Cheques and Balances
Cheques and Balances
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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.
Episode
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Mortgage Application Declined? What to Do When the Bank Says No | Episode 537 15.09.2026 24mntA 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 lenders to full doc, alt doc and no doc loans, why some borrowers pay significantly higher interest rates, and the importance of having a clear exit strategy back to a main bank.Next Steps: If the bank has said no to your mortgage, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options - get in touch with the Lighthouse mortgage team to talk through your situation and what other lending options could be available.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. -
NZ Economy 2026: Is the Worst Finally Over Ft. Brad Olsen | Episode 536 12.09.2026 54mntIs the worst finally behind the New Zealand economy?Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joins James and Mike to unpack where the NZ economy really stands, from stubborn inflation and unemployment at an 11-year high to rising interest rates, the OCR, economic growth, the property market and what needs to happen before Kiwis finally start feeling better off.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.
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The 10 Most Critical Years in Retirement ft. Ben Brinkerhoff | Episode 535 10.09.2026 43mntSaving 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 Advice at Consilium, to unpack why the first 10 years of retirement matter so much, the psychology that stops retirees spending their wealth, how retirement spending changes with age, preparing for market downturns, and why your 40s and 50s could be some of the most important years for building towards a comfortable retirement.Read the article: Learn how retirement bucketing can give you permission to spend. Read the J.P. Morgan study: See how spending changes throughout retirement. Get in touch with Lighthouse Financial to build a financial plan designed around your goals and future. Learn more about Consilium 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.
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National Expands 5% Deposits for First Home Buyers: Does It Stack Up? | Episode 534 08.09.2026 24mntA 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 the First Home Loan scheme, including the new $300,000 income threshold, what buying with just 5% actually looks like, the risks of taking on more debt, and whether bringing more first-home buyers into the market could ultimately push property prices higher.Next Steps:Buying your first home? Download our free First Home Buyers Guide to help you get started. Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgages team to understand your options. 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.
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OCR Hike: The 5 Factors Driving Mortgage Rates | Episode 533 05.09.2026 18mntThe 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 interest rate, unpacking the OCR, swap rates, wholesale funding, customer deposits and bank competition, before looking at what rising rates could mean for borrowers and the property market.Next Steps: Want to understand what rising rates could mean for your mortgage? Speak to Mike and the Lighthouse Mortgages team about your options. 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.
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The Next Economic Shock: What’s Your Plan? | Episode 532 03.09.2026 20mntAnother 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 next, from setting clear goals and building an emergency fund to managing your budget, investing consistently and taking action instead of waiting for the perfect time.Next Steps: Help your team feel more confident with money - check out our Financial Literacy Workshops for the workplace. Want to build your financial buffer? Watch our full episode on how to build an emergency fund. 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.
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New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Part 2 01.09.2026 23mntOwning 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 stuck with an underperforming townhouse, including whether to hold or crystallise the loss, how to assess the ongoing cashflow, when selling and reinvesting could make sense, and why buying another property could actually improve your position.Missed Part 1? Watch it here Download our free Property Investor Guide to learn the fundamentals of choosing a quality investment property. Register for our upcoming property webinar to learn what to look for, what to avoid, and where the market is at right now. Thinking about buying a new build? Speak to the Lighthouse Property team to understand what makes a quality investment and avoid costly mistakes. 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.
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New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Episode 530 29.08.2026 14mntNot all new-build townhouses are created equal.In this episode, Adam Farrell, Property Director at Lighthouse Financial, joins us to unpack real examples of townhouses that have lost hundreds of thousands in value and break down what went wrong, from oversupply and poor locations to impractical layouts, lack of parking and large developments plus the fundamentals buyers should look for when choosing a new build.Next Steps: Thinking about buying a new build? Speak to the Lighthouse Property team to understand what makes a quality property and avoid the mistakes that can cost you down the track.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.
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The Best and Worst Property Titles: What Buyers Need to Know | Episode 529 27.08.2026 19mntNot all property titles are created equal.We break down freehold, cross-lease, unit, and leasehold titles, including what each means for buyers, the potential lending and renovation implications, and the key things you should check before making an offer on a property.Next steps: Found a property you’re interested in? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgage team to understand your lending options and what you need to check before making an offer.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.
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National Promises No New Taxes: Can NZ Afford It? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 528 25.08.2026 23mntNational 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 could return to surplus without raising new taxes, the debate over spending and economic growth, and how it stacks up against Labour’s capital gains tax and other tax proposals.Watch our episode breaking down Labour’s tax policyNext Steps: Not sure how changing tax policy could affect you, your property or your business? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Accounting team to understand what it could mean for your financial position.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.
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The Best & Worst KiwiSaver Funds in 2026 Revealed | Episode 527 22.08.2026 16mntSome KiwiSaver funds are smashing it. Others are leaving investors wondering what they’re paying for.In this episode, we reveal the top-performing KiwiSaver funds across balanced, growth and aggressive categories, unpack the impact of fees on long-term returns, and explain what you should actually look at when deciding whether your KiwiSaver provider and fund are right for you.Next steps: Compare your KiwiSaver: Use our free KiwiSaver calculator to see how your fund’s performance and fees stack up.Book a KiwiSaver review: Get a personalised KiwiSaver recommendation from our team. Missed Part One? Watch our previous episode where we break down how to structure your investments in retirement.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.
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Labour’s Proposed Tax Plan: Could This Save Small Business? Ft Matt Harris | Episode 526 20.08.2026 26mntCould 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 write-off threshold and GST registration, what they could mean for New Zealand’s small-business sector, and the tax changes Matt believes could help get businesses and the wider economy moving again.Next steps: Running a business and want to make sure your tax structure is working for you? Get in touch with the team at Lighthouse AccountingFor 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.
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1 Million Downloads Special: Our Personal Wealth Journey Part 2 18.08.2026 32mntFrom 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 leaving corporate banking, taking the leap into Lighthouse, building their careers and wealth, investing in property, the financial decisions they wish they'd made earlier, and what success looks like today.Missed Part 1? Watch it here.Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.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.
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Buying Your First Home? 3 Ways Your Parents Can Help | Episode 524 16.08.2026 21mntYour 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 the property ladder, from a gifted deposit or family loan to using parents’ equity, plus the lending requirements and risks to consider when buying your first home.Next steps: Looking to buy your first home but not sure how to pull together your deposit? Speak to the Lighthouse mortgage team to understand your options and how family support could help you get there sooner. 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.
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How to Avoid Going Broke in Retirement | Episode 523 13.08.2026 17mntRetirement 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 risk, market downturns, cash buffers and how to structure your investments so you can enjoy retirement without eating through your capital too quickly.Missed Part One? Before you start spending your retirement savings, you need to know how to invest them. Watch our previous episode where we break down how to structure your investments in retirement.Next steps: If you’re approaching retirement and aren’t sure whether your investments are set up to provide the income you need, talk to our wealth team about building a retirement strategy that balances spending today with protecting your money for the years ahead.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.
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Building an Emergency Fund in a Cost of Living Crisis | Episode 522 11.08.2026 16mntBuilding 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 find extra money in your budget, whether to save or pay down debt first, how much you should ultimately have set aside, and where your emergency savings should actually live.Next Steps: Want to get a better handle on where your money is going? Comment BUDGET and we’ll send you the template we use to help our clients map out their expenses, set realistic goals and start building their emergency fund.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.
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The Future of New Zealand: Sam Stubbs' Plan to Make NZ Wealthier | Part 2 09.08.2026 24mntWhat 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 future, exploring tax reform, inequality, KiwiSaver, domestic investment, AI, infrastructure and why saving and investing more could be the key to building a wealthier country for generations to come.Next steps:Explore Simplicity's approach to KiwiSaver, investing and long-term wealth creation.Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.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.
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The Future of New Zealand: Why Sam Stubbs Is So Optimistic | Part 1 06.08.2026 27mntThe 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, exploring the future of KiwiSaver, entrepreneurship, capital investment, infrastructure, productivity, wealth creation, and why the next generation of Kiwis could be better positioned than ever before.Next steps:Learn more about InfraKiwi and its vision to help build New Zealand's future. Explore Simplicity's approach to KiwiSaver, investing and long-term wealth creation. Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how the Lighthouse team can help you build your own 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.
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How to Build Wealth for Retirement: 5 Investing Rules Everyone Should Know | Episode 519 04.08.2026 31mntMost 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 investing principles they believe every Kiwi should know. So whether you're retiring in one year, five years or twenty years, these five golden rules will help you make the most of your retirement savings so you can build lasting wealth and enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for. They cover why trying to time the market rarely works, why diversification beats prediction, how high fees quietly eat away at your returns, why staying in cash can cost you more than market volatility, and how to choose a financial adviser who puts your interests first. Next steps: If you're approaching retirement or want confidence that your investment strategy is built for the long term, get in touch with the Lighthouse Financial Wealth team. We've also created a free guide that expands on everything we discuss in this episode, including the graphs and research behind each investing principle. Read more nowFor 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.
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NZ's Inflation Crisis: Why Getting Ahead Feels Harder Than Ever | Episode 518 02.08.2026 25mntWhy does it feel like you're working harder but getting nowhere?From rising living costs and inflation to mortgage strategies, KiwiSaver, emergency funds and practical ways to build financial resilience, James and Mike break down why so many Kiwis are feeling the squeeze and the steps you can take to strengthen your finances in today's economy.Next steps: Feeling the pressure of rising costs? Speak to the Lighthouse Financial team for personalised advice on your mortgage, KiwiSaver, investments and cash flow.Can't Refinance Your Mortgage? Watch This Episode Learn More About Balance Transfers HereReview Your Insurances 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.
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