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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
513 Episodes
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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.
1Will 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 Mapua 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.
Would 30-year fixed mortgages work in New Zealand? In this episode, James and Michael unpack how long-term fixed loans in the US provide stability for borrowers, compare them to New Zealand’s shorter-term system, and explore the trade-offs between flexibility, certainty, and economic control.Next Steps: If you’re wondering whether your bank, rate, or mortgage structure is right for you, get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgage team for personalised advice.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.
Rates are down, but inflation’s still biting. In this quarterly update, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr unpacks the OCR cut to 2.5%, Labour’s proposed capital gains tax, and what it all means for New Zealand’s economy heading into 2025. From housing and business confidence to inflation and investment, we ask the big question - is this the start of a recovery, or just calm before another storm?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.