

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

Jul 29, 2025 • 18min
Step by Step Guide: How To Get Your First Mortgage | Episode 355
Think getting your first mortgage is confusing? We break it all down - from KiwiSaver strategies and saving hacks to bank vs broker comparisons and how to boost your approval odds.We guide first home buyers through the entire mortgage process, including deposit options, gifting rules, pre-approval conditions, and common pitfalls - plus how to know if you're ready sooner than you think.Next Steps: need help figuring out your deposit or what banks will lend you? Talk to a Lighthouse mortgage advisor and find out what options are actually available to 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 27, 2025 • 17min
4 Reasons Why You Won’t Retire At 65 | Episode 354
Think you’re on track for retirement? Think again. We unpack the four biggest mistakes that are quietly derailing Kiwi retirement plans - from mortgage stress and poor financial habits to over-reliance on KiwiSaver and underestimating the true cost of retirement.Next Steps: Worried about whether you're financially ready for retirement? Chat to Lighthouse Wealth to build a financial plan that gives you confidence and control. 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 24, 2025 • 11min
Are Kiwis Giving Up on Property? | Episode 353
Some Kiwis are walking away from property - but is that the right move?We break down why public sentiment is shifting, the risks of short-term thinking, and the structural changes in the market - from mortgage stress and declining yields to smarter buying strategies and new pathways into homeownership.Next Steps: Ready to buy your first home but not sure where to start? Chat with the expert brokers at Lighthouse Mortgages - they'll help you structure your loan, stress test your budget, and find the best deal for your situation.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 22, 2025 • 16min
NZ Debt Crisis: Why Half A Million Kiwis Are Behind On Bills | Episode 352
Debt stress is rising across New Zealand and it’s not just mortgages. Over 485,000 Kiwis are behind on bills, with short-term debt spiking and KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals soaring. We unpack what’s driving the pressure: rising living costs, stagnant wages, and an economy that’s leaving more households at breaking point.Next Steps:If you're unsure how to manage your mortgage in this environment, talk to Lighthouse Mortgages - whether you're refixing, refinancing, or just need a second opinion, the team can help you make a smarter move.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 20, 2025 • 20min
Retirement in 2025: Should you 'Die With Zero'? | Episode 351
Should you really save every dollar for retirement? Makayla and Jess break down the key ideas from Die With Zero by Bill Perkins exploring why the rich don't die with millions in the bank, the concept of memory dividends, warm inheritances, and how to balance enjoying life now with building for the future.Next Steps: Whether you're 35 or 55, the team at Lighthouse Wealth can help you build a financial plan to spend, gift, and retire with clarity.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 17, 2025 • 20min
The Realities of Saving a 10% Deposit in 2025 | Episode 350
Think saving a 10% deposit is out of reach? We break down the real numbers behind buying your first home in 2025 - comparing couples in Auckland and Christchurch, looking at KiwiSaver balances, income stats, cost of living, and the real timeline it takes to buy (spoiler: it’s less than you think).Next Steps: If you're not sure where to start with your first home deposit, chat to the mortgage team at Lighthouse they'll help you crunch the numbers and make a plan that 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 15, 2025 • 17min
Mortgages 101: Deposits, Interest and Equity Explained | Episode 349
Mortgage jargon got you confused? We unpack the fundamentals of deposits, loan structures, and equity - breaking down what they actually mean, how they work, and how to use them to get ahead in your property journey.Next Steps: Thinking about buying your first home or restructuring your loan? Chat with one of our specialist mortgage brokers at Lighthouse to make sure your structure is working 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 13, 2025 • 13min
5 Traits That Mean You’ll Be Wealthy | Episode 348
Being rich is easy - being wealthy is a different game. We break down the five traits that separate the truly wealthy from the paycheque-rich - from mastering your income and spending habits to building assets, setting clear goals, taking calculated risks, and developing lifelong financial literacy.Next steps: Want a free financial workshop at your workplace? From building a financial plan to buying your first home or preparing for retirement, we offer a range of practical, engaging workshops to suit any team. 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 10, 2025 • 20min
Luxury Investments: The Birkin Bag vs. The S&P 500 | Episode 347
Can a $30,000 Birkin bag really beat the S&P 500? We unpack whether luxury assets like handbags, watches, wine, and cars truly outperform traditional investments, reveal the hidden risks of luxury investments, and share smarter ways to build real wealth.Next Steps: Ready for real wealth-building strategies? Talk to a Lighthouse Financial advisor today and start creating a practical plan for your financial 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.

Jul 9, 2025 • 33min
OCR Breakdown: 2025 Economic Update Ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 346
The OCR stayed put - but what does that mean for you?In this episode, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr breaks down the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold rates, what it means for mortgages, inflation, unemployment, and where the economy is headed in 2025.Next Steps: If these uncertain times have you wondering what to do next with your mortgage, get in touch with Lighthouse – whether it’s reviewing your current structure, buying your first home, or planning your next property purchase, we’re here to help.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.


