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Whether you're buying your first home, tackling debt, or building long-term wealth, we’ll show you how to make smarter money moves. With over 20 years of combined experience as qualified financial advisers, James Blair and Michael Vincent share straight-talking advice, practical strategies, and real conversations about money - all to help you take control of your financial future with confidence.
Check out our website below:
lighthousefinancial.co.nz
Check out our website below:
lighthousefinancial.co.nz
476 Episodes
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In this episode, we unpack the true financial impact of going from two to three kids - covering housing upgrades, new cars, childcare, food, schooling, and even family holidays - to show how quickly expenses pile up.Next Steps: Every family needs a solid financial plan - one that keeps renovations on track, car costs under control, and sets your kids up for the future. Talk to the team at Lighthouse Wealth today.Head to Crayon to learn more about family costs, parental leave, and financial tools designed for Kiwi parents. They’ve got resources to help you plan ahead and make confident money decisions 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.
1Midlife money stress is real - and it’s hitting Kiwis harder than ever. In this episode, we break down the “midlife financial crisis,” exploring how childcare, mortgages, aging parents, and debt all collide in your 40s, and the practical steps you can take to regain control and build long-term wealth.Next Steps: Ready to take the pressure off your finances? Book a free consultation with a Lighthouse Financial adviser and get a clear plan for your cashflow, mortgage, and long-term 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.
Inflation is down, but Kiwis are still feeling broke. In this episode, we unpack why everyday essentials like rent, groceries, and mortgage repayments remain painfully high despite inflation easing, exploring wage stagnation, rising living costs, and what it really means for households across New Zealand.Next Steps: Take control of rising costs. Book a free session with Lighthouse Wealth and take the next step towards financial confidence.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
NZ’s economy has gone backwards - here’s what it really means for Kiwis. In this episode, we break down the 0.9% GDP decline, what it signals for business and households, the impact on manufacturing and construction, Reserve Bank policy decisions, and why interest rate changes could bring both relief and riskNext steps: from surviving summer spending to saving thousands on your mortgage, our upcoming webinars are packed with practical strategies for every stage of your financial journey. Register nowFor more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
Your Most Played Moment Of 2025: In this exclusive interview from inside the Beehive, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins us to discuss NZ’s economic future covering everything from housing affordability, debt, and financial literacy to KiwiSaver, exports, and why cutting red tape is critical for growth.Watch the full episode hereThe Minister's appearance is not an endorsement of any particular financial advice service or company.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.
Stop sleepwalking on your mortgage - learn how small changes could help you cut years off and reduce interest costs. In this episode, we explore practical strategies that may shorten a 30-year mortgage to 10–15 years, including smarter repayment structures, avoiding lifestyle creep, and making the most of pay rises or interest rate changes.Next Steps: Ready to knock years off your mortgage? Register for our free webinar with practical tips to pay down debt faster and take control of your financial future.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
In today’s buyer’s market, smart negotiation could save you thousands on your next property. Adam Farrell joins us to unpack the strategies behind timing your offers, spotting undervalued opportunities, negotiating beyond price, and knowing when to say yes so you don’t miss out on the best deals.Next Steps: Ready to put these strategies into action? Lighthouse Property can help you find the right home or investment and negotiate with confidence - get in touch today to start your journey.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.
Rentvesting might look smart now, but it could leave you broke later. In this episode, James and Jess break down the numbers behind rentvesting, comparing real financial projections to show why renting long-term while investing elsewhere often ends in running out of money before retirement.Next Steps: Want to see how your own numbers stack up? Book a financial plan with Lighthouse Wealth and get a clear, tailored roadmap to retirement. For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
Foreign buyers are back...sort of. In this episode, James and Matt unpack New Zealand’s revised foreign buyers rules, the $5 million price cap, and what it means for our property market, economy, and international reputation.Got a hot take? Drop it below - the best comment scores a Lighthouse “Need Money for Real Estate” hat.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
NZ’s infrastructure is crumbling and taxpayers are footing the bill.In this uncut episode, James and Mike unpack the government’s new road user charges, debating whether it’s a genuine solution to New Zealand’s infrastructure crisis or just another way to shift the cost onto taxpayers, while diving into EV taxes, political timing, and the state of our roads.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 personal story of cancer, cost, and the true value of insurance. In this episode, we share the financial and emotional journey of losing a parent to terminal brain cancer, uncovering the hidden costs of treatment, the consequences of cancelled cover, and the lessons every Kiwi family can take from this experience.Next Steps: We know nobody expects to get sick - but the right cover makes all the difference. Talk to the Lighthouse insurance team today about health, life, and income protection options that actually work when you need them most.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.
When the IRD knocks, will you be ready? In this episode, we unpack how Inland Revenue investigations work, the triggers that set off audits, common tax mistakes property investors make, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and stay compliant.Next Steps: If you’re worried about making the wrong move with your taxes, talk to Lighthouse Accounting - we’ll make sure you’re compliant, keep every deduction you’re entitled to, and help keep the IRD off your back.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.
Don’t buy blind - pre-approval could save you from a financial disaster.In this episode, we break down what pre-approval really means, the risks of skipping it, how it sharpens your property search, and practical tips for building a strong application - whether you’re a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor.Next Steps: Ready to take the next step? Download our free First Home Buyers Guide and learn everything you need to secure your pre-approval with confidence.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
Smart money moves start with the right questions.In this Q&A episode, James and Makayla unpack everything from when to start investing and paying down debt, to mortgages, KiwiSaver strategies, savings accounts, and why having a will matters - giving you practical answers to the financial questions Kiwis are really asking.Next Steps: Want to learn more about our financial literacy workshops for your workplace? Our team makes financial literacy simple, practical, and tailored to your staff.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.
Stop overpaying the IRD - here are five tax hacks you probably didn’t know existed. Matt Harris, Managing Director at Lighthouse Financial, unpacks clever but often overlooked tax strategies for NZ property investors, from claiming chattels and travel expenses to structuring debt and maximising deductions, so you can legally keep more money in your pocket.Register for our upcoming webinar: Matt Harris shares five practical strategies - helping you claim correctly, reduce risk, and turn better record-keeping into real savings.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.
OCR explained: the cut, the tracker, and what it really means for your mortgage. In this episode, we break down the Reserve Bank’s 25bps cut to 3%, what economists disagree on next, how inflation pressures play out across sectors, and what it all means for interest rates, home loans, and the wider economy.Next steps: Ready to make the most of dropping rates? Talk to Lighthouse Mortgages about refinancing or restructuring to lock in the best deal.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 house prices stay flat, can New Zealand’s economy really bounce back? In this episode, we unpack how a stagnant housing market impacts GDP, business confidence, borrowing, and consumer spending - while exploring whether tax incentives, business investment, and foreign capital could help the economy recover without a property boom.Next steps: Looking to buy your first home or expand your property portfolio? Talk to the Lighthouse Mortgages 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.
Buying a house isn’t just about the price tag - how you buy matters just as much. In this episode, we break down auctions, negotiations, deadline sales, and tenders, covering finance pre-approvals, due diligence, deposit rules, and the real risks every home buyer needs to understandNext Steps: Thinking about your first home purchase? Book a chat with our mortgage team today and take the stress out of auctions and negotiations.Check out Makayla's favourite first home buyer resource 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.
From a $39k salary to three investment properties - Crissy’s story proves strategic moves pay off.In this episode, we follow Crissy’s journey from buying her first KiwiBuild home to building a three-property portfolio, covering her saving strategies, renovation lessons, equity leverage, and the importance of having the right team behind you.Next Steps: Ready to grow your property portfolio? Contact Lighthouse Mortgages today and start turning your equity into your next investment.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.
Buying your first investment property? Start with the right strategy, not the closest suburb.In this episode, Lighthouse Financial’s Property Director Adam Farrell breaks down the five essential steps to purchasing your first investment property - from defining your goals and assessing affordability, to choosing between new builds and existing homes, running the numbers, and getting the right professional advice.Next Steps: Book a chat with Lighthouse Financial to create your investment strategy and find the right property to meet your financial goals.For more money tips follow us on:FacebookInstagramThe content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.
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Regarding this, if this scenario did happen.. would that person who is going to invest in the house, do they go on the title? Can they get a contract noting their equity in the house to show that they have assets/ equity? Would that help them if they were going to borrow again? Like an investment/ savings account.