

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

Aug 20, 2025 • 11min
OCR Explained: What It Means for Your Mortgage & NZ’s Future | Episode 365
OCR explained: the cut, the tracker, and what it really means for your mortgage. In this episode, we break down the Reserve Bank’s 25bps cut to 3%, what economists disagree on next, how inflation pressures play out across sectors, and what it all means for interest rates, home loans, and the wider economy.Next steps: Ready to make the most of dropping rates? Talk to Lighthouse Mortgages about refinancing or restructuring to lock in the best deal.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.

Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
Can The Economy Recover If House Prices Don’t? | Episode 364
If house prices stay flat, can New Zealand’s economy really bounce back? In this episode, we unpack how a stagnant housing market impacts GDP, business confidence, borrowing, and consumer spending - while exploring whether tax incentives, business investment, and foreign capital could help the economy recover without a property boom.Next steps: Looking to buy your first home or expand your property portfolio? Talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team 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.

Aug 17, 2025 • 31min
My Auction Horror Story: What Every Home Buyer Must Know | Episode 363
Buying a house isn’t just about the price tag - how you buy matters just as much. In this episode, we break down auctions, negotiations, deadline sales, and tenders, covering finance pre-approvals, due diligence, deposit rules, and the real risks every home buyer needs to understandNext Steps: Thinking about your first home purchase? Book a chat with our mortgage team today and take the stress out of auctions and negotiations.Check out Makayla's favourite first home buyer resource 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.

Aug 14, 2025 • 34min
From One Home to Three Rentals: A Client’s Property Journey | Episode 362
From a $39k salary to three investment properties - Crissy’s story proves strategic moves pay off.In this episode, we follow Crissy’s journey from buying her first KiwiBuild home to building a three-property portfolio, covering her saving strategies, renovation lessons, equity leverage, and the importance of having the right team behind you.Next Steps: Ready to grow your property portfolio? Contact Lighthouse Mortgages today and start turning your equity into your next investment.Learn more about Wolfe Property 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.

Aug 12, 2025 • 22min
5 Key Steps: A Beginner’s Guide to Property Investing ft. Adam Farrell | Episode 361
Buying your first investment property? Start with the right strategy, not the closest suburb.In this episode, Lighthouse Financial’s Property Director Adam Farrell breaks down the five essential steps to purchasing your first investment property - from defining your goals and assessing affordability, to choosing between new builds and existing homes, running the numbers, and getting the right professional advice.Next Steps: Book a chat with Lighthouse Financial to create your investment strategy and find the right property to meet your financial goals.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.

Aug 10, 2025 • 15min
Should Your KiwiSaver Have Crypto In It? | Episode 360
Crypto in KiwiSaver: bold move or big mistake? In this episode, we break down whether cryptocurrency deserves a place in your KiwiSaver, exploring its volatility, potential returns, scams, and the risks of mixing it into one of New Zealand’s most important retirement savings tools.Next steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver is set up for success? Book a free 45‑minute chat with our KiwiSaver advisers and make sure your money’s working as hard as you are.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.

Aug 8, 2025 • 35min
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Debt, Growth, and New Zealand's Economic Future | Episode 359
You can’t tax your way to prosperity - but you can grow the pie. In this exclusive interview from inside the Beehive, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins us to discuss NZ’s economic future covering everything from housing affordability, debt, and financial literacy to KiwiSaver, exports, and why cutting red tape is critical for growth.The Minister's appearance is not an endorsement of any particular financial advice service or company.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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 19min
Global Markets Are Up: So Why Is NZ Still Struggling? Q2 Report | Episode 358
Markets are bouncing back - but not all economies are sharing the gains. In this April-June 2025 quarterly update, we unpack the drivers behind the global market rebound, the impact of Trump’s tariffs, asset class performance from property to global equities, and why New Zealand continues to lag behind despite worldwide growth.Next steps: If you’re making investment decisions without a clear long‑term plan, talk to our team for independent, research‑backed advice tailored to your goals.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.

Aug 3, 2025 • 10min
Why Revolving Credit Will Ruin Your Life | Episode 357
Revolving credit might feel like financial freedom - but for most people, it can be a fast track to long-term debt. In this episode, we unpack how revolving credit works, the pros and cons, why it can be a trap for poor budgeting habits, and smarter strategies to pay off your mortgage faster.Next Steps: If your revolving credit is holding back your financial progress, talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team about restructuring to a plan that actually works for you.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.

Jul 31, 2025 • 16min
Retirement Crisis: NZ’s Ageing Population | Episode 356
Nearly 1 in 4 Kiwis will be over 65 by 2050 - and that’s not just grey hairs, it’s an economic shake-up. In this episode, we break down what an ageing population means for New Zealand’s workforce, housing, retirement system, and future tax burden - and what needs to change before it's too late.Next Steps: Want to take control of your financial future? Join our next free webinar where we cover everything from buying your first home to preparing for retirement. Register 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.


