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
Retirement is changing fast and owning a home no longer guarantees financial security.In this episode, we break down the growing reality of retiring without a home, why more Kiwis are becoming asset rich but cash poor, the risks of long-term renting in retirement, reverse mortgages, downsizing traps, build-to-rent developments, and the financial decisions people are now making to maintain lifestyle and flexibility later in life. Next Steps: Want to understand whether your current retirement setup is actually sustainable? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Wealth team to build a personalised retirement and cashflow plan.Read the full article 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.
Interest rates could be heading back up and most mortgage holders aren't ready for it.In this episode, we break down why rate rises may not be over yet, how inflation, oil prices, and Reserve Bank decisions impact your mortgage, plus the practical steps borrowers can take now to reduce risk, lock in certainty, and avoid getting caught rolling onto higher rates later this year.Next Steps: If your fixed rate is rolling off soon and you want to understand your options before rates potentially move higher, get in touch with the Lighthouse mortgage team.Register for our upcoming webinar now: 'Reduce Your Tax Bill in 2026: Optimise Your Property Structure' now.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.
Upgrading your home feels right… but it might be costing you hundreds of thousands in the long run.In this episode, we break down the real wealth trade-off between owner-occupied homes and investment properties, including how equity is used to invest, the impact of debt and cashflow, rental income vs no income assets, and a real scenario showing how holding your home and buying an investment property could leave you ~$670K better off over time.Next Steps: If you want to map out whether upgrading or investing actually puts you in a stronger financial position, our team at Lighthouse can build a plan around your numbers and 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.
The biggest IPO in history is coming… but is it a once-in-a-generation opportunity or a massive trap?In this episode, we break down the potential SpaceX IPO, covering what an IPO actually is, the eye-watering $1.75-$2 trillion valuation, lack of profitability, concerns around no lock-up periods, exit liquidity risks, and why hype-driven investing could leave retail investors holding the bag.Next Steps: Want to build a portfolio that doesn't rely on hype? Get in touch with Lighthouse Financial to create a strategy grounded in long-term fundamentals.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 held up better than expected but the story underneath is where it gets interesting.In this quarterly update, we break down how the Middle East oil shock impacted global markets, why NZ equities underperformed, where money is rotating (value, infrastructure, emerging markets), and what it all means for your portfolio heading into the next quarter.Next steps: If you want a portfolio built to handle volatility like this, speak to the Lighthouse Wealth team about structuring your investments 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.
New Zealand's $9.3 billion tax bill reveals how tax arrears, rising costs, and cashflow pressure are impacting businesses nationwide.In this episode, we break down how tax paid in arrears, rising costs, post-COVID pressure, and compounding penalties have pushed businesses into debt, why IRD is cracking down harder than ever, and what it means for the wider economy.Next steps: If you're behind on tax or want to avoid it snowballing, speak to the Lighthouse team to structure a plan, reduce penalties, and get back in control 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.
Upgrading your home isn't about buying bigger - it's about making the numbers work.In this episode, we break down how to actually move into your “forever home” - from using equity and navigating bridging finance to timing your sale, getting pre-approval, and avoiding the common mistakes that can set you back years.Next Steps: If you're thinking about upgrading, the smartest next step is getting clarity on your numbers - get in touch with Lighthouse Mortgages to map out exactly what's possible 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.
New Zealand isn't broken but the way we think about money, risk, and business might be.In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kemeys and Simon Rolland to unpack New Zealand's productivity problem - from risk-averse mindsets and property obsession to aging business owners, talent leaving overseas, and what actually needs to change to build a stronger economy.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.
Pokémon cards beat the market… but that doesn't mean they should be your strategy.In this episode, we break down the eye-watering 3,800% return of Pokémon cards versus the S&P 500, unpack how alternative assets like collectibles, wine, and luxury goods actually gain value, and explain the real risks - from speculation and hype cycles to lack of cashflow, valuation challenges, and why most investors are better off sticking to proven wealth-building fundamentals.Next Steps: If you want a clear plan that balances investing, property, debt, and long-term wealth, the Lighthouse team can help you structure it properly.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 a home together might be the dream but for many couples, it's where things start to fall apart.In this episode, we unpack Charlie Munger's “ladies, liquor, and leverage” rule, diving into how property debt, rising interest rates, and financial pressure are driving relationship breakdowns, the risks of going all-in on leverage, and what happens legally and financially when couples split after buying a home.Next steps: Thinking about getting on the property ladder? Talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages team today and make sure you're set up the right way from the 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.
Most first homes don't make good investment properties but people keep holding them anyway.In this episode, we break down why so many Kiwis become “accidental property investors,” covering low rental yields, rising costs, cashflow top-ups, emotional decision-making, and when holding your first home actually does make sense.Next steps: If you're thinking about your next move with property, speak to the Lighthouse mortgage team - we'll help you understand your lending position and what you can actually do from 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.
It feels harder than ever to get ahead right now - even if you're doing everything right.In this episode, we break down the reality behind that feeling - juggling mortgages, kids, careers, and ageing parents - while unpacking rising living costs, financial pressure, comparison culture, and how to think about progress, balance, and long-term wealth through different seasons of life.Next Steps: If this feels like you right now, it might be time to step back and build a plan that actually works for your stage of life - that's exactly what we help clients do at Lighthouse 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.
With NZ property prices flat in 2026, should you be buying or waiting it out?In this episode, we break down whether 2026 is actually a smart time to buy property in New Zealand, covering market equilibrium, regional differences, investor sentiment, interest rate uncertainty, and why long-term strategy matters more than trying to time short-term growth.Next Steps: Thinking about buying in 2026 but not sure how to navigate interest rates or structure your lending? Chat to the Lighthouse Mortgage team to build a strategy that works in today's market.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.
It feels like COVID all over again… but is it?In this episode, we break down the key difference between a demand-driven crisis like COVID and today's supply-driven fuel shock, covering inflation, oil prices, interest rate impacts, government response, and what it means for households and the New Zealand economy over the next 12–24 months.Next Steps: If you're unsure how rising costs and interest rates could impact your financial position, reach out to the Lighthouse Mortgage team todayFor 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 vs your first home deposit… are you building wealth or slowing yourself down? In this episode, we break down whether you should use your KiwiSaver to buy your first home or leave it invested for retirement, covering deposit requirements, interest rate impacts, compounding vs debt, and how this decision affects your long-term wealth strategy in New Zealand.Next Steps: If you're unsure whether to use your KiwiSaver or how to structure your first home purchase, the Lighthouse Financial team can help you build a plan tailored to your situation.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 episode, We sit down with Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr to unpack the upcoming OCR decision, why rising oil prices are driving inflation, how demand destruction is already hitting spending, and what it all means for interest rates, mortgages, and the broader NZ economy over the next 3-6 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.
Is New Zealand heading into stagflation? Inflation is rising, growth is slowing and the outlook is shifting fast.We sit down with Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr to break down the NZ economic outlook, including inflation, interest rates, OCR expectations, oil price shocks, and whether a recession or stagflation is actually on the cards. We also cover what this means for your KiwiSaver, mortgage, and investments over the next 6–24 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.
Your Sharesies account might be quietly draining thousands in tax and most Kiwis don't even realise it.We break down how tax actually works on shares in New Zealand - from dividends and PIE funds to the $50K foreign investment threshold, FIF rules, and why the way you invest (not just what you invest in) can significantly impact your returns.Next Steps: If you're investing and unsure how tax is impacting your returns, get in touch with the Lighthouse Financial team to make sure your structure is working for you not against 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.
A global oil shock could quietly reset New Zealand's recovery - and most people aren't ready for the flow-on effects.In this episode, we break down how rising oil prices are driving inflation, impacting supply chains, pushing mortgage rates higher, and forcing tough decisions from the Reserve Bank - while unpacking what it all means for borrowers, businesses, and long-term financial plans in an increasingly uncertain economy.Next Steps: If you're unsure how this is going to impact your mortgage, reach out to the Lighthouse team 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.
Build a 30 year retirement plan by starting with your first home.In this episode, we use a real first home buyer case study to break down deposits, KiwiSaver decisions, mortgage affordability, budgeting habits, insurance, and how to turn one property into a long-term wealth plan.Apply Now: We're picking one Cheques & Balances listener to build a personalised financial plan with and we'll document the entire journey on the podcast. 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're not on track with your 2026 financial plan yet - this is where you fix it.In this episode, we break down how to build a practical financial plan from scratch, covering goal setting, budgeting, KiwiSaver, debt management, investing, and the exact step-by-step roadmap to get ahead financially in today's market.Apply Now: We're picking one Cheques & Balances listener to build a personalised financial plan with and we'll document the entire journey on the podcast. 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 in NZ isn't about finding “the one” - it's about not getting burned in the process.In this 2026 first home buyers guide, we break down everything you need to know - from deposits (5% vs 10% vs 20%) and mortgage pre-approval to affordability, property valuation, auctions, negotiation, and due diligence so you don't overpay or miss out.Next Steps: Want to know exactly what you can afford and how to structure your first home purchase? 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.
Most Kiwis won't realise they're on track to work until 70… until it's too late.In this episode, we break down the 5 key signs you're heading for delayed retirement - from carrying debt into your 60s and having no clear spending visibility, to relying too heavily on NZ Super and KiwiSaver - and more importantly, the practical steps you can take now to build a plan, create consistency, and avoid running out of money in retirement.Next Steps: If you want clarity on where you're actually tracking for retirement and a plan to fix it - get in touch with the Lighthouse wealth team 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.
Real money questions from listeners - covering KiwiSaver, investing, mortgages, and how to actually build wealth in New Zealand.In this Listener Hotline episode, financial advisors James and Jess answer real audience questions about KiwiSaver contributions, emergency funds, investing during market volatility, retirement planning, spending habits, term deposits vs shares, and whether couples should buy property together. The conversation breaks down practical money decisions many Kiwis face - from saving for a first home and managing debt to building long-term wealth and avoiding common financial 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.
Meth contamination in NZ property is a growing risk that buyers and investors often overlook.In this episode we explain how meth contamination happens, the testing process, remediation costs, new 2026 standards, and why banks are tightening lending when meth is detected in a 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.
War headlines are everywhere - but what could global conflict actually do to interest rates?In this episode, the team breaks down how the US-Iran conflict, rising oil prices, and global economic uncertainty could affect inflation, the Reserve Bank's decisions, swap rates, and ultimately the interest rates Kiwis pay on their mortgages.Tune into Markets, Mystics and Mayhem to learn moreFor 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.
While the human cost of war is devastating, many investors are asking the same question - what does it mean for markets?In this episode, James and Jess break down the Iran conflict and its impact on markets, oil prices, petrol costs and inflation, explaining why crude oil has surged nearly 50%, how global markets have reacted so far, and what long-term investors should actually do when geopolitical events shake the headlines.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.
Ignore your taxes long enough and the problem doesn't disappear - it multiplies.In this episode James sits down with Lighthouse Senior Accountant Vinay Reddy and Managing Director Matt Harris to unpack real accounting horror stories - from business owners who haven't filed returns for years to IRD investigators turning up at workshops - and explain how penalties, interest, GST obligations, and poor tax structures can quickly snowball into major financial stress.Next Steps: If you're unsure whether your tax situation is set up properly, the Lighthouse Accounting team can help you review your structure and get everything back on track before small problems turn into big ones.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 or shares - which one will actually build wealth for the next generation?In this episode, James and Michael break down the long-running debate between property and shares, exploring historical returns, whether housing growth could slow in the future, how KiwiSaver and share investing are changing younger investors' behaviour, and what it could mean for New Zealand's economy if wealth shifts away from property.We're picking one Cheques & Balances listener to build a personalised financial plan with and we'll document the entire journey on the podcast. Next steps: Book a KiwiSaver check-up with our team to make sure your fund, contributions, and wider strategy are aligned before these changes take effect. 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.
Could the KiwiSaver changes really mean an extra $100,000 at retirement - and is locking that money away actually the smartest move?In this episode, Jess and Makayla break down the increase from 3% to 3.5% and then 4%, explain how that seemingly small shift could materially grow your retirement balance, and debate whether contributing more to KiwiSaver stacks up against paying down your mortgage, investing outside the scheme, or using it for your first home - plus what you should review before the changes take effect.Next steps: Book a KiwiSaver check-up with our team to make sure your fund, contributions, and wider strategy are aligned before these changes take effect. 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 works harder than ever - so why does it feel like we're falling behind?In this episode, we sit down with Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party, to unpack wealth tax, inequality, productivity, housing, KiwiSaver, capital gains, and why New Zealand's economy is stuck in a loop of speculation instead of innovation.Chlöe does not endorse any products or services provided as per Parliamentary standards.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 of the tax advice you see online isn't just wrong - it could cost you thousands.In this episode, James sits down with Lighthouse Senior Accountant Vinay Reddy and Managing Director Matt Harris to react to the worst tax advice online and break down what you can actually claim, what you can't, and the costly mistakes business owners make.Next Steps: Bad tax advice can cost you real money - if you want clarity and confidence in your structure, speak to the Lighthouse Accounting team 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.
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.
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