628 episodes
- Another economic shock is coming. Is your money ready for it?
James and Mike break down the financial fundamentals that can help you weather whatever comes next, from setting clear goals and building an emergency fund to managing your budget, investing consistently and taking action instead of waiting for the perfect time.
Next Steps: Help your team feel more confident with money - check out our Financial Literacy Workshops for the workplace.
Want to build your financial buffer? Watch our full episode on how to build an emergency fund.
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The 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. - Owning the wrong property is one thing. Working out what to do next is the hard part.
In Part 2, James, Mike and Adam break down the options for investors stuck with an underperforming townhouse, including whether to hold or crystallise the loss, how to assess the ongoing cashflow, when selling and reinvesting could make sense, and why buying another property could actually improve your position.
Missed Part 1? Watch it here
Download our free Property Investor Guide to learn the fundamentals of choosing a quality investment property.
Register for our upcoming property webinar to learn what to look for, what to avoid, and where the market is at right now.
Thinking about buying a new build? Speak to the Lighthouse Property team to understand what makes a quality investment and avoid costly mistakes.
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The 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. - Not all new-build townhouses are created equal.
In this episode, Adam Farrell, Property Director at Lighthouse Financial, joins us to unpack real examples of townhouses that have lost hundreds of thousands in value and break down what went wrong, from oversupply and poor locations to impractical layouts, lack of parking and large developments plus the fundamentals buyers should look for when choosing a new build.
Next Steps: Thinking about buying a new build? Speak to the Lighthouse Property team to understand what makes a quality property and avoid the mistakes that can cost you down the track.
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The 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. - Not all property titles are created equal.We break down freehold, cross-lease, unit, and leasehold titles, including what each means for buyers, the potential lending and renovation implications, and the key things you should check before making an offer on a property.Next steps: Found a property you’re interested in? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Mortgage team to understand your lending options and what you need to check before making an offer.
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The 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. National Promises No New Taxes: Can NZ Afford It? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 528
25/08/2026 | 23 mins.National says no new taxes, but can New Zealand actually afford that promise?
James, Mike and Matt unpack National’s “No New Taxes” pledge, how the Government could return to surplus without raising new taxes, the debate over spending and economic growth, and how it stacks up against Labour’s capital gains tax and other tax proposals.
Watch our episode breaking down Labour’s tax policyNext Steps: Not sure how changing tax policy could affect you, your property or your business? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Accounting team to understand what it could mean for your financial position.
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The 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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About Cheques and Balances
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
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