Cheques and Balances

Think getting your first mortgage is confusing? We break it all down - from KiwiSaver strategies and saving hacks to bank vs broker comparisons and how to boost your approval odds. We guide first home buyers through the entire mortgage process, including deposit options, gifting rules, pre-approval conditions, and common pitfalls - plus how to know if you're ready sooner than you think. Next Steps...

Think you’re on track for retirement? Think again. We unpack the four biggest mistakes that are quietly derailing Kiwi retirement plans - from mortgage stress and poor financial habits to over-reliance on KiwiSaver and underestimating the true cost of retirement. Next Steps: Worried about whether you're financially ready for retirement? Chat to Lighthouse Wealth to build a financial plan that...

Some Kiwis are walking away from property - but is that the right move? We break down why public sentiment is shifting, the risks of short-term thinking, and the structural changes in the market - from mortgage stress and declining yields to smarter buying strategies and new pathways into homeownership. Next Steps: Ready to buy your first home but not sure where to start? Chat with the expert brok...

Debt stress is rising across New Zealand and it’s not just mortgages . Over 485,000 Kiwis are behind on bills, with short-term debt spiking and KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals soaring. We unpack what’s driving the pressure: rising living costs, stagnant wages, and an economy that’s leaving more households at breaking point. Next Steps: If you're unsure how to manage your mortgage in this enviro...

Should you really save every dollar for retirement? Makayla and Jess break down the key ideas from  Die With Zero  by Bill Perkins exploring why the rich don't die with millions in the bank, the concept of memory dividends, warm inheritances, and how to balance enjoying life now with building for the future. Next Steps:  Whether you're 35 or 55, the team at Lighthouse Wealth can help you build a f...

Think saving a 10% deposit is out of reach? We break down the real numbers behind buying your first home in 2025 - comparing couples in Auckland and Christchurch, looking at KiwiSaver balances, income stats, cost of living, and the real timeline it takes to buy (spoiler: it’s less than you think). Next Steps: If you're not sure where to start with your first home deposit, chat to the mortgage team...

Mortgage jargon got you confused? We unpack the fundamentals of deposits, loan structures, and equity - breaking down what they actually mean, how they work, and how to use them to get ahead in your property journey. Next Steps: Thinking about buying your first home or restructuring your loan? Chat with one of our specialist mortgage brokers at Lighthouse to make sure your structure is working for...

Being rich is easy - being wealthy is a different game. We break down the five traits that separate the truly wealthy from the paycheque-rich - from mastering your income and spending habits to building assets, setting clear goals, taking calculated risks, and developing lifelong financial literacy. Next steps: Want a free financial workshop at your workplace? From building a financial plan to buy...

Can a $30,000 Birkin bag really beat the S&P 500? We unpack whether luxury assets like handbags, watches, wine, and cars truly outperform traditional investments, reveal the hidden risks of luxury investments, and share smarter ways to build real wealth. Next Steps: Ready for real wealth-building strategies? Talk to a Lighthouse Financial advisor today and start creating a practical plan for y...

The OCR stayed put - but what does that mean for you? In this episode, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr breaks down the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold rates, what it means for mortgages, inflation, unemployment, and where the economy is headed in 2025. Next Steps:  If these uncertain times have you wondering what to do next with your mortgage, get in touch with Lighthouse – whether it’s revie...

With only 6 months left in 2025 - is your money on track? We share practical ways to check your progress, trim hidden costs, tweak your budget, increase your income, and build systems that keep your finances on track for the rest of 2025. Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the podcast too! ⁠ Apply h...

Term deposits might be costing you more than you realise. We unpack why parking your cash in term deposits could leave you going backwards after inflation and tax, and explore smarter ways to grow your money. Next Steps: Are you stuck in term deposits earning low returns? Talk to Lighthouse Wealth today to build a smarter investment plan and set yourself up for a better future. For more money tips...

Is topping up a mortgage at 22 really the dream? Makayla and Jess break down the pros and cons of buying young, why some Kiwis are purchasing at 22, the cultural pressure to own property, and alternative ways to build wealth if homeownership isn’t your priority. Next Steps: If you’re thinking about buying your first home, make sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as you are - get in touch with L...

Will the RBNZ cut rates in July or keep Kiwis waiting? We unpack why the Reserve Bank might hold off on cutting the OCR, from unexpected GDP growth and stubborn inflation to the global oil price shocks that could hit your mortgage and financial plans. Next Steps: For tailored advice on your mortgage strategy ahead of the next OCR decision, talk to the team at Lighthouse Financial today. For more m...

From scaling Canva to transforming New Zealand’s startup scene - Mahesh Muralidhar knows how to think big. In this episode, we unpack Mahesh’s journey at Canva, his mission to make NZ happier and wealthier, and how Phase One Ventures is backing the next generation of billion-dollar companies. Learn more about Phase One Ventures Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener...

Markets are rising, oil prices are spiking - but what does Trump’s strike on Iran mean for your money? We unpack how rising tensions in the Middle East could affect KiwiSaver balances, inflation, mortgage rates, and the everyday cost of living in New Zealand. Ever wanted your own financial adviser? James is picking one listener to coach for a whole year - apply now and you might just star on the p...

From digital dollars to chore commissions - here's how to raise money-smart kids. Makayla and Jess explore the best ways to teach kids about money, covering everything from pocket money rules and digital tools like SquareOne to real-life lessons in saving, spending, and generosity. Next Steps: Want your kids to grow up money-smart? Chat with Lighthouse Financial about building your own plan to...

Inflation is easing, rates are dropping - so why are Kiwi businesses still stuck in a rut? In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Harris, Managing Director of Lighthouse Financial, to unpack why business sentiment remains low despite positive economic signals, exploring interest rates, productivity, mindset, and access to capital. Next Steps: Want to make the most of tax breaks and falling rates? S...

Done right, debt can build wealth - not just cost it. We break down everything you need to know about the core types of mortgage lending in New Zealand - fixed, floating, revolving credit, and offset - and how to structure your debt to support your financial goals. Next Steps: If you're not sure your current mortgage structure is helping or hurting you? Chat with Lighthouse Mortgages to make sure...

We get it no one likes thinking about their mortality, but planning now protects your family later. Makayla and Jess unpack the financial steps every Kiwi should take to prepare for the inevitable - from setting up a will and choosing an executor, to organising accounts, insurance, and estate planning so your family isn’t left with a financial mess during an already difficult time. Next Steps: Mak...

From $0 to 20% deposit - here’s how Jordan did it. In this episode, we unpack the real-life journey of Jordan Hosking, who went from living paycheque to paycheque to buying his first home, using smart financial planning, forced savings, and support from the Lighthouse team. Next Steps: If you're like Jordan and looking to purchase your first home, chat to the Mortgages team - They will help you wo...

Is a capital gains tax coming to New Zealand? We’re joined by Matthew Harris, Managing Director at Lighthouse Financial, to unpack what CGT could look like in 2026 — from its potential impact on investors and property prices to whether it would really solve the issues it's designed to fix. Next Steps: If capital gains tax becomes a reality, you're going to need a good accountant. The team...

Buying your first home at 55? It’s not as crazy or as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the financial trade-offs of buying later in life, the risks of taking on debt near retirement, and why it all comes down to income, time, and a solid financial plan. Next Steps: If you're weighing up buying versus renting at 55, get a personalised financial plan - Lighthouse Wealth will run the nu...

The way you spend, save, or stress about money? Chances are, you learned it at home. In this episode, we unpack the financial behaviours passed down through generations—from piggy banks and petrol budgets to guilt-driven spending and inherited debt. Discover how early experiences shape your relationship with money and what you can do to break (or build on) those patterns. Next Steps: The way you g...

Trump’s crypto play is making headlines - but is it hype, hustle, or something more serious? In this episode, we break down Trump’s endorsement of Bitcoin, the launch of meme coins tied to his name, and the surge in market activity that followed. We explore the fine line between promotion and manipulation, the political implications, and what everyday investors should be watching for. For more mon...