Cheques and Balances

You can own millions in property and still feel financially trapped. In this episode, we break down why bigger property portfolios don’t always create financial freedom, including the risks of being equity rich but cashflow poor, why many investors struggle to retire despite large portfolios, the difference between growth and income-focused investing, restructuring strategies, commercial property,...

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 lifesty...

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...

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 prop...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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 inv...

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 aft...

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...

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...

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 bu...

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...

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 wh...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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, mortg...

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...

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 i...

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 d...

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 person...

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 y...

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 r...

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 shoul...