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.
Episodes
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The Harsh Reality of Running a Business in NZ ft. Olivia Blaylock | Episode 559 05.11.2026 31mWhat separates the Kiwi businesses thriving from those barely surviving?In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Blaylock, CEO of The Icehouse, to unpack the challenges facing New Zealand businesses, from rising costs and mounting debt to cash flow mistakes, leadership and the growing impact of AI, and explore what successful business owners are doing differently to grow in a tough economy.Next Steps: If you're a business owner looking to take your business to the next level, get in touch with The Icehouse to learn more about their programmes and how they can help you grow your business. 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. -
The Financial Squeeze: Paying for Your Kids AND Your Parents? Ft. Kathy Faulkner | Episode 558 03.11.2026 24mWhat happens when you're financially responsible for both your kids AND your parents?We're joined by Lighthouse Financial Adviser Kathy Faulkner, who shares her firsthand experience navigating the midlife squeeze, from paying off her parents' mortgage while raising a young family to managing competing financial priorities, setting boundaries and building long-term wealth without sacrificing her own financial future.Next Steps: If you're juggling the financial demands of supporting your family while trying to plan for your own future, book a chat with Kathy to build a financial 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.
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NZ's Retirement Crisis: Why KiwiSaver Needs to Change Ft. Dean Anderson | Episode 557 01.11.2026 37mWill KiwiSaver be enough to save New Zealand's retirement system?We're joined by Dean Anderson, CEO and founder of Kernel, to unpack the future of NZ Super, the growing pressure of an ageing population, and whether KiwiSaver reform could be the answer to New Zealand's retirement challenges. From raising the retirement age and making KiwiSaver compulsory to rethinking our obsession with property, we explore what needs to change to secure the next generation's financial future.Next Steps: To learn more about Kernel and their investment options, click here.If you're wondering whether your KiwiSaver and investments are on track to support the retirement you want, get in touch with our team at Lighthouse Financial to review your options and start planning for the 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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6th Most Taxed Country in the World!? NZ Tax Crisis Explained | Episode 556 29.10.2026 17mNew 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 economy simply too small?We unpack how New Zealand's tax system compares to Australia's, from income tax and GST to capital gains tax and property investment, and debate whether higher taxes, poor productivity and government spending are holding back our economic growth.Next Steps: Want to make sure you're not paying more tax than you need to? Get in touch with our accounting team at Lighthouse Financial to review your tax position and make sure you're making the most of what's 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.
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How To Protect Your Financial Plan | Episode 555 27.10.2026 24mWhat'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 funds, wills and estate planning, and insurance. From understanding how much life insurance you actually need to avoiding costly insurance mistakes, we share practical strategies to protect your income, your family and the wealth you've worked hard to build.Life Insurance Calculator: Find out how much life insurance you might need with our free life insurance calculator. If you're unsure whether your financial plan is properly protected, get in touch with the Lighthouse Financial team to review your insurance, estate planning and financial safety nets. 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 Opportunity Party: Land Tax, Compulsory KiwiSaver & Citizen’s Income Ft. Qiulae Wong | Episode 554 25.10.2026 48mCould 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, including a 1.75% land value tax and Citizen’s Income. We also explore housing affordability, property investment, compulsory KiwiSaver, the future of NZ Super, and what needs to change to build a more productive New Zealand economy.Next steps: Want to dive deeper into The Opportunity Party’s policies? Read more about their plans and what they’re proposing for New Zealand here. 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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ACT's $300M Property Tax Break: Will Ring Fencing End? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 553 22.10.2026 16mA $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 Matthew Harris to unpack ACT's proposal to remove property tax ring-fencing, what it could mean for landlords' tax refunds, rental prices and property investment returns, and whether the policy has any chance of becoming law.Next Steps: Own an investment property or thinking about buying one? Speak with the Lighthouse Accounting team to make sure your property is structured tax-efficiently, you're claiming the deductions you're entitled to, and you're making the most of your investment. 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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Real Estate Agent Horror Stories: What Buyers Need to Know Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 552 20.10.2026 26mNot 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 horror stories, from questionable multi-offer tactics and misleading property listings to hidden flood risks, dodgy sales techniques, and the red flags every buyer should know before purchasing a home.Next Steps: Looking for expert support when buying a property? Get in touch with Alex Martelli and her team to help you find, negotiate and secure the right home. Buying a home? Our mortgage team can help you understand your borrowing power, secure the right lending and navigate the buying process with confidence. 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 Business: Icehouse Ventures CEO Explains | Episode 551 18.10.2026 43mIs 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, the rise of billion-dollar businesses, the role of venture capital, and why New Zealand could be on the brink of its biggest era of innovation yet.Next steps: learn more about Icehouse Ventures and the Kiwi businesses they're backing.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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Index Funds: Are You Taking More Risk Than You Think? | Episode 550 15.10.2026 22mThink 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 the S&P 500's heavy exposure to the Magnificent Seven and the surprising decisions behind supposedly passive funds, to why diversification, portfolio structure and your stage of life matter more than simply chasing returns.KiwiSaver Comparison Calculator: See how your KiwiSaver fund stacks up against other providers and whether it's delivering competitive returns.5 Golden Rules of Investing: Explore James' five golden rules for building a diversified investment portfolio and managing risk over the long term. Want to know whether your investments are actually diversified? Get in touch with our Wealth team to review your portfolio, understand your risk exposure and make sure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals.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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Why Property Isn’t Your Retirement Fund | Episode 549 13.10.2026 23mYou 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 and cons of term deposits, bonds, cash funds and shares, and how to balance investment growth, risk and cash flow to fund the retirement lifestyle you actually want.Next Steps: Want to make sure your investments can fund the retirement lifestyle you're working towards? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Wealth team to build a retirement investment strategy tailored to your goals.Want to explore more ways to generate income in retirement? Check out MoneyHub’s guide here. 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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Why Foreign Millionaires Are Buying NZ Property Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 548 10.10.2026 16mThe 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, joins us to unpack why wealthy international buyers are choosing New Zealand, the impact of the new investor visa rules, growing demand for luxury property in Auckland and Queenstown, and what an influx of foreign investment could mean for the housing market and wider economy.Thinking about buying your next home? Get in touch with Martelli Buyer’s Agents here. 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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Tax free KiwiSaver: Could you retire with double? | Episode 547 08.10.2026 24mTax-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, including how compounding returns could dramatically increase retirement savings, the trade-off of losing Government Contributions, what it could mean for NZ Superannuation, and whether tax-free KiwiSaver could fundamentally change the way Kiwis invest, pay down debt and plan for retirement.Next Steps: Book a free consultation with our KiwiSaver team to review your setup.Compare your KiwiSaver provider's performance and fees with our free calculator.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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Chris Hipkins Won’t Touch Interest Deductibility… But What About CGT? Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 546 06.10.2026 20mInterest deductibility is staying… but property investors aren’t necessarily off the hook.We unpack Labour’s position on interest deductibility, the case for and against a capital gains tax, what future tax changes could mean for property investors and business owners, and whether tax should influence where you invest.Next Steps: If you’re investing in property or thinking about your next move, get in touch with the Lighthouse team to make sure you understand how the current tax rules affect your investment. 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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NZ’s Economy in 2027: Is the Recovery Finally Coming? Ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 545 03.10.2026 37mCould 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 and interest rates, what could happen to the property market, the economic impact of the election, and why infrastructure investment could be critical to getting New Zealand moving again.Next Steps: Want to make sure your finances are positioned for whatever 2027 brings? Get in touch with the Lighthouse team to build a strategy around your property, investments, mortgage and wider financial goals.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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Kiwis Are Changing How They Invest: Here’s Why Ft. Oliver Mander | Episode 544 01.10.2026 26mThe 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 from direct shares towards funds, KiwiSaver and overseas markets, the rise of DIY investing, and whether Kiwis are making the right decisions with their money.Next Steps: Want to take your investing knowledge a step further? Join us at the NZSA Conference in Wellington on the 22nd and 23rd of October - use code Lighthouse30 for 30% off your ticket.If you’re investing but aren’t sure whether your portfolio actually aligns with where you want to go, speak with the Lighthouse Wealth team about building an investment plan around your goals.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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Bought at the 2021 Peak? Here’s What You Can Do Next | Episode 543 29.09.2026 21mBought 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, including buying with less than 20% equity, low-equity lending costs, servicing requirements, getting pre-approved, selling and buying at the same time, and when staying put could make more sense.Next Steps:Watch our previous episode for more context on navigating your next move in the property market.Use our mortgage repayment calculator to see what your repayments could look like on your next home.Want to understand your options? Book a quick chat with Mike and the Lighthouse mortgage 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.
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LIVE WEBINAR: Property Under Pressure, Rising Rates, Political Risk & Weak Growth 27.09.2026 1h 29mProperty is under pressure, but the headlines don’t tell the whole story.Mike Vincent, Adam Farrell, Lighthouse Property Director, and Grant Watson, Senior Buyers Advocate at Rethink Investing, unpack the latest residential and commercial property data, rising interest rates and lending conditions, election uncertainty, and the opportunities they’re seeing for investors across the market.If you’re considering your next property move and want to understand your lending position or where the opportunities could be, speak with the Lighthouse Mortgages or Property team.Want to discuss your next commercial property move? Get in touch with Grant and the Rethink Investing team. Learn more about Rethink Investing and how they help investors navigate commercial property opportunities.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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NZ Businesses Are Going Broke: Is the Worst Yet to Come? Ft. Brent Norling | Episode 542 26.09.2026 38mNew 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 rising business liquidations, billions in overdue tax debt, the pressure facing construction and hospitality, why businesses are still dealing with the fallout from Covid, and what struggling owners can do before it’s too late.If your business is under pressure, dealing with unpaid debt or facing insolvency, get in touch with Brent and the team at Norling Law to understand your options early. 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 Retire 10 Years Earlier | Episode 541 24.09.2026 23mWhat 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 faster, getting control of your spending and consistently investing - before running the numbers on what retiring at 55 could actually look like for a Kiwi couple.Next Steps: Want to know what your own path to financial freedom could look like? Get in touch with our Wealth team to build a plan around your retirement goals. MoneyHub Retirement GuideCheck out MoneyHub’s guide and resources on planning for retirement.KiwiSaver Comparison ToolMake sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as you are with our KiwiSaver comparison tool.Mortgage Interest CalculatorUse our mortgage interest calculator to see how much interest you could pay over the life of your loan.PocketSmith DiscountWant to get a better handle on where your money is going? Use our PocketSmith discount code to start tracking your spending and get your budget sorted.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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