Shows / 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
Episodes
- Cheques and Balances
6th Most Taxed Country in the World!? NZ Tax Crisis Explained | Episode 556
New Zealand has been ranked the 6th most taxed country in the world, with tax revenue accounting for 32.6% of GDP. But are we paying too much, or is our…
- Cheques and Balances
How To Protect Your Financial Plan | Episode 555
What's the point of building wealth if one unexpected event could wipe it all out?We unpack the three essentials of protecting your financial future: emergency…
- Cheques and Balances
The Opportunity Party: Land Tax, Compulsory KiwiSaver & Citizen’s Income Ft. Qiulae Wong | Episode 554
Could a land tax completely reshape New Zealand’s property market? The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong joins us to unpack the party’s proposed tax reset…
- Cheques and Balances
ACT's $300M Property Tax Break: Will Ring Fencing End? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 553
A $300 million tax break for property investors. But who's really going to benefit? We sit down with Lighthouse Financial Managing Director and tax expert…
- Cheques and Balances
Real Estate Agent Horror Stories: What Buyers Need to Know Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 552
Not everything a real estate agent tells you is the full story. We sit down with Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyers Agents, to unpack real estate agent…
- Cheques and Balances
The Future of New Zealand Business: Icehouse Ventures CEO Explains | Episode 551
Is New Zealand entering a new era of business growth? We sit down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to explore the future of Kiwi entrepreneurship…
- Cheques and Balances
Index Funds: Are You Taking More Risk Than You Think? | Episode 550
Think your index fund is diversified? You might be taking on more risk than you realise. In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of index investing, from…
- Cheques and Balances
Why Property Isn’t Your Retirement Fund | Episode 549
You could be worth millions and still struggle to fund your retirement. We unpack why property wealth doesn't always translate into retirement income, the pros…
- Cheques and Balances
Why Foreign Millionaires Are Buying NZ Property Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 548
The world's wealthy are turning their attention to New Zealand, and they're bringing serious money with them.Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyer's Agents…
- Cheques and Balances
Tax free KiwiSaver: Could you retire with double? | Episode 547
Tax-free KiwiSaver could mean millions more in retirement. But there's a catch. We unpack ACT's proposal to scrap tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings…
- Cheques and Balances
Chris Hipkins Won’t Touch Interest Deductibility… But What About CGT? Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 546
Interest deductibility is staying… but property investors aren’t necessarily off the hook. We unpack Labour’s position on interest deductibility, the case for…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ’s Economy in 2027: Is the Recovery Finally Coming? Ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 545
Could 2027 finally be the year New Zealand’s economy turns a corner? Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr joins us to unpack the outlook for growth, inflation…
- Cheques and Balances
Kiwis Are Changing How They Invest: Here’s Why Ft. Oliver Mander | Episode 544
The way Kiwis invest their money is changing. We sit down with Oliver Mander, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Shareholders Association, to unpack the shift…
- Cheques and Balances
Bought at the 2021 Peak? Here’s What You Can Do Next | Episode 543
Bought in 2021 and feel stuck? You might have more options than you think. We break down what it takes to move on from a property bought near the market peak…
- Cheques and Balances
LIVE WEBINAR: Property Under Pressure, Rising Rates, Political Risk & Weak Growth
Property is under pressure, but the headlines don’t tell the whole story. Mike Vincent, Adam Farrell, Lighthouse Property Director, and Grant Watson, Senior…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ Businesses Are Going Broke: Is the Worst Yet to Come? Ft. Brent Norling | Episode 542
New Zealand businesses are still feeling the fallout and the worst may not be over yet. Brent Norling, Director of Norling Law, joins James and Mike to unpack…
- Cheques and Balances
How to Retire 10 Years Earlier | Episode 541
What would it actually take to retire 10 years earlier? In this episode, we break down the three big levers that could get you there - paying off your mortgage…
- Cheques and Balances
The Risk of Getting a Property Valuation Right Now | Episode 540
A property valuation can open up your options or make your next move a whole lot harder. In this episode, we unpack when getting a registered valuation makes…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ Property Market: Forget 7% Property Growth. Is 3% the New Normal? Ft. Nick Goodall | Episode 539
Has New Zealand’s property market finally reset? Nick Goodall, Head of Research at Cotality, joins James and Mike to unpack what’s changed since the 2021…
- Cheques and Balances
Could Helping Your Kids Ruin Your Retirement? | Episode 538
Helping your kids shouldn’t come at the cost of your retirement. James and Jess unpack the Bank of Mum and Dad, how much support is too much, the difference…
- Cheques and Balances
Mortgage Application Declined? What to Do When the Bank Says No | Episode 537
A no from the bank doesn’t always mean you can’t borrow. We break down what happens when a mortgage application is declined, from specialist and second-tier…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ Economy 2026: Is the Worst Finally Over Ft. Brad Olsen | Episode 536
Is the worst finally behind the New Zealand economy? Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joins James and Mike to unpack where the NZ economy really…
- Cheques and Balances
The 10 Most Critical Years in Retirement ft. Ben Brinkerhoff | Episode 535
Saving enough for retirement is only half the battle - knowing when to spend it could be just as important. James sits down with Ben Brinkerhoff, Head of…
- Cheques and Balances
National Expands 5% Deposits for First Home Buyers: Does It Stack Up? | Episode 534
A 5% deposit could get thousands more Kiwis into their first home - but is it really as good as it sounds? James and Mike unpack National’s proposed changes to…
- Cheques and Balances
OCR Hike: The 5 Factors Driving Mortgage Rates | Episode 533
The OCR is up but that doesn’t tell you the whole story about where mortgage rates are heading. James and Mike break down what actually determines your…
- Cheques and Balances
The Next Economic Shock: What’s Your Plan? | Episode 532
Another economic shock is coming. Is your money ready for it? James and Mike break down the financial fundamentals that can help you weather whatever comes…
- Cheques and Balances
New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Part 2
Owning the wrong property is one thing. Working out what to do next is the hard part. In Part 2, James, Mike and Adam break down the options for investors…
- Cheques and Balances
New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Episode 530
Not all new-build townhouses are created equal. In this episode, Adam Farrell, Property Director at Lighthouse Financial, joins us to unpack real examples of…
- Cheques and Balances
The Best and Worst Property Titles: What Buyers Need to Know | Episode 529
Not all property titles are created equal.We break down freehold, cross-lease, unit, and leasehold titles, including what each means for buyers, the potential…
- Cheques and Balances
National Promises No New Taxes: Can NZ Afford It? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 528
National says no new taxes, but can New Zealand actually afford that promise? James, Mike and Matt unpack National’s “No New Taxes” pledge, how the Government…
- Cheques and Balances
The Best & Worst KiwiSaver Funds in 2026 Revealed | Episode 527
Some KiwiSaver funds are smashing it. Others are leaving investors wondering what they’re paying for. In this episode, we reveal the top-performing KiwiSaver…
- Cheques and Balances
Labour’s Proposed Tax Plan: Could This Save Small Business? Ft Matt Harris | Episode 526
Could Labour’s latest tax proposals give small business the break it needs?James, Mike and Matt unpack Labour’s proposed changes to payment terms, the asset…
- Cheques and Balances
1 Million Downloads Special: Our Personal Wealth Journey Part 2
From corporate careers to property investing, this is where things really started to change. In Part 2 of Mike and James' personal wealth journey, they unpack…
- Cheques and Balances
Buying Your First Home? 3 Ways Your Parents Can Help | Episode 524
Your parents don’t need a pile of cash to help you buy your first home. James and Mike break down three ways parents can help first home buyers in NZ get onto…
- Cheques and Balances
How to Avoid Going Broke in Retirement | Episode 523
Retirement is when you finally get to spend your money - but how do you make sure you don’t run out? James and Mike break down withdrawal rates, sequencing…
- Cheques and Balances
Building an Emergency Fund in a Cost of Living Crisis | Episode 522
Building an emergency fund is hard when everyday life already costs so much. James and Mike break down how to build your first $1,000 emergency fund, where to…
- Cheques and Balances
The Future of New Zealand: Sam Stubbs' Plan to Make NZ Wealthier | Part 2
What would it actually take to make New Zealand wealthier? Sam Stubbs, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Simplicity, shares his blueprint for New Zealand’s…
- Cheques and Balances
The Future of New Zealand: Why Sam Stubbs Is So Optimistic | Part 1
The future isn't as bleak as you think. Sam Stubbs explains why he believes New Zealand is on the verge of one of its greatest economic opportunities…
- Cheques and Balances
How to Build Wealth for Retirement: 5 Investing Rules Everyone Should Know | Episode 519
Most investing advice is either too complicated or focused on chasing the next big thing. In this episode, James Blair and Michael Vincent break down the five…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ's Inflation Crisis: Why Getting Ahead Feels Harder Than Ever | Episode 518
Why does it feel like you're working harder but getting nowhere? From rising living costs and inflation to mortgage strategies, KiwiSaver, emergency funds and…
- Cheques and Balances
1 Million Downloads Special: Our Personal Wealth Journey Part 1
Before the wealth came the mistakes, side hustles, setbacks and plenty of hard lessons. To celebrate one million podcast downloads, James and Mike share the…
- Cheques and Balances
Is War Funding Your Retirement? Ft. Lily Richards | Episode 516
Could your KiwiSaver be investing in something you don't agree with? Around $900 million of KiwiSaver money is now invested in weapons-related companies. James…
- Cheques and Balances
How to Know It's Time to Sell an Investment | Episode 515
Selling because you're nervous can be one of the most expensive investment decisions you make. When should you actually sell an investment? James and Mike…
- Cheques and Balances
Should We Want House Prices To Double Every 10 Years? | Episode 514
The property market isn't broken... but expectations might be. Should New Zealand expect house prices to keep doubling every 10 years? James and Mike unpack…
- Cheques and Balances
Inflation Hits 4.1% Is the Worst Still to Come? | Episode 513
Inflation is back above 4%... but is the worst still to come? James and Mike break down New Zealand's latest 4.1% inflation result, why petrol prices are…
- Cheques and Balances
Want to Build a Home? Watch This Before You Talk to the Bank | Episode 512
Building your dream home? Don't talk to the bank until you've watched this. From construction loans and stage payments to hidden building costs, budget…
- Cheques and Balances
Can't Refinance Your Mortgage? Here's What To Do Instead | Episode 511
Think you're stuck with your mortgage? You might have more options than you realise. In this episode, Mike and James break down what to do if you can't…
- Cheques and Balances
Property Market Insights: What Smart Investors Are Watching Right Now | Episode 510
The headlines are noisy, but the data tells a very different story. In this episode, Mike and Adam break down the property market indicators they're watching…
- Cheques and Balances
From Debt to Financial Freedom on a Single Income | Inside a Financial Plan Ep 2
A simple financial plan can change everything. In episode two of Inside a Financial Plan, James walks Julia through her personalised financial roadmap…
- Cheques and Balances
The First OCR Hike in 3 Years: What It Means for Your Mortgage | Episode 508
Wondering what the latest OCR hike means for your mortgage? Here's what homeowners need to know. Mike Vincent and Jess Hargreaves break down why the OCR hike…
- Cheques and Balances
Building Wealth on a Single Income: Inside a Financial Plan | Episode 1
A single income doesn't have to mean putting your financial goals on hold. In this episode of Inside a Financial Plan, we meet Julia, a single mum rebuilding…
- Cheques and Balances
Live Webinar: How Property Investors Can Reduce Their Tax Bill | Episode 506
Many property investors are paying more tax than they need to. Matt Harris and Mike Vincent explain how debt structuring, ownership structures, lending…
- Cheques and Balances
How We Bought Our First Home With Just 5% Deposit | Episode 505
They thought they weren’t ready to buy a home - until one conversation changed everything. In this episode, we follow Harsh and Hiral's first home buying…
- Cheques and Balances
Auckland Is Broken: Can Wayne Brown Fix It? | Episode 504
Is Wayne Brown's plan enough to turn Auckland around? James and Mike react to Wayne Brown's five-point plan for Auckland, discussing transport, rates, council…
- Cheques and Balances
NZ Debt Is Rising: Why Kiwis Can't Quit Afterpay | Episode 503
That $75 payment might be costing you more than you think. In this episode, James and Mike unpack the rapid rise of Afterpay and buy now, pay later services…
- Cheques and Balances
National's KiwiSaver Changes: Good or Bad for Your Retirement? | Episode 502
Could these be the biggest KiwiSaver changes since the scheme began? James and Mike break down the National Party's proposed KiwiSaver reforms, including…
- Cheques and Balances
The Real Cost of Homeownership in New Zealand | Episode 501
Owning a home is expensive, but it's often the hidden costs that hurt the most. In this episode, James and Mike break down the true cost of homeownership in…
- Cheques and Balances
KiwiSaver Balance By Age: Are You On Track For Retirement? | Episode 500
Are you on track for retirement, or falling behind? In this episode, James and Mike break down the latest KiwiSaver balances by age, discuss why the average…
- Cheques and Balances
Is The NZ Economy Broken? Rising Business Liquidations Explained | Episode 499
NZ businesses are folding at the fastest rate in 15 years. In this episode, James and Mike unpack why more than 3,000 New Zealand companies have entered…
- Cheques and Balances
What The Panama Papers Exposed About NZ Trusts Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 498
The world's biggest financial leak changed New Zealand trust law forever. In this episode, James, Mike and Matt unpack the Panama Papers, explain how New…