Cheques and Balances
Whether you're buying your first home, tackling debt, or building long-term wealth, we’ll show you how to make smarter money moves. With over 20 years of combined experience as qualified financial advisers, James Blair and Michael Vincent share straight-talking advice, practical strategies, and real conversations about money - all to help you take control of your financial future with confidence. Check out our website below: lighthousefinancial.co.nz
The Opportunity Party: Land Tax, Compulsory KiwiSaver & Citizen’s Income Ft. Qiulae Wong | Episode 554
Could a land tax completely reshape New Zealand’s property market? The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong joins us to unpack the party’s proposed tax reset, 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.
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ACT's $300M Property Tax Break: Will Ring Fencing End? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 553
A $300 million tax break for property investors. But who's really going to benefit?
We sit down with Lighthouse Financial Managing Director and tax expert 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...
Real Estate Agent Horror Stories: What Buyers Need to Know Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 552
Not everything a real estate agent tells you is the full story.
We sit down with Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyers Agents, to unpack real estate agent 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...
The Future of New Zealand Business: Icehouse Ventures CEO Explains | Episode 551
Is New Zealand entering a new era of business growth?
We sit down with Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, to explore the future of Kiwi entrepreneurship, 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.
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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.
Index Funds: Are You Taking More Risk Than You Think? | Episode 550
Think your index fund is diversified? You might be taking on more risk than you realise.
In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of index investing, from 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...
Why Property Isn’t Your Retirement Fund | Episode 549
You could be worth millions and still struggle to fund your retirement.
We unpack why property wealth doesn't always translate into retirement income, the pros 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.
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Why Foreign Millionaires Are Buying NZ Property Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 548
The world's wealthy are turning their attention to New Zealand, and they're bringing serious money with them.Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyer's Agents, 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.
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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.
Tax free KiwiSaver: Could you retire with double? | Episode 547
Tax-free KiwiSaver could mean millions more in retirement. But there's a catch.
We unpack ACT's proposal to scrap tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings, 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.
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Chris Hipkins Won’t Touch Interest Deductibility… But What About CGT? Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 546
Interest deductibility is staying… but property investors aren’t necessarily off the hook.
We unpack Labour’s position on interest deductibility, the case for 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.
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NZ’s Economy in 2027: Is the Recovery Finally Coming? Ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 545
Could 2027 finally be the year New Zealand’s economy turns a corner?
Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr joins us to unpack the outlook for growth, inflation 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.
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Kiwis Are Changing How They Invest: Here’s Why Ft. Oliver Mander | Episode 544
The way Kiwis invest their money is changing.
We sit down with Oliver Mander, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Shareholders Association, to unpack the shift 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 ar...
Bought at the 2021 Peak? Here’s What You Can Do Next | Episode 543
Bought in 2021 and feel stuck? You might have more options than you think.
We break down what it takes to move on from a property bought near the market peak, 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...
LIVE WEBINAR: Property Under Pressure, Rising Rates, Political Risk & Weak Growth
Property is under pressure, but the headlines don’t tell the whole story.
Mike Vincent, Adam Farrell, Lighthouse Property Director, and Grant Watson, Senior 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 discus...
NZ Businesses Are Going Broke: Is the Worst Yet to Come? Ft. Brent Norling | Episode 542
New Zealand businesses are still feeling the fallout and the worst may not be over yet.
Brent Norling, Director of Norling Law, joins James and Mike to unpack 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 yo...
How to Retire 10 Years Earlier | Episode 541
What would it actually take to retire 10 years earlier?
In this episode, we break down the three big levers that could get you there - paying off your mortgage 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...
The Risk of Getting a Property Valuation Right Now | Episode 540
A property valuation can open up your options or make your next move a whole lot harder.
In this episode, we unpack when getting a registered valuation makes sense, how falling property values affect usable equity, what to do if a valuation comes in lower than expected, and why having less than a 20% deposit doesn’t necessarily stop you from buying your next home.
Next Steps: If you’re thinking about your next property move and want to understand your equity and borrowing options, speak with our Lighthouse Mortgage team.
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NZ Property Market: Forget 7% Property Growth. Is 3% the New Normal? Ft. Nick Goodall | Episode 539
Has New Zealand’s property market finally reset?
Nick Goodall, Head of Research at Cotality, joins James and Mike to unpack what’s changed since the 2021 property boom, from improving mortgage affordability and regional differences to investor returns, economic confidence and what realistic house price growth could look like from here.
Next Steps: Explore Cotality’s latest Pain & Gain Report
Learn more about Cotality and its latest research and insights into the New Zealand property market.
If you’re thinking about buying, investing or making your next move in the property market...
Could Helping Your Kids Ruin Your Retirement? | Episode 538
Helping your kids shouldn’t come at the cost of your retirement. James and Jess unpack the Bank of Mum and Dad, how much support is too much, the difference between giving your kids a head start and funding their lifestyle, and how to work out what you can actually afford to give without compromising your own financial future.
Next Steps: see if you’re on track for retirement with our free Retirement Calculator.
Listen to our previous episode exploring why family wealth is often lost across generations.
If...
Mortgage Application Declined? What to Do When the Bank Says No | Episode 537
A no from the bank doesn’t always mean you can’t borrow.
We break down what happens when a mortgage application is declined, from specialist and second-tier lenders to full doc, alt doc and no doc loans, why some borrowers pay significantly higher interest rates, and the importance of having a clear exit strategy back to a main bank.
Next Steps: If the bank has said no to your mortgage, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options - get in touch with the Lighthouse mortgage team to...
NZ Economy 2026: Is the Worst Finally Over Ft. Brad Olsen | Episode 536
Is the worst finally behind the New Zealand economy?
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joins James and Mike to unpack where the NZ economy really stands, from stubborn inflation and unemployment at an 11-year high to rising interest rates, the OCR, economic growth, the property market and what needs to happen before Kiwis finally start feeling better off.
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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.
The 10 Most Critical Years in Retirement ft. Ben Brinkerhoff | Episode 535
Saving enough for retirement is only half the battle - knowing when to spend it could be just as important.
James sits down with Ben Brinkerhoff, Head of Advice at Consilium, to unpack why the first 10 years of retirement matter so much, the psychology that stops retirees spending their wealth, how retirement spending changes with age, preparing for market downturns, and why your 40s and 50s could be some of the most important years for building towards a comfortable retirement.
Read the article: Learn how retirement bucketing can give you permission to...
National Expands 5% Deposits for First Home Buyers: Does It Stack Up? | Episode 534
A 5% deposit could get thousands more Kiwis into their first home - but is it really as good as it sounds?
James and Mike unpack National’s proposed changes to the First Home Loan scheme, including the new $300,000 income threshold, what buying with just 5% actually looks like, the risks of taking on more debt, and whether bringing more first-home buyers into the market could ultimately push property prices higher.
Next Steps:
Buying your first home? Download our free First Home Buyers Guide to help you get started.
OCR Hike: The 5 Factors Driving Mortgage Rates | Episode 533
The OCR is up but that doesn’t tell you the whole story about where mortgage rates are heading.
James and Mike break down what actually determines your interest rate, unpacking the OCR, swap rates, wholesale funding, customer deposits and bank competition, before looking at what rising rates could mean for borrowers and the property market.
Next Steps: Want to understand what rising rates could mean for your mortgage? Speak to Mike and the Lighthouse Mortgages team about your options.
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...The Next Economic Shock: What’s Your Plan? | Episode 532
Another economic shock is coming. Is your money ready for it?
James and Mike break down the financial fundamentals that can help you weather whatever comes next, from setting clear goals and building an emergency fund to managing your budget, investing consistently and taking action instead of waiting for the perfect time.
Next Steps: Help your team feel more confident with money - check out our Financial Literacy Workshops for the workplace.
Want to build your financial buffer? Watch our full episode on how to build an...
New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Part 2
Owning the wrong property is one thing. Working out what to do next is the hard part.
In Part 2, James, Mike and Adam break down the options for investors stuck with an underperforming townhouse, including whether to hold or crystallise the loss, how to assess the ongoing cashflow, when selling and reinvesting could make sense, and why buying another property could actually improve your position.
Missed Part 1? Watch it here
Download our free Property Investor Guide to learn the fundamentals of choosing a quality investment property.
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New Build Townhouses: Why They Lost 40% in Value | Episode 530
Not all new-build townhouses are created equal.
In this episode, Adam Farrell, Property Director at Lighthouse Financial, joins us to unpack real examples of townhouses that have lost hundreds of thousands in value and break down what went wrong, from oversupply and poor locations to impractical layouts, lack of parking and large developments plus the fundamentals buyers should look for when choosing a new build.
Next Steps: Thinking about buying a new build? Speak to the Lighthouse Property team to understand what makes a quality property and avoid the mistakes that can...
The Best and Worst Property Titles: What Buyers Need to Know | Episode 529
Not all property titles are created equal.We break down freehold, cross-lease, unit, and leasehold titles, including what each means for buyers, the potential lending and renovation implications, and the key things you should check before making an offer on a property.Next steps: Found a property you’re interested in? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgage team to understand your lending options and what you need to check before making an offer.
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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.
National Promises No New Taxes: Can NZ Afford It? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 528
National says no new taxes, but can New Zealand actually afford that promise?
James, Mike and Matt unpack National’s “No New Taxes” pledge, how the Government could return to surplus without raising new taxes, the debate over spending and economic growth, and how it stacks up against Labour’s capital gains tax and other tax proposals.
Watch our episode breaking down Labour’s tax policyNext Steps: Not sure how changing tax policy could affect you, your property or your business? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Accounting team to understand what it could mean for your f...
The Best & Worst KiwiSaver Funds in 2026 Revealed | Episode 527
Some KiwiSaver funds are smashing it. Others are leaving investors wondering what they’re paying for.
In this episode, we reveal the top-performing KiwiSaver funds across balanced, growth and aggressive categories, unpack the impact of fees on long-term returns, and explain what you should actually look at when deciding whether your KiwiSaver provider and fund are right for you.
Next steps: Compare your KiwiSaver: Use our free KiwiSaver calculator to see how your fund’s performance and fees stack up.
Book a KiwiSaver review: Get a personalised Kiwi...
Labour’s Proposed Tax Plan: Could This Save Small Business? Ft Matt Harris | Episode 526
Could Labour’s latest tax proposals give small business the break it needs?James, Mike and Matt unpack Labour’s proposed changes to payment terms, the asset write-off threshold and GST registration, what they could mean for New Zealand’s small-business sector, and the tax changes Matt believes could help get businesses and the wider economy moving again.Next steps: Running a business and want to make sure your tax structure is working for you? Get in touch with the team at Lighthouse Accounting
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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.
1 Million Downloads Special: Our Personal Wealth Journey Part 2
From corporate careers to property investing, this is where things really started to change.
In Part 2 of Mike and James' personal wealth journey, they unpack leaving corporate banking, taking the leap into Lighthouse, building their careers and wealth, investing in property, the financial decisions they wish they'd made earlier, and what success looks like today.
Missed Part 1? Watch it here.
Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.
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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 Your First Home? 3 Ways Your Parents Can Help | Episode 524
Your parents don’t need a pile of cash to help you buy your first home.
James and Mike break down three ways parents can help first home buyers in NZ get onto the property ladder, from a gifted deposit or family loan to using parents’ equity, plus the lending requirements and risks to consider when buying your first home.
Next steps: Looking to buy your first home but not sure how to pull together your deposit? Speak to the Lighthouse mortgage team to understand your options and how family support could help...
How to Avoid Going Broke in Retirement | Episode 523
Retirement is when you finally get to spend your money - but how do you make sure you don’t run out?
James and Mike break down withdrawal rates, sequencing risk, market downturns, cash buffers and how to structure your investments so you can enjoy retirement without eating through your capital too quickly.
Missed Part One? Before you start spending your retirement savings, you need to know how to invest them. Watch our previous episode where we break down how to structure your investments in retirement.
Next steps: If you’re a...
Building an Emergency Fund in a Cost of Living Crisis | Episode 522
Building an emergency fund is hard when everyday life already costs so much.
James and Mike break down how to build your first $1,000 emergency fund, where to find extra money in your budget, whether to save or pay down debt first, how much you should ultimately have set aside, and where your emergency savings should actually live.
Next Steps: Want to get a better handle on where your money is going? Comment BUDGET and we’ll send you the template we use to help our clients map out their expenses, set realistic goals and start bu...
The Future of New Zealand: Sam Stubbs' Plan to Make NZ Wealthier | Part 2
What would it actually take to make New Zealand wealthier?
Sam Stubbs, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Simplicity, shares his blueprint for New Zealand’s future, exploring tax reform, inequality, KiwiSaver, domestic investment, AI, infrastructure and why saving and investing more could be the key to building a wealthier country for generations to come.
Next steps:
Explore Simplicity's approach to KiwiSaver, investing and long-term wealth creation.
Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.
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The Future of New Zealand: Why Sam Stubbs Is So Optimistic | Part 1
The future isn't as bleak as you think.
Sam Stubbs explains why he believes New Zealand is on the verge of one of its greatest economic opportunities, exploring the future of KiwiSaver, entrepreneurship, capital investment, infrastructure, productivity, wealth creation, and why the next generation of Kiwis could be better positioned than ever before.
Next steps:Learn more about InfraKiwi and its vision to help build New Zealand's future.
Explore Simplicity's approach to KiwiSaver, investing and long-term wealth creation.
Looking for personalised financial...
How to Build Wealth for Retirement: 5 Investing Rules Everyone Should Know | Episode 519
Most investing advice is either too complicated or focused on chasing the next big thing.
In this episode, James Blair and Michael Vincent break down the five investing principles they believe every Kiwi should know. So whether you're retiring in one year, five years or twenty years, these five golden rules will help you make the most of your retirement savings so you can build lasting wealth and enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for. They cover why trying to time the market rarely works, why diversification beats prediction, how high fees quietly...
NZ's Inflation Crisis: Why Getting Ahead Feels Harder Than Ever | Episode 518
Why does it feel like you're working harder but getting nowhere?
From rising living costs and inflation to mortgage strategies, KiwiSaver, emergency funds and practical ways to build financial resilience, James and Mike break down why so many Kiwis are feeling the squeeze and the steps you can take to strengthen your finances in today's economy.
Next steps: Feeling the pressure of rising costs? Speak to the Lighthouse Financial team for personalised advice on your mortgage, KiwiSaver, investments and cash flow.
Can't Refinance Your Mortgage? Watch This...
1 Million Downloads Special: Our Personal Wealth Journey Part 1
Before the wealth came the mistakes, side hustles, setbacks and plenty of hard lessons.
To celebrate one million podcast downloads, James and Mike share the personal stories they've never told before - from their childhood relationships with money and first jobs to dropping out of university, building careers in banking, early investing lessons and the work ethic that shaped their financial journeys.
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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.
Is War Funding Your Retirement? Ft. Lily Richards | Episode 516
Could your KiwiSaver be investing in something you don't agree with?
Around $900 million of KiwiSaver money is now invested in weapons-related companies. James and Mike sit down with Lily Richards, Chief Marketing and Client Officer at Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan to explore ethical investing, how to check what's inside your KiwiSaver, whether responsible investing impacts returns, and why understanding where your retirement savings are invested could be just as important as how much they earn.
Next Steps:
Learn more about Pathfinder
Check out the Mindful Money website
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