46% of Kiwis are worried about money. Whether it is just making it to the next payday, trying to get onto the property ladder, paying down credit card debt or saving for retirement. James Blair and Michael Vincent have been in financial services in New Zealand for 20 years combined. Cheques & Balances is a weekly podcast where James and Michael share their insights on how to get ahead financially and achieve financial freedom. Check out our website below: lighthousefinancial.co.nz
They paid off $45,000 of debt in months and didn't feel restricted doing it.In this final episode of Inside a Financial Plan, we review Rachel and Dion's progress since October - breaking down their budget using PocketSmith, selling down shares to reduce their mortgage, setting up a separate rental property account, restructuring KiwiSaver into a high-growth fund, upgrading insurance, and navigating the mindset shift from “grow at all costs” to building wealth with clarity and choice.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
KiwiSaver holds $145 billion so why are so many Kiwis still heading for a broken retirement?In this episode, we're joined by Dean Anderson, Founder and CEO of Kernel, to unpack what's holding KiwiSaver back - from weak incentives and disengaged members to election-year policy risks, default fund underperformance, gaps for the self-employed, and why short-term political decisions could cost New Zealand decades of future wealth.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.
New Zealand used to punch above its weight - so why does working harder now feel like it's getting us nowhere?In this episode, we unpack New Zealand's productivity problem from slowing output and wage stagnation to brain drain, innovation gaps, capital shortages, and why productivity isn't about longer hours, but smarter systems, better incentives, and backing people to actually have a crack.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.
Is the sharemarket dangerously expensive or just evolving with a new era of growth?In this episode, the team unpacks whether today's valuations actually signal a bubble, what price-to-earnings ratios really tell us, how AI and the Magnificent Seven are distorting markets, why timing the market rarely works, and the long-term strategies investors should focus on instead - including diversification and playing the slow game.Next Steps: If you're questioning whether your investment strategy is built for what's happening in today's market, the Lighthouse Financial team can help you structure a diversified portfolio aligned to your goals - get in touch 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.
Bitcoin just lost $3.2B in a single day and this crash wasn't random.We unpack what triggered the February 5 sell-off, how leverage and forced liquidations created a domino effect, why Bitcoin is behaving more like a volatile tech stock than digital gold, and what the broader crypto drawdown since October means for investors and diversification.Next Steps: If Bitcoin's in your portfolio but there's no plan around it, Lighthouse Wealth can help you build a diversified strategy that actually makes sense.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.
Silver surged, crashed, and reminded investors just how quickly sentiment can turn.In this quarterly investment update, we break down global market performance, diversification away from US tech, bond and property headwinds, silver's explosive rise and sudden pullback, and what it all means for portfolios heading into 2026.Next Steps: If market volatility has you questioning your positioning, now's the time to stress-test your plan - book a no-obligation chat with a Lighthouse financial adviser 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.
Structure your debt smarter - because how you own assets can be the difference between paying more tax or keeping thousands. Drawing on a real example of an investor saving $9,000, the team unpacks tax-efficient debt structuring, interest deductibility, trusts vs look-through companies, common mistakes property investors make, and why treating your portfolio like a business can materially improve your long-term tax position.Next Steps: If you're building wealth through property, speak with Lighthouse Accounting before restructuring - the right advice could save you far more than it costs.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.
Debt is rising and relief hasn't arrived.In this episode, the team unpacks rising mortgage arrears, increasing unemployment, stubborn interest rates, and the growing risk of stagflation - asking the critical question: can households actually afford the debt they're carrying?Next Steps: If you're feeling the pressure of rising debt or a mortgage rolling off soon, reviewing your loan structure could make a bigger difference than you think - speak to the Lighthouse Mortgage 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.
You can be paying thousands for insurance and still be dangerously under-covered.In this episode of Inside a Financial Plan, Callum walks Rachel and Dion through a full insurance reset - restructuring life, trauma, income protection, and health cover to reduce wasted premiums, close major coverage gaps, and align everything with their real financial plan, while increasing protection by thousands for only a marginal cost increase.Next Steps: If you haven't reviewed your insurance recently, talk to the Lighthouse team to make sure your cover actually matches your life, your risks, and your long-term plan.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
New Zealand's economy is sending mixed signals and the outlook for 2026 isn't as simple as “good” or “bad.”In this episode, the team breaks down inflation sitting above the Reserve Bank's target, what it means for interest rates and the OCR, why spending is soft despite rising non-discretionary costs, and why first home buyers may actually be sitting in a rare “Goldilocks” window - all while unpacking why forecasts matter less than having a long-term plan.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.
Elon Musk says we don't need to save for retirement - but should we actually believe him?In this episode, the team breaks down Musk's viral comments on AI, robots, and the future of work, explores why the idea resonates with so many people, stress-tests the timelines against reality, and explains what relying on tech, KiwiSaver, or “someone else saving us” could really mean for retirement in New Zealand.Next Steps: AI might change the future, but your retirement still needs a plan. Talk to the Lighthouse Wealth team about building a clear, realistic retirement strategy you can actually control.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.
If you haven't filed your tax return yet, what you don't know could already be costing you money.In this episode, the team breaks down how to legally minimise tax, the must-have documents every business owner and property investor should keep, common record-keeping mistakes, deductible expenses like interest and insurance, why structure matters, and when to engage an accountant so your tax strategy isn't left to the last minute.Next Steps: If your tax strategy starts in March, you're already behind start the conversation with Lighthouse Accounting now to get organised early and position yourself for better tax outcomes.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.
Is the classic buy-and-hold strategy still enough in today's property market?In this episode, we're joined by Jim Dodd, Founder of Property CEO, to unpack whether long-term holding still stacks up - or if more active strategies like property trading are the smarter path forward - covering how investors can shorten timelines, manage risk, and regain control as growth rates, lending rules, and market conditions shift.Next Steps: To learn more about property trading and active investment strategies, check out Property-CEO a coaching and mentoring programme helping Kiwis understand the strategies, funding options, and systems used to build wealth through property.If you're rethinking your property strategy and want help structuring the right approach whether that's buy and hold, trading, or a mix of both get in touch with the Lighthouse mortgages 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.
Mortgage rates aren't rising because of one headline number - there's a lot more going on behind the scenes.In this episode, we break down the real drivers behind rising mortgage rates, including wholesale funding costs, swap rates, global uncertainty, and why banks can lift longer-term rates even when the OCR hasn't moved - plus how borrowers should think about fixing, floating, and avoiding emotional decisions.Next Steps: Before you react to the headlines or lock in a rate, talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team to understand what's really driving your mortgage and what makes sense 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.
Insurance isn't about ticking boxes - it's about protecting the life you're actually building.In this episode of Inside a Financial Plan, Lighthouse Insurance Adviser Callum Gilmour breaks down Rachel and Dion's real insurance setup, covering life, trauma, health, and income protection, how much cover is actually enough, where self-insurance makes sense, and how insurance should change as your assets, income, and priorities evolve.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
Can you actually get a mortgage after 50 or does age quietly change the rules?In this episode, we break down how banks assess lending as you get older, including servicing requirements, loan terms, retirement runways, exit strategies, and the key differences between owner-occupied and investment property lending - and why age itself isn't the decision-maker.Next Steps: If you're navigating lending later in life or weighing up a big property decision, speak to Lighthouse Financial about aligning your mortgage, wealth plan, and long-term goals before you commit.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.
New Zealand's healthcare system isn't broken - but it is under serious strain.In this episode, we're joined by Nick Astwick, CEO of Southern Cross Health Society, to unpack why demand is overwhelming supply, what rising waitlists and costs really mean, how public and private healthcare intersect, and what needs to change to improve access, outcomes, and long-term health in New Zealand.Next Steps: Lighthouse Insurance can help you structure health cover properly so medical decisions don't turn into financial stress.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
Property can make you look rich... while quietly leaving you cash-poor in retirement.In this episode, Mike and James break down why relying solely on property can undermine retirement income, covering liquidity, cashflow realities, transaction costs, leverage, when property works best, when it doesn't, and how blending property with diversified investments creates a retirement that actually pays you to live.Next Steps: If property has built your wealth but won't fund retirement, speak to the Lighthouse Wealth team today about a real financial plan.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
Most people think they know where their money goes... they don't.In this episode, Jason Leong, CEO of PocketSmith, breaks down how budgeting software, open banking, and real spending data reveal hidden leaks, lifestyle creep, and why even high-income earners feel broke.Nest Steps: If you don't know where your money is going, you can't plan your future - Download PocketSmith today and get 50% off your first two months.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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 property market is waking up but it won't be a straight line.In this episode, Matt Harris, Michael Vincent and Adam Farrell unpack their 2026 property predictions, covering expected price growth, interest rate risks, election uncertainty, capital gains tax chatter, and where the best opportunities sit across townhouses, multi-unit and commercial property.Next Steps: In a slower, more fragmented property market, the edge comes from the right structure and team - get in touch with Lighthouse to review your borrowing, cashflow and investment strategy today.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
If you couldn't work tomorrow, how long would your income really last?In this episode, we break down how ACC actually works, the key differences between standard ACC and Cover Plus Extra, common misconceptions around income protection, and why self-employed Kiwis should rethink how they protect their income when injury or illness strikes.Next Steps: Talk to the Lighthouse insurance team today about health, life, and income protection options that actually work when you need them most.https://lighthousefinancial.co.nz/insurance/Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
Think tax is just something you pay and forget? This episode proves otherwise.We break down the best tax insights of 2025, covering provisional tax, cashflow pressure on NZ businesses, smart entity structures, chattel depreciation, home office deductions, and how debt restructuring can legally turn tax into a strategic advantage for business owners and property investors.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
In a changing property market, investors face a critical decision: flip for short-term gains or hold for long-term wealth.In this episode, Jim Dodd, co-founder of Property-CEO, breaks down his proven system for finding, renovating, and selling properties for profit, while Matt Harris explains how to structure, finance, and manage buy-and-hold portfolios - including the tax strategies that can make both approaches more effective.Together, they unpack real-world market conditions, investor decision-making, and the tax implications of flipping versus holding, helping you understand which strategy aligns best with your goals.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.Next Steps: Check out Property-CEO - a coaching and mentoring programme helping Kiwis learn the strategies, funding options, and systems to build wealth through property.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.
Property strategy matters more than ever in 2026.In this episode, we revisit the biggest property conversations of the past year - from first-home and investor case studies to buyer's agent insights, auction tactics, cash flow vs capital gains, interest rates, OCR cuts, and what actually drives confident property decisions heading in 2026Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
Investing doesn't need to be complicated.In this episode, we break down how the fundamentals of how the sharemarket actually works - what a share is, when you should (and shouldn't) invest, the risks to watch for, how platforms make money, and why diversified, long-term investing beats trying to pick winners.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.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.
Summer spending is easy - staying on top of your money is harder.In this episode, we walk through how to set clear financial goals, build a sustainable budget, make smarter KiwiSaver choices, manage debt properly, and create a practical roadmap toward buying a home and building long-term wealth without blowing up your lifestyle.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.Speak to an adviser: If you want help turning your goals into a clear plan, book a complimentary 30-minute chat with a Lighthouse Financial adviser.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.
Four standout guests. Four conversations that shaped how we think about money, markets, and growth.In this special episode, we've pulled together our favourite guest moments from 2025 - revisiting the ideas, debates, and insights that sparked the biggest conversations throughout the year. From investing psychology and compounding, to housing reform, economic recovery, and scaling global businesses, this episode captures the thinking that mattered most.Register now: Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Join Michael Vincent and James Blair for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.Featured Guests & Key Discussions00:00 - Luke Kemeys- Compounding vs income investing and why behaviour matters more than perfect maths- The psychology of money, motivation, and consistency- Debt repayment strategies and getting early wins that keep people on track07:20 - Nicola Willis- Housing affordability and the future of home ownership in New Zealand- Planning reform, land supply, and replacing the Resource Management Act- Red tape, building constraints, and how supply impacts affordability- Creating economic growth beyond rising house prices13:45 - Mahesh Muralidhar- Scaling Canva from a small startup to a global business- Lessons from hyper-growth, leadership, and big ambition- Why New Zealand needs more global role models- Thinking bigger and building companies that can scale internationally21:00 - Jarrod Kerr - Interest rates, economic recovery, and why the turnaround took so long- Business confidence, hiring decisions, and investment signals- Housing market confidence, GDP outlook, and what to watch next- Where momentum is starting to return in the New Zealand economyFor more money tips follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefinancialnz/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lighthousefinancialnz/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.
Buying before you sell sounds simple - until it isn't.In this episode, we break down bridging finance, when it makes sense to use it, the difference between open and closed bridging loans, how banks assess risk, the real costs involved, and the common mistakes that can turn a house upgrade into a financial headache.Next steps: If you're thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or buying before you sell, talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team early - a 15-minute chat can save you months of stress and 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.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of recovery but not without risk.In this episode, we break down our 2026 predictions across the New Zealand economy, covering GDP growth, interest rates and OCR expectations, share market risks and opportunities, AI's real economic impact, property market forecasts, election uncertainty, and the global factors that could derail momentum.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 property market doesn't wait and the best deals rarely come with notice.In this episode, the Lighthouse Property team breaks down what's really happening in the market heading into 2026, why speed and preparation matter, and walks through real case studies covering discounted new builds, regional yield opportunities, developer risk, and how first-home buyers and investors can secure strong deals without trying to time the market.Next Steps: At Lighthouse Property, we help clients get clear and prepared to secure the right property before the market moves. If 2026 is on your radar, now's the time to start.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.
From his first house at 18 to managing over ten projects a year - this is how Kyle turned building skills into a property empire.In this episode, we dive into Kyle's journey from buying his first property as a teenager to scaling a portfolio through joint ventures, private finance, and smart subdivision strategies. He shares how he mitigates risk, structures his business, and what it really takes to flip and develop properties successfully in today's market.Next Steps: Wanting to follow in Kyle's footsteps? Check out Property-CEO - a coaching and mentoring programme helping Kiwis learn the strategies, funding options, and systems to build wealth through property.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.
A real-world look at how tracking your money actually works - without spreadsheets or guesswork.In this episode of Inside a Financial Plan, Jess walks through a PocketSmith onboarding session with Rachel and Dion, covering how to set up accounts, track cash flow, build realistic budgets, categorise spending, handle transfers correctly, and use clear insights to stay aligned with their financial plan over time.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
Passive investing has taken over - but what happens when nobody's actually picking the stocks?In this episode, we unpack the explosive rise of passive investing, the growing concentration inside major indices like the S&P 500, and whether mechanical money flows into big tech could distort markets, create instability, or even open the door for active management to matter again.Next Steps: If you've got money invested or sitting on the sidelines and you're unsure whether a passive, active, or blended approach makes sense for your goals, book a chat with the Lighthouse Wealth team and build a portfolio that's actually designed for the long term.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.
Buying your first investment property? Here are the three game-changing rules every investor needs to know before they make their move.In this episode, we break down exactly how to use your equity, why structuring your debt correctly matters, and the essential tax steps - from interest deductibility to chattel valuations and tidy accounting - that can make or break your investment success.Next steps: If you're ready to take the next step toward your first (or next) investment property, book a call with the Lighthouse team - we'll help you understand your equity, borrowing power, and the smartest way to structure your lending and tax.Boarder Income RulesFor 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.
Is NZ's property market really unproductive — or is everyone getting it wrong?In this episode, we break down the real economic impact of New Zealand's property sector - from its $50B GDP contribution and 235,000 jobs, to how domestic trade, construction, KiwiSaver investment, and smarter intensification strategies shape whether property truly helps or hinders national productivity.This episode is brought to you by Lighthouse Financial - your partner in financial freedom.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 North and South Islands are living two completely different financial realities - and the wealth gap is bigger than you think.In this episode, we break down why regions like Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are outperforming the major centres - from lower debt loads and cheaper housing to booming primary industries - while Auckland and Wellington grapple with high mortgages, sluggish sectors, and rising unemployment.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.
Buying your first home just got a whole lot easier and the numbers prove it.In this episode, we break down the five biggest shifts helping first-home buyers right now: falling interest rates, lower test rates, flexible deposit options, smarter bank approvals, easier due-diligence pathways, and a market where negotiation not auctions is finally back on the table.Next Steps: If you want to know exactly how much you can borrow, what deposit you need, and whether you're ready to buy, book a chat with Lighthouse Mortgages and we'll run the numbers with 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.
Cashflow or capital gains? Why choose when the smartest investors are structuring their deals to get both? In this episode, we sit down with Ilse Wolfe, Director of Wolfe Property, to unpack how investors are navigating 2025's shifting market, from falling interest rates and rising optimism to real case studies showing how strategic renovations, multi-unit deals, and value-add tactics can create both strong cashflow and long-term capital growth.Next steps: Learn more about Wolfe Property 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.
Mortgage rates are dropping and the right move now could add over $100K to your net worth.In this episode, we break down how holding your repayments at the higher level you're used to can shave decades off your loan, save hundreds of thousands in interest, accelerate your equity, and set you up for smarter investing and long-term financial freedom.Next Steps: Want to see how much faster you could clear your mortgage? Book a chat with our Lighthouse Mortgage team today.If you want clarity on your next steps from paying down debt to building long-term wealth book a chat with our Lighthouse Wealth team and get a personalised financial plan built 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.
Is NZ's property market actually broken or are the headlines missing the real story?In this episode, we break down 30 years of market history, supply and demand pressures, migration, affordability, investor psychology, and the real maths behind when (and whether) investment property still works in New Zealand.Next steps: If you want clarity on what you can borrow, what you can buy, or whether an investment property strategy stacks up, our Lighthouse Mortgage team can walk you through the numbers.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.
Insurance premiums have exploded and Kiwis are feeling the squeeze like never before.In this episode, we break down the shocking 15-year surge in insurance costs - from health and house premiums skyrocketing over 200–400% to the real impact of climate events, reinsurance costs, medical system pressure, and how listeners can reduce their cover without losing protection.Next Steps: If you want to make sure your life, health, income or trauma cover actually fits your budget and stage of life, book a one-on-one with a Lighthouse insurance adviser through the link in the show notes.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.
Will the RBNZ pull the trigger on 25 or 50? Here's what really sits behind Wednesday's OCR call.In this episode, we break down the latest inflation data, card-spending trends, bank pass-through (or lack of it), how summer spending could shape the economy, and why confidence - not just cuts - will determine whether 2026 finally turns a corner.Next Steps: If you want to find out whether you qualify for the 1.5% cashback or how a refinance works, get in touch with Lighthouse Mortgages and they'll walk you through your exact 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.
KiwiSaver is getting a shake-up and some of these changes could completely reshape your retirement.In this episode, we break down the proposed KiwiSaver overhaul from targeted boosts for low-income earners to parental-leave top-ups, employer contributions past 65, and the controversial emergency “sidecar” account - plus what these changes could really mean for your long-term savings.Next Steps: If you're not sure whether your KiwiSaver fund, contribution rate or strategy is set up correctly for these changes, book a free 30-minute session with a Lighthouse adviser and get your plan 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.
In this live webinar Scott O'Neill, Dylan Menzies and Michael Vincent break down where the real value is heading into 2026 - from commercial vs residential returns to bank appetite, yields, strategy, and live Q&A insights.Ideal for anyone exploring commercial property, diversifying from residential, or wanting expert clarity before making their next move.Ready to explore commercial property with expert support? Connect with the Rethink Investing team to access off-market deals and tailored commercial acquisition advice. Need lending support for your next residential or commercial purchase? The Lighthouse mortgage team can help you structure the right loan and get your finance approved. 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.
A heated debate that every Kiwi needs to hear - Wealth Tax vs Capital Gains Tax.Matt, James and Mike down how each tax actually works, the real-world impact on homeowners, investors, retirees, and business owners, and why timing, fairness, and economic stability matter more than political noise.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.
Buying your first home? Don't walk into a negotiation blind.In this episode, Mike and Adam break down the exact strategies every first-home buyer needs - from spotting genuine negotiation opportunities to avoiding common traps, understanding timing, reading the market, structuring offers, and knowing when to push, walk away, or say yes.Next Steps: Ready for more? Register now for our upcoming webinar with Rethink Investing, where Scott O'Neill, Dylan Menzies and Michael Vincent unpack how to invest smarter and spot real opportunities in 2026.If you need guidance on what to buy and how to negotiate it, connect with the Lighthouse Property team - we're here to help.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.
New Zealand's one-income household is officially dead - and the numbers prove it.In this episode, James and Michael break down why rising living costs, childcare expenses, inflation, and modern debt-to-income ratios make it nearly impossible to survive on a single salary, and what Kiwi families need to consider when planning work, kids, mortgages, and their long-term financial goals.Next Steps: If you're navigating childcare costs, mortgages or planning time off with young kids, chat with the Lighthouse Financial team to map out a plan that actually works for your family.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.
Can infrastructure spending really supercharge New Zealand's economy?In this episode, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr joins the team to unpack how smart infrastructure investment, foreign capital, and confidence can lift productivity, boost GDP, and strengthen the Kiwi brand on the global stage.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.
Markets are booming - but are we on the edge of an AI bubble?In this quarterly update, James and Chris from Apollo Wealth break down what's driving global market performance, how AI hype and passive investing are shaping valuations, and why diversification and patience remain key as investors navigate an overheated landscape.Next Steps: Ready to make sense of the markets and build a plan that works through every cycle? Book a free 30-minute chat with a Lighthouse financial adviser.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.
Paying down your mortgage or investing in more property - which gets you closer to financial freedom?In this episode, Mike breaks down Dion and Rachel's financial plan, exploring how offset facilities, mortgage structures, and long-term property decisions can shape their wealth journey without unnecessary risk.This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith: Big goals mean nothing without action. PocketSmith helps you track, plan, and stay accountable. Start today with 50% off your first two months.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.
Five smart ways to keep more money in your pocket this tax season.In this live webinar, Matt Harris and Andrew Higgs uncover the most overlooked tax hacks for property investors - from claiming chattels depreciation and home office expenses to restructuring debt, maximising travel deductions, and ensuring your accounting structures work in your favour.Next steps: Ready to uncover what deductions you've been missing? Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our accountants to see how much more you could be saving this year.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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