Cheques and Balances

Boomers blame brunch, Gen Z blame broken systems — but who  really  had it tougher trying to buy a home in New Zealand? In this episode, we compare house prices, income ratios, mortgage costs, and the rising cost of living across generations to settle the great housing debate once and for all. Next Steps: Feel like the odds are stacked against you? Chat to the team at  Lighthouse Financial  for sm...

Rents are falling and properties are sitting empty —what’s going on? In this episode, we break down why rental prices are dropping across New Zealand, what's driving the surge in vacancies, and what it means for renters, landlords, and the housing market. What we cover: -Why supply has surged and demand has slowed-The impact of migration, unemployment, and interest rates-What falling rents mean fo...

Luke Kemeys is building serious wealth - without a mortgage, without the pressure, and 100% on his own terms. In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Kemeys from Keep The Change and Next Advisory to break down the financial plan that’s helped him save 40% of his income, deploy $700K across different investments, and avoid the pressure of homeownership. Learn more about Luke here: Keep The Change Nex...

Subscription theft is costing Kiwis hundreds — and most don’t even realise it. Jess and Makayla break down how sneaky subscription traps are draining your bank account, why Paddy Gower is calling for government action, the worst offending companies (yes, we’re naming names), and what you can do to cancel, track and take back control of your spending. Next Steps: Need help reviewing your spending?...

Selling your home in 2025? The game has changed — and buyers are playing smarter than ever. In this episode, we sat down with Alex Martelli from Martelli & Co Buyers Agents to unpack what sellers need to know — from buyer psychology and auction tactics to the legal details that can make or break your sale. Next Steps: Need expert guidance on structuring your lending strategy and getting the ri...

Markets are tanking and Trump’s back with tariffs — but should Kiwis be panicking? In this episode, we break down what’s really causing the global market dip, how tariffs are affecting everything from inflation to business confidence, and what smart Kiwi investors should be doing right now — whether you're buying, selling, or just riding it out. What we cover: Why Trump’s new tariffs are shaki...

Adrian Orr steps down and Trump’s tariffs step up—this week, global finance is in flux and Kiwis are wondering what comes next.  We break down what the Reserve Bank’s next move means for borrowers, how Trump’s tariffs are shaking the global economy, and what Orr’s exit signals for the future of monetary policy in New Zealand. Next Steps:  Need help navigating rate changes? Talk to the team at Ligh...

Selling, Renting, or Holding — What’s the Smart Move? We answer a listener question about whether to rent, sell, or hold when relocating across the country. We break down the pros and cons of each option, how to handle your house sale profits, and why timing and market differences between cities like Wellington and Christchurch really matter. Next Steps: If you’re moving cities and unsure whether...

We spotlight the best bits from our deep dive into Iyia Liu’s financial planning journey. From managing unpredictable income to navigating the challenges of self-employed lending, Iyia shares practical lessons on building wealth and working toward financial freedom. Key Topics Covered: Creating a financial plan as a self-employed business owner Managing lumpy income and irregular cash flow Challen...

Buying a house solo can feel impossible—could teaming up be the answer? As housing affordability becomes more challenging, co-ownership is becoming a popular solution. In this episode, we explore the benefits and risks of buying with friends, share our own experiences as co-owners, and discuss the key financial and legal considerations to ensure a smooth partnership. Next Steps: Thinking about co-...

Gender-based pricing affects more than just individual purchases—it has a lasting impact on household budgets and long-term financial wellbeing. In this episode, Jess and Makayla explore the pink tax, examining how it shows up in everyday products and services, the broader economic implications, and how greater awareness and small shifts in spending habits can help mitigate its effects Next Steps:...

Iyia Liu has built and sold multiple successful businesses—now, she’s refining her personal financial plan. In this episode, we dive into her approach to managing income as an entrepreneur, her strategy for property investment, and how she’s setting herself up for long-term financial freedom. From navigating self-employed lending to building wealth beyond business, we break down the key steps in I...

Looking to buy a home but struggling with high prices? In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s most affordable housing markets, the risks and rewards of regional investment, and whether rentvesting could be your best path to homeownership. Plus, key factors driving property growth and smart mortgage strategies to get you there. Next steps: Looking to buy in one of NZ’s most affordable regions or...

Nvidia has been the hottest stock in AI, but is it all hype or solid investment? In this episode, we break down its 200% year-on-year revenue growth, the dominance of its AI chips, the risk of overvaluation, rising competition from China, and what history tells us about tech bubbles—so you can decide if it's a smart buy or just another hype train. Next Steps: Wondering how to navigate market h...

Should you go all-in or hedge your bets? In this episode, we explore the key differences between intensification and diversification, breaking down how each approach impacts investing in shares, property, and business. We unpack the risks of betting on high-growth stocks, the safety of diversifying across asset classes, and why top investors favour one strategy over the other. Next Steps: Need exp...

Think an inheritance is just free money? Think again! In this episode, we uncover the true cost of an inheritance in New Zealand—because while 50% of Kiwis don’t have a will, 100% of family disputes over money are a nightmare. Michael and James break down common misconceptions, share wild inheritance stories, and explain how to protect your family, avoid legal headaches, and build generational wea...

Gen Z, listen up—this is the money talk you need!  In this episode of The Takeover, Jess and Makayla break down the key financial lessons they wish they knew in their 20s—from avoiding lifestyle creep to negotiating salaries and making smart money moves early. Whether you're just starting out or playing catch-up, these practical tips will help set you up for long-term financial success. Next S...

In this episode we sit down with Kiwibank’s Chief Economist, Jarrod Kerr, to unpack “Trumpnomics” and its ripple effects on global markets, trade, and New Zealand’s economy. From tariffs and inflation to AI and government debt, we explore how shifting economic and political landscapes could shape the future for investors and businesses alike. Next Steps: Navigating an uncertain economy requires st...

Why would anyone buy a property that LOSES money? In this episode, we break down the real strategy behind negatively geared investments—how short-term losses can lead to long-term wealth, who should (and shouldn’t) use this approach, and the key risks to watch out for. Plus, some wild landlord stories you won’t believe. Don’t miss this deep dive into property investing! Next steps If you're consid...

School taught us calculus, but did it ever teach us how to do our taxes or budget for rent? In this episode of Cheques & Balances, Jess and Makayla dive into the money lessons we should have learned in school—like avoiding sneaky debt traps, understanding tax brackets, and why waiting before splurging on that $600 bag might be the smartest financial move you make. Brought to you by Lighthouse...

In this episode, Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr breaks down NZ’s economy, interest rates, and housing market. Are we on the road to recovery, or is more pain ahead? Plus, how U.S. inflation and Trump could shake things up. Expert insights, market moves, and what it all means for you. More market insights & financial strategies: Preparing for what’s ahead? Lighthouse Financial can guide y...

In this episode, we explore how to give your family’s next generation a financial head start. From smart savings strategies to unlocking the power of long-term growth, we break down how parents can set their kids up for financial success—without sacrificing their own future. Whether you're considering KiwiSaver, investment funds, or teaching money lessons early, this is your go-to guide for buildi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Adam Farrell, Director of Lighthouse Property, to break down what smart investors always look for in properties. From understanding property titles to identifying high-growth areas and making confident buying decisions, Adam shares expert insights to help you maximise your property investments. Register for Adams upcoming property investment webinar here Register f...

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest financial questions—how much do you need to retire? We break down the key factors, from lifestyle costs to investment strategies, and share a simple rule of thumb to help you estimate your retirement number. Whether you're just starting out or catching up later in life, this episode will help you take control of your financial future. This episode is p...

In this episode of The Takeover, Jess and Mikayla break down how they manage their own budgets, offering a step-by-step guide to structuring finances. They discuss the 50/30/20 rule, unexpected expenses, and strategies for automating bills and setting up smart spending buckets. Plus, they highlight the importance of balancing savings with spending and creating a budget that actually works in real...