625 episodes
- 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.- Some KiwiSaver funds are smashing it. Others are leaving investors wondering what they’re paying for.
In this episode, we reveal the top-performing KiwiSaver funds across balanced, growth and aggressive categories, unpack the impact of fees on long-term returns, and explain what you should actually look at when deciding whether your KiwiSaver provider and fund are right for you.
Next steps: Compare your KiwiSaver: Use our free KiwiSaver calculator to see how your fund’s performance and fees stack up.
Book a KiwiSaver review: Get a personalised KiwiSaver recommendation from our team.
Missed Part One? Watch our previous episode where we break down how to structure your investments in retirement.
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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. Labour’s Proposed Tax Plan: Could This Save Small Business? Ft Matt Harris | Episode 526
20/08/2026 | 26 mins.Could Labour’s latest tax proposals give small business the break it needs?James, Mike and Matt unpack Labour’s proposed changes to payment terms, the asset write-off threshold and GST registration, what they could mean for New Zealand’s small-business sector, and the tax changes Matt believes could help get businesses and the wider economy moving again.Next steps: Running a business and want to make sure your tax structure is working for you? Get in touch with the team at Lighthouse Accounting
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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.- 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.
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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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