Cheques and Balances

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:...

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...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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 we...

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:...

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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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 wor...

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 actio...

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...

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 to...

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...

Should New Zealand’s wealthiest retirees still receive NZ Super? In this episode, James and Mike unpack the growing debate around means testing - exploring the political risks, financial realities, and whether cutting payments to high-income Kiwis could make the system more sustainable. Next Steps: Your retirement shouldn’t depend on the government. Talk to a Lighthouse adviser today to build a pl...

Retirement isn’t about luck - it’s about planning, action, and time. In this live webinar, James and Justin break down what Kiwis really need to retire comfortably - from understanding how much you’ll need for a $100K annual income, to paying off your mortgage faster, leveraging property and shares, and building a financial plan that actually works. Next Steps: Ready to see what your retirement nu...

Labour’s back with a bold play - a 28% capital gains tax on property. In this episode, we break down the proposed 2027 capital gains tax - exploring its political timing, how it could impact property investors, business owners, and farmers, and whether it’s the right move for New Zealand’s struggling economy. For more money tips follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

What would you do if your financial plan said you’ll have $6 million at 100? In this episode, we reconnect with Rachel and Deon to unpack their latest financial plan - from whether to buy another investment property or focus on shares, to paying off their mortgage, structuring trusts, and finding balance between spending today and securing their family’s future. This episode is proudly sponsored b...

Most investors lose money not because of the market - but because of their own mistakes. In this episode, we break down the five biggest mistakes people make when investing in shares - from chasing hot tips and trying to time the market to over-leveraging and ignoring debt. The hosts reveal the mindset and strategies that separate long-term investors from short-term speculators. Next steps: Want t...

What if your KiwiSaver balance could double - just by removing tax? In this episode, we explore the radical idea of untaxed KiwiSaver returns, comparing outcomes to Australia’s super system, breaking down the numbers, and debating what it could mean for retirement, government revenue, and the future of NZ Super. Next Steps: Not sure if your KiwiSaver is set up for success? Book a free 30-minute se...

What does a real financial plan actually look like? In this episode, James walks Rachel and Dion through their personalised financial roadmap - covering budgeting, mortgage strategy, investment property planning, KiwiSaver comparisons, and retirement scenarios that show how they could achieve both lifestyle freedom and long-term wealth. This episode is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith : Big goals...

Struggling with debt? In this episode, we share 3 key steps to fix your finances - from recognising the problem and shifting your mindset, to building a roadmap with clear goals, structure, and accountability. Next steps: If your finances are off track, Lighthouse can help - from tackling debt to building a clear plan tailored to your goals. Book a chat with our team today For more money tips foll...

Stop giving the banks your hard-earned money - learn how to cut debt and grow wealth faster. In this live webinar, we cover smart debt-reduction strategies, how to pay off your mortgage faster, the role of equity in building wealth, budgeting techniques that actually work, and practical ways to set yourself up for long-term financial freedom. 🔗 Links Mentioned in the Webinar Book a free 30-minute...

The OCR has been cut - but is this just the beginning for falling interest rates? In this episode, we break down the 50-basis-point cut, its impact on mortgages, business confidence, and house prices, and discuss whether Kiwi borrowers could see sub-4% rates by the end of the yearNext steps: If you’re wondering what the latest OCR drop means for your mortgage, refinancing, or property plans, get i...

Provisional tax catches out thousands of Kiwi business owners every year. In this episode, Matthew Harris breaks down what provisional tax really is, why it’s so often misunderstood, the common mistakes people make, and how tools like tax pooling can save you from penalties and surprise bills Next steps: If you’re a business owner or property investor facing provisional tax, get in touch with the...

Sometimes the habits that feel frugal are actually draining your wallet . In this episode, Jess and Makayla unpack why “it’s expensive to be poor” - exploring how buying cheap, renting long-term, skipping insurance, or avoiding upfront costs can end up costing more in the long run. For more money tips follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Episode 2 of our mini-series dives into strategy - James works with Rachel and Dion to break down how their money is invested across KiwiSaver, crypto, Sharesies, and their mortgage. Together they explore how each piece fits within their wider goals, weigh the trade-offs between risk and return, and start shaping the structure behind their long-term wealth plan. This episode is proudly sponsored b...

KiwiSaver won’t save your retirement - and it’s time Kiwis faced that reality. In this episode, Mike and James reveal the harsh truth behind New Zealand’s retirement crisis, unpacking why low contribution rates and unrealistic expectations mean KiwiSaver alone won’t cut it. They break down what $500,000 in savings actually looks like at retirement and outline the practical steps to build true fina...