

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 8, 2025 • 11min
6 Month Money Reset: How To Fix Your Budget Fast | Episode 345
With only 6 months left in 2025 - is your money on track? We share practical ways to check your progress, trim hidden costs, tweak your budget, increase your income, and build systems that keep your finances on track for the rest of 2025.Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too! Apply 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.

Jul 6, 2025 • 14min
Why Term Deposits Are Costing You Thousands | Episode 344
Term deposits might be costing you more than you realise. We unpack why parking your cash in term deposits could leave you going backwards after inflation and tax, and explore smarter ways to grow your money.Next Steps: Are you stuck in term deposits earning low returns? Talk to Lighthouse Wealth today to build a smarter investment plan and set yourself up for a better 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 3, 2025 • 20min
Should you buy a house in your 20s? | Episode 343
Is topping up a mortgage at 22 really the dream? Makayla and Jess break down the pros and cons of buying young, why some Kiwis are purchasing at 22, the cultural pressure to own property, and alternative ways to build wealth if homeownership isn’t your priority.Next Steps: If you’re thinking about buying your first home, make sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as you are - get in touch with Lighthouse Financial for tailored advice 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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 11min
OCR Predictions: Is A Rate Cut Off The Table? | Episode 342
Will the RBNZ cut rates in July or keep Kiwis waiting? We unpack why the Reserve Bank might hold off on cutting the OCR, from unexpected GDP growth and stubborn inflation to the global oil price shocks that could hit your mortgage and financial plans.Next Steps: For tailored advice on your mortgage strategy ahead of the next OCR decision, talk to the team at Lighthouse Financial 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.

Jun 29, 2025 • 33min
From Scaling Canva to Backing NZ’s Next Billion Dollar Startups ft. Mahesh Muralidhar | Episode 341
From scaling Canva to transforming New Zealand’s startup scene - Mahesh Muralidhar knows how to think big. In this episode, we unpack Mahesh’s journey at Canva, his mission to make NZ happier and wealthier, and how Phase One Ventures is backing the next generation of billion-dollar companies.Learn more about Phase One VenturesEver wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too! Apply 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.

Jun 26, 2025 • 11min
Is NZ’s Economy at Risk? Trump Escalates Middle East Conflict | Episode 340
Markets are rising, oil prices are spiking - but what does Trump’s strike on Iran mean for your money? We unpack how rising tensions in the Middle East could affect KiwiSaver balances, inflation, mortgage rates, and the everyday cost of living in New Zealand.Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too!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.

Jun 24, 2025 • 17min
How to Raise Money-Smart Kids | Episode 339
From digital dollars to chore commissions - here's how to raise money-smart kids. Makayla and Jess explore the best ways to teach kids about money, covering everything from pocket money rules and digital tools like SquareOne to real-life lessons in saving, spending, and generosity.Next Steps: Want your kids to grow up money-smart? Chat with Lighthouse Financial about building your own plan to lead by example.Check out Squareone 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.

Jun 22, 2025 • 16min
Inflation Forecasting: Why Is Business Sentiment So Low? Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 338
Inflation is easing, rates are dropping - so why are Kiwi businesses still stuck in a rut? In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Harris, Managing Director of Lighthouse Financial, to unpack why business sentiment remains low despite positive economic signals, exploring interest rates, productivity, mindset, and access to capital.Next Steps: Want to make the most of tax breaks and falling rates? Speak to Lighthouse Accounting about structuring your business for growth.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.

Jun 19, 2025 • 16min
Debt 101: Fixed, Floating & Revolving Explained | Episode 337
Done right, debt can build wealth - not just cost it. We break down everything you need to know about the core types of mortgage lending in New Zealand - fixed, floating, revolving credit, and offset - and how to structure your debt to support your financial goals.Next Steps: If you're not sure your current mortgage structure is helping or hurting you? Chat with Lighthouse Mortgages to make sure your setup is working in your favour.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.

Jun 17, 2025 • 15min
End of Life Finances: What to Organise Now for Your Family’s Future | Episode 336
We get it no one likes thinking about their mortality, but planning now protects your family later. Makayla and Jess unpack the financial steps every Kiwi should take to prepare for the inevitable - from setting up a will and choosing an executor, to organising accounts, insurance, and estate planning so your family isn’t left with a financial mess during an already difficult time.Next Steps: Make life easier for your family - get your will, insurance, and estate plan sorted with Lighthouse.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.


