

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

May 20, 2025 • 13min
Q1 Property Market Update: Why We’re Buying When Everyone Else Isn’t | Episode 323
When everyone else is sitting still, we’re making moves. we unpack why now might be the smartest time to buy, even amid uncertainty, slow sentiment, and a flood of listings—and why we're backing our strategy with action in both city centres and the regions.Next Steps: Thinking about taking the plunge? Talk to Lighthouse Mortgages—whether it's strategy, pre-approval or finding the right deal, we’ve got your back from planning to purchase.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 20, 2025 • 11min
KiwiSaver Changes Are Coming: Will the Government Get It Right? | Episode 322
The government’s about to drop major changes to KiwiSaver - here’s what you need to know before it hits. We break down what the National-led government is likely to announce, the impact on your retirement savings, and the big fixes we think are long overdue - including mandatory contributions and better support for the self-employed.Next Steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver’s set up right? Book a free chat with a Lighthouse Financial advisor and get a clear, tailored strategy for your future here.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 18, 2025 • 12min
Should You Pay Down Debt Or Invest? | Episode 321
Should you crush your mortgage or chase investment gains? We unpack one of the most common financial dilemmas Kiwis face—whether to prioritise debt repayment or start investing. They break down the maths, the psychology, and the myths to help you make smarter money moves.Next Steps: If you’re still tossing up whether to pay off debt or invest, our clients don’t have to—because they’ve got a financial plan tailored to their goals. Book in a free consultation here. 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 15, 2025 • 23min
How to get ahead financially when you're single | Episode 320
Being single doesn't mean falling behind. Jess and Makayla dive into practical, empowering ways single Kiwis can get ahead financially—whether it's buying your first home on one income, making the most of your budget, or protecting your biggest asset: your income. They bust myths, share real client stories, and deliver clear strategies to help you build wealth and take control of your financial future—no partner required.Next Steps: Ready to take control of your finances? Book a free discovery session with Lighthouse Wealth and get a personalised plan that works for you—no matter your relationship status.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 13, 2025 • 22min
How to Help Your Kids Financially: The Smart, Sustainable Way | Episode 319
Want to give your kids a leg-up without jeopardising your own retirement? We break down smart, sustainable ways to support your children financially—covering investments, gifting, and co-ownership—while keeping your goals on track, protecting your assets, and raising financially savvy kids.Next Steps: Thinking of helping your kids onto the property ladder? Talk to a Lighthouse adviser about the smartest way to gift, loan, or co-own—without putting your finances at risk.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 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.