647 episodes
- Think your index fund is diversified? You might be taking on more risk than you realise.
In this episode, we unpack the hidden risks of index investing, from the S&P 500's heavy exposure to the Magnificent Seven and the surprising decisions behind supposedly passive funds, to why diversification, portfolio structure and your stage of life matter more than simply chasing returns.
KiwiSaver Comparison Calculator: See how your KiwiSaver fund stacks up against other providers and whether it's delivering competitive returns.
5 Golden Rules of Investing: Explore James' five golden rules for building a diversified investment portfolio and managing risk over the long term.
Want to know whether your investments are actually diversified? Get in touch with our Wealth team to review your portfolio, understand your risk exposure and make sure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals.
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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. - You could be worth millions and still struggle to fund your retirement.
We unpack why property wealth doesn't always translate into retirement income, the pros and cons of term deposits, bonds, cash funds and shares, and how to balance investment growth, risk and cash flow to fund the retirement lifestyle you actually want.
Next Steps: Want to make sure your investments can fund the retirement lifestyle you're working towards? Get in touch with the Lighthouse Wealth team to build a retirement investment strategy tailored to your goals.
Want to explore more ways to generate income in retirement? Check out MoneyHub’s guide here.
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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. Why Foreign Millionaires Are Buying NZ Property Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 548
10/10/2026 | 16 mins.The world's wealthy are turning their attention to New Zealand, and they're bringing serious money with them.Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyer's Agents, joins us to unpack why wealthy international buyers are choosing New Zealand, the impact of the new investor visa rules, growing demand for luxury property in Auckland and Queenstown, and what an influx of foreign investment could mean for the housing market and wider economy.Thinking about buying your next home? Get in touch with Martelli Buyer’s Agents here.
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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.- Tax-free KiwiSaver could mean millions more in retirement. But there's a catch.
We unpack ACT's proposal to scrap tax on KiwiSaver investment earnings, including how compounding returns could dramatically increase retirement savings, the trade-off of losing Government Contributions, what it could mean for NZ Superannuation, and whether tax-free KiwiSaver could fundamentally change the way Kiwis invest, pay down debt and plan for retirement.
Next Steps: Book a free consultation with our KiwiSaver team to review your setup.
Compare your KiwiSaver provider's performance and fees with our free calculator.
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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. Chris Hipkins Won’t Touch Interest Deductibility… But What About CGT? Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 546
06/10/2026 | 20 mins.Interest deductibility is staying… but property investors aren’t necessarily off the hook.
We unpack Labour’s position on interest deductibility, the case for and against a capital gains tax, what future tax changes could mean for property investors and business owners, and whether tax should influence where you invest.
Next Steps: If you’re investing in property or thinking about your next move, get in touch with the Lighthouse team to make sure you understand how the current tax rules affect your investment.
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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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