

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

Feb 23, 2025 • 27min
Step By Step Guide: How Financial Advisers Budget Their Money | Episode 285
In this episode of The Takeover, Jess and Mikayla break down how they manage their own budgets, offering a step-by-step guide to structuring finances. They discuss the 50/30/20 rule, unexpected expenses, and strategies for automating bills and setting up smart spending buckets. Plus, they highlight the importance of balancing savings with spending and creating a budget that actually works in real life.Learn more about PocketSmith hereThis episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 20, 2025 • 17min
What To Do With Your KiwiSaver in 2025 | Episode 284
In this episode, we break down what you should be doing with your KiwiSaver in 2025, covering the top-performing growth and aggressive funds, socially responsible options, and key factors to consider when choosing a provider. We also discuss common mistakes, when to switch funds, and how to maximise your returns for retirement or a first home.This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 18, 2025 • 43min
How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur Without Going Broke Ft. Stanley Henry | Episode 283
In this episode, we sit down with Stanley Henry, CEO of The Attention Seeker, to discuss his journey of scaling a global marketing agency. Stanley shares insights on the power of personal branding, taking bold risks, and what it takes to build a thriving business.This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 16, 2025 • 10min
OCR Predictions: What Rate Cuts Mean for Kiwis & Their Wallets | Episode 282
In this episode, we dive into our OCR predictions, what further cuts could mean for Kiwi mortgage holders, and how global events—like Trump’s economic moves—might influence New Zealand’s financial future. Plus, we break down whether term deposits are still a smart move and how these changes could impact Kiwis and their back pocket.This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
Live Workshop: How To Maximise Your 2024 Tax Return Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 281
Join Matt Harris and James Blair as they unpack everything you need to know for your 2024 tax return—must-know deductions, key compliance tips, and strategies to keep more cash in your pocket.Listen to next: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/uIT3pAcAMQbFor more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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.

Feb 11, 2025 • 20min
Hey First Home Buyers! Don’t let Property Developers Trick You Ft. Adam Farrell | Episode 280
In this episode, we are joined by Adam Farrell Director of Lighthouse Property to uncover the sneaky tactics property developers use to make deals seem better than they really are—like misleading bedroom sizes, hidden defects, and tricky negotiation strategies. We also share expert tips on how to spot red flags, negotiate smarter, and avoid getting caught out when buying a property.This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 9, 2025 • 18min
5 Tax Hacks You Didn't Know About Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 279
In this episode, we're joined by Matt Harris, Managing Director here at Lighthouse Financial, as he shares his top tax-saving strategies. From home office deductions to personal insurance and smart investment structures, Matt breaks down practical ways to help you keep more money in your pocket. Tune in to discover how to maximise your tax return and minimise your liability!This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokYouTubeThe 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

Feb 6, 2025 • 15min
Quarterly Update: Where Should You Invest in 2025? | Episode 278
In this episode, we break down the latest quarterly report, covering key market trends from October to December 2024, including the impact of a strong US dollar on global equities, the surge in gold, and the struggles of listed property. We also explore the hedge vs. unhedged debate, the dominance of the Magnificent Seven, and why diversification is essential for 2025.
Listen to next: Episode 237: Is The S&P 500 Just An Illusion Of Diversification? Ft. Kernel Founder Dean Anderson
This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.
For more money tips follow us on:
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The 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

Feb 4, 2025 • 20min
Make America Pay Again? What Trump's Tariffs Mean For NZ | Episode 277
In this episode, we break down what Trump’s tariffs mean for the New Zealand economy, exploring their global economic impact, the short- and long-term consequences, and how the potential trade war could affect Kiwi businesses and consumers. Tune in for insights, bold predictions, and a reality check on what’s next.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.
For more money tips follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube
The 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

Feb 2, 2025 • 20min
Should I Buy A House Or Invest In Stocks | Episode 276
In this episode, we tackle the age-old question: is it better to buy a home or rent and invest? We weigh the benefits of each option, from the stability and forced savings of homeownership to the diversification and liquidity of investing.
Plus, we dive into the 'rentvesting' strategy—renting where you want to live while building wealth through property. Whether you're chasing the Kiwi dream or looking to invest smartly, this episode will help you make the best financial choice.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Partners Life.
For more money tips follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube
The 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.