621 episodes
- From corporate careers to property investing, this is where things really started to change.
In Part 2 of Mike and James' personal wealth journey, they unpack leaving corporate banking, taking the leap into Lighthouse, building their careers and wealth, investing in property, the financial decisions they wish they'd made earlier, and what success looks like today.
Missed Part 1? Watch it here.
Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.
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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. - Your parents don’t need a pile of cash to help you buy your first home.
James and Mike break down three ways parents can help first home buyers in NZ get onto the property ladder, from a gifted deposit or family loan to using parents’ equity, plus the lending requirements and risks to consider when buying your first home.
Next steps: Looking to buy your first home but not sure how to pull together your deposit? Speak to the Lighthouse mortgage team to understand your options and how family support could help you get there sooner.
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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. - Retirement is when you finally get to spend your money - but how do you make sure you don’t run out?
James and Mike break down withdrawal rates, sequencing risk, market downturns, cash buffers and how to structure your investments so you can enjoy retirement without eating through your capital too quickly.
Missed Part One? Before you start spending your retirement savings, you need to know how to invest them. Watch our previous episode where we break down how to structure your investments in retirement.
Next steps: If you’re approaching retirement and aren’t sure whether your investments are set up to provide the income you need, talk to our wealth team about building a retirement strategy that balances spending today with protecting your money for the years ahead.
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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. - Building an emergency fund is hard when everyday life already costs so much.
James and Mike break down how to build your first $1,000 emergency fund, where to find extra money in your budget, whether to save or pay down debt first, how much you should ultimately have set aside, and where your emergency savings should actually live.
Next Steps: Want to get a better handle on where your money is going? Comment BUDGET and we’ll send you the template we use to help our clients map out their expenses, set realistic goals and start building their 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. - What would it actually take to make New Zealand wealthier?
Sam Stubbs, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Simplicity, shares his blueprint for New Zealand’s future, exploring tax reform, inequality, KiwiSaver, domestic investment, AI, infrastructure and why saving and investing more could be the key to building a wealthier country for generations to come.
Next steps:
Explore Simplicity's approach to KiwiSaver, investing and long-term wealth creation.
Looking for personalised financial advice? Learn how Lighthouse Financial can help you make confident decisions with your money.
For more money tips follow us on:
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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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