - from chasing hot tips and trying to time the market to over-leveraging and ignoring debt. The hosts reveal the mindset and strategies that separate long-term investors from short-term speculators.Next steps: Want to learn how to invest smarter and plan for retirement? Join our free Retirement Planning Webinar on Wednesday, 29 October at 6:30pm - Register now. 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 21, 2025 • 14min
KiwiSaver Untaxed: A Game Changer for Retirement | Episode 391
What if your KiwiSaver balance could double - just by removing tax?In this episode, we explore the radical idea of untaxed KiwiSaver returns, comparing outcomes to Australia’s super system, breaking down the numbers, and debating what it could mean for retirement, government revenue, and the future of NZ Super.Next Steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver is set up for success? Book a free 30-minute session with a Lighthouse KiwiSaver adviser and make sure your money is 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 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.


