Cheques and Balances
Episodes
Investing 101: Future-Proofing Your Wealth | Episode 327
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your no-nonsense guide to getting started with investing.We break down the four key asset classes — cash, bonds, shares, and property — explain th...
OCR Predictions: How much will they cut? | Episode 326
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
OCR cuts, budget moves, and Trump’s trade threats—everything’s in motion. We break down what’s likely next for the cash rate, how the 2025 Bud...
Debt-Free by 50: $5 Million Retirement Story | Episode 325
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Same income. Two very different financial futures.We dive into a powerful client case study — the story of “Bob,” a high-income earner whose fin...
Budget 2025 Explained: What the KiwiSaver Changes Mean for You | Episode 324
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did the government get it right? We dive into the biggest shake-ups to KiwiSaver since the scheme began—Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ new 2025 B...
Q1 Property Market Update: Why We’re Buying When Everyone Else Isn’t | Episode 323
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When everyone else is sitting still, we’re making moves. we unpack why now might be the smartest time to buy, even amid uncertainty, slow sentiment,...
KiwiSaver Changes Are Coming: Will the Government Get It Right? | Episode 322
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The government’s about to drop major changes to KiwiSaver - here’s what you need to know before it hits. We break down what the National-led gover...
Should You Pay Down Debt Or Invest? | Episode 321
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you crush your mortgage or chase investment gains? We unpack one of the most common financial dilemmas Kiwis face—whether to prioritise debt ...
How to get ahead financially when you're single | Episode 320
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being single doesn't mean falling behind. Jess and Makayla dive into practical, empowering ways single Kiwis can get ahead financially—whether it's ...
How to Help Your Kids Financially: The Smart, Sustainable Way | Episode 319
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to give your kids a leg-up without jeopardising your own retirement? We break down smart, sustainable ways to support your children financially—...
How The Rich Structure Their Finances Ft. Amanda Quill | Episode 318
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trusts, tax hacks, and how the rich play the game. Amanda Quill, Accounting Director at Lighthouse Financial, breaks down the sophi...
Is Your KiwiSaver Ethical? Ft. Pathfinder CEO John Berry | Episode 317
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Pathfinder CEO John Berry to unpack the grey areas of ethical investing, from greenwashing and responsible due diligence to AI’s e...
Recession Fears Rise: What’s REALLY Happening In The Market? Q1 Report | Episode 316
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Markets stumbled and optimism faded in Q1, as recession fears took hold and political uncertainty shook investor confidence.In this quarterly report w...
What Would Happen If Property Investors Disappeared? | Episode 315
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if every property investor in New Zealand vanished overnight? We explore the economic chaos that would follow - crunching the numbers, unpacking ...
The Cost Of Having A Hair Transplant: Is It Worth It? | Episode 314
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hairlines, finance, and tough choices — is a hair transplant really worth it? In this episode, James shares his personal journey through getting a h...
The Governments Got Retirement Wrong: We Ran The Numbers | Episode 313
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think you're all set for retirement? Think again. In this episode, Jess and Makayla break down why New Zealand Super and KiwiSaver might not cut it, a...
How Does Compounding Interest Work? Ft. Luke Kemeys | Episode 312
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Compounding interest is your secret weapon to long-term wealth—if you know how to use it. In this episode, we sit down with Luke Kemeys from Keep t...
Step-by-Step Guide: 10 Smart Tax Moves for the New Financial Year | Episode 311
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Start the new financial year on the front foot by getting your tax setup sorted early. Amanda Quill, Accounting Director at Lighthouse, joins us to s...
How Tariffs Have Hurt Your House Price and Mortgage | Episode 310
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump’s tariffs are making waves — but are they hitting the New Zealand property market? In this episode, we unpack how global economic uncertaint...
Do Gen Z Really Have It Harder? We Run The Numbers | Episode 309
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why Rental Prices Are Dropping And Vacancy Is Increasing | Episode 308
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Zeala...
Creating Luke Kemeys Financial Plan | Episode 307
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Subscription Theft: The Hidden Cost You’re Not Noticing | Episode 306
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Subscription theft is costing Kiwis hundreds — and most don’t even realise it. Jess and Makayla break down how sneaky subscription traps are drain...
How To Sell Your House In 2025: The Do's And Don'ts ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 305
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mar...
What Kiwis Should Do Now: Trump Market Crash | Episode 304
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 glob...
OCR Predictions: Orr Is Out, Tariffs Are In | Episode 303
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wha...
Rent, Buy, or Hold? What To Do When Relocating | Episode 302
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Selling, Renting, or Holding — What’s the Smart Move? We answer a listener question about whether to rent, sell, or hold when relocating across th...
Midweek Short: Creating Iyia Liu's Financial Plan | Episode 301
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We spotlight the best bits from our deep dive into Iyia Liu’s financial planning journey. From managing unpredictable income to navigating the chall...
Should You Buy Property with Friends? | Episode 300
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Buying a house solo can feel impossible—could teaming up be the answer? As housing affordability becomes more challenging, co-ownership is becoming ...
Gendered Pricing: Who is Paying More? | Episode 299
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gender-based pricing affects more than just individual purchases—it has a lasting impact on household budgets and long-term financial wellbeing. In ...
Creating Iyia Liu's Financial Plan ft. Iyia Liu | Episode 298
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Iyia Liu has built and sold multiple successful businesses—now, she’s refining her personal financial plan. In this episode, we dive into her appr...
The Most Affordable Housing In NZ | Episode 297
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 rewa...
Nvidia Stock CRASH Incoming? Overpriced & Overhyped! | Episode 296
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Intensification vs. Diversification | Episode 295
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you go all-in or hedge your bets? In this episode, we explore the key differences between intensification and diversification, breaking down ho...
The True Cost Of An Inheritance | Episode 294
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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% o...
How To Financially Get Ahead In Your 20's | Episode 293
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wis...
How Trump is Shaping the Global Economy ft. Jarrod Kerr | Episode 292
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we sit down with Kiwibank’s Chief Economist, Jarrod Kerr, to unpack “Trumpnomics” and its ripple effects on global markets, trad...
Why You Should Buy A Negatively Geared Investment Property | Episode 291
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why would anyone buy a property that LOSES money? In this episode, we break down the real strategy behind negatively geared investments—how short-te...
What School Should Have Taught You About Money | Episode 290
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Makayl...
NZ’s Economy in 2025: Is the Worst Over? Ft. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr | Episode 289
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Ultimate Guide To Kid Friendly Investing | Episode 288
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What SMART Investors Always Look for in Properties! Ft. Adam Farrell | Episode 287
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Adam Farrell, Director of Lighthouse Property, to break down what smart investors always look for in properties. F...
How Much Do You REALLY Need To Retire? | Episode 286
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 cost...
Step By Step Guide: How Financial Advisers Budget Their Money | Episode 285
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
What To Do With Your KiwiSaver in 2025 | Episode 284
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down what you should be doing with your KiwiSaver in 2025, covering the top-performing growth and aggressive funds, socially...
How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur Without Going Broke Ft. Stanley Henry | Episode 283
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Stanley Henry, CEO of The Attention Seeker, to discuss his journey of scaling a global marketing agency. Stanley sha...
OCR Predictions: What Rate Cuts Mean for Kiwis & Their Wallets | Episode 282
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into our OCR predictions, what further cuts could mean for Kiwi mortgage holders, and how global events—like Trump’s econ...
Live Workshop: How To Maximise Your 2024 Tax Return Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 281
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Matt Harris and James Blair as they unpack everything you need to know for your 2024 tax return—must-know deductions, key compliance tips, and ...
Hey First Home Buyers! Don’t let Property Developers Trick You Ft. Adam Farrell | Episode 280
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Adam Farrell Director of Lighthouse Property to uncover the sneaky tactics property developers use to make deals see...
5 Tax Hacks You Didn't Know About Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 279
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by Matt Harris, Managing Director here at Lighthouse Financial, as he shares his top tax-saving strategies. From hom...
Quarterly Update: Where Should You Invest in 2025? | Episode 278
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the latest quarterly report, covering key market trends from October to December 2024, including the impact of a strong...
Make America Pay Again? What Trump's Tariffs Mean For NZ | Episode 277
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down what Trump’s tariffs mean for the New Zealand economy, exploring their global economic impact, the short- and long-te...
Should I Buy A House Or Invest In Stocks | Episode 276
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle the age-old question: is it better to buy a home or rent and invest? We weigh the benefits of each option, from the stabili...
Why Capital Gains Tax Is A Good Thing For NZ | Episode 275
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down what a capital gains tax could mean for property investors, homeowners, and New Zealand’s economy. We discuss the pot...
The Best Time Of Year To Travel | Episode 274
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, we explore the best ways to save on travel, from booking flights at the right time to finding affordable destinations...
What Is An ETF? | Episode 273
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we break down what an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is, cutting through the jargon to explain how they work, their benefits, and potentia...
How To Build Your Emergency Fund Fast | Episode 272
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to take control of your finances? In this episode, we share actionable strategies to build your emergency fund—fast. Learn how to save your fi...
Termination Rules Every Landlord Needs To Know | Episode 271
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our latest episode, we sit down with Sarina Gibbon, Head of the Auckland Property Investors Association, to break down the latest updates to New Ze...
Live Workshop: How To Build Your 2025 Financial Plan | Episode 270
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mike and James as they break down the fundamental, actionable steps to creating a solid financial plan for the year ahead. In this webinar, they ...
The Psychology Of Money In 15mins | Episode 269
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the psychology of financial decision-making, exploring common biases like anchoring and loss aversion that can impact yo...
The Cost Of IVF: The Hidden Costs of Starting a Family | Episode 268
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, we dive into the financial side of family planning. From the costs of IVF to budgeting for egg freezing, we explore t...
5 Tips For First Home Buyers | Episode 267
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, Jess and Makayla share key insights and tips for first-time homebuyers, from avoiding common pitfalls to managing you...
Tax Troubles: Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Kiwis ft. Josh Taylor | Episode 266
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Josh Taylor, co-founder of Taxi and Tax Traders, to explore how their workflow tool is helping Kiwis simplify the pr...
How To Avoid Dodgy Developers ft Matthew Horncastle | Episode 265
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Horncastle, Managing Director of Williams Corporation to delve into the complexities of buying off the plans...
KiwiSaver 101: A Beginner's Guide To Your Financial Future ft. Murray Harris | Episode 264
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Murray Harris, Head of KiwiSaver at Milford, to break down the basics of KiwiSaver, its benefits, and how it can pla...
Five Financial Tips For New Parents | Episode 263
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with an extra-special guest, Cooper Blair, to explore five financial tips every new parent needs to know. From creating a...
Dupe Culture: Affordable Alternatives or Ethical Dilemmas? | Episode 262
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, Jess and Makayla dive into the rise of dupe culture, exploring how affordable alternatives to luxury products are gai...
How to Build Your 2025 Financial Plan | Episode 261
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down why a solid financial plan for 2025 is key to hitting your goals. From setting SMART targets to managing your income an...
Our Top Financial Advice From Guests In 2024 ft. Matthew Horncastle | Episode 260
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we revisit some of the top advice shared by our 2024 guests: from tackling debt to navigating the commercial property sector and entr...
Our Top Property Insights From 2024 ft. Sam Stubbs | Episode 259
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into 2024's top property insights with Sam Stubbs, Founder of Simplicity, Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist at Kiwibank, Matt Harris, Managing Directo...
Our Top Share Market and Economic Insights of 2024 | Episode 258
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight some of the top share market and economic insights of 2024, featuring expert guests Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist at Kiwi...
2024 Financial Review: From Boom To Bust | Episode 257
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Financial Review—the episode you’ve been waiting for! Join Mike, James, Makayla, and Jess as they break down the year’s highs, lows, an...
2025 Property Predictions ft Matthew Horncastle | Episode 256
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Horncastle, Managing Director of Williams Corporation to unpack his insights on New Zealand's property marke...
3,000 Homes: Bought, Sold, or Transformed ft. Steve Goodey | Episode 255
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Goodey, property coach and investor, to explore the state of New Zealand’s property market and its future in...
How To Save Thousands In Tax In 2025 ft. Matt Harris | Episode 254
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sat down with Matt Harris, our very own Managing Director here at Lighthouse Financial, to uncover practical strategies for minimi...
Active KiwiSaver vs. Passive ft. Murray Harris | Episode 253
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sat down with Murray Harris, Head of KiwiSaver at Milford, to explore the performance of active versus passive KiwiSaver funds and...
5 Money Saving Hacks For Summer | Episode 252
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, Makayla and Jess explore five smart ways to stretch your budget this summer. From choosing the best seasonal splurges...
Habits Of The Worlds Top CEO's ft. Markets With Madison | Episode 251
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Madison Reidy, the driving force behind Markets with Madison. From rocket launches to Wall Street, Madison shares ho...
Commercial Property: Australia vs New Zealand ft. Scott O'Neill | Episode 250
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Scott O'Neill, CEO and founder of Rethink Group, to explore the key considerations for Australians and New Zealander...
How To Buy A Bargain In The Property Market | Episode 249
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James and Mike explore the journey of securing a property bargain, from navigating deceased estates to handling unexpected repairs. L...
Renovation Success: How We Made $1 Million ft. Ilse Wolfe | Episode 248
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this webinar Mike and James share their journey of transforming a renovation project into a $1 million success in just 10 weeks, under expert guida...
Insider’s Look At Queenstown Real Estate Success ft. Mark Harris | Episode 247
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Harris, Managing Director of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, delving into the experiences that sh...
Auckland vs. Vancouver: The Real Cost Of Living | Episode 246
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover Makayla and Jess compare the cost of living in Auckland and Vancouver. From salaries and housing to groceries and tran...
Behind The Bargains: The Dark Side Of Black Friday | Episode 245
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We uncover the dark side of Black Friday, exploring staggering sales statistics, misleading deals, and predatory debt practices. Through stories of th...
OCR Predictions What Could This Mean For Your Mortgage? | Episode 244
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we delve into the upcoming OCR announcement and its potential impact on mortgage rates. From economic factors to interest rate predictions,...
The Financials Of New Zealand's Largest Music Festival ft. Hamish Pinkham | Ep 243
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Hamish Pinkham, co-founder of Rhythm and Vines, to discuss the festival’s evolution from a summer project to a cultural icon, and h...
Inside Queenstown's Real Estate Boom Ft. Mark Harris | Episode 242
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Mark Harris, managing director of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, to discuss Queenstown’s unique property market. Fr...
Commercial vs. Residential: Which Is The Better Investment? Ft. Scott O'Neill | Episode 241
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with the commercial property king, Scott O'Neill, Founder and CEO of Rethink Group. We compare commercial and residential...
Should You Work For The Passion Or The Pay Cheque? | Episode 240
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, we discuss whether you should work for love or money, and how to balance financial goals with personal happiness. We ...
Housing Crisis or Affordability Crisis? What's the Real Issue? Ft. James Kellow | Episode 239
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Director of NZMS James Kellow to discuss the future of housing in New Zealand. We explore the factors shaping New Ze...
Quarterly Update: Will High Returns Skyrocket or Crash? 2025 Insights | Episode 238
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the latest quarterly update, exploring whether today's high returns are sustainable and what that means for investors he...
Is The S&P 500 Just An Illusion Of Diversification? Ft. Kernel Founder Dean Anderson | Episode 237
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into whether the S&P 500 truly offers diversification for investors. We unpack the index's composition and performance, ...
$100 Million Property Empire: How Did Scott O’Neill Do it? ft. Scott O'Neill | Episode 236
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We recently sat down with Scott O'Neill, CEO and founder of Rethink Group, Australia’s largest commercial buyers agency. Scott shares his journey fr...
A Beginner's Guide On NZ's Commercial Property Boom ft. Scott O'Neill | Episode 235
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A Beginner's Guide On NZ's Commercial Property Boom ft. Scott O'Neill | Episode 235 We recently sat down with Founder & CEO of Rethink Group Scott...
Is Now The Time To Flip A Property? Ft. Matt Harris | Episode 234
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with property expert and our very own Lighthouse Financial Managing Director Matthew Harris, to discuss the rise of property flipping in N...
The Cost Of Raising Children in New Zealand ft. Stephanie Pow | Episode 233
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Stephanie Pow, the Founder of Crayon, and explored the significant financial burdens of raising children, highlighting costs like edu...
Is Life Going To Get Easier For Business Owners In New Zealand? Ft. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr | Episode 232
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the potential risks facing New Zealand's economy. We also dive into the challenges businesses face in navigating costs, re...
Should You Invest In Your Company? Ft. Orchestra CEO & Sharesies Product Lead Luke Smith | Episode 231
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the intriguing question of whether investing in your own company is a smart move with insights from Luke Smith, Senior Product Lead at Shar...
Christmas Budgeting: How to Save and Spend Wisely This Holiday Season | Episode 230
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Takeover, we share practical tips for saving money and sticking to your budget this Christmas, from prioritising experiences ov...
CPI & Inflation Data Update: What’s Next For New Zealand? Ft. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr | Episode 229
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined once again by Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr to discuss the latest CPI and inflation data, offering insights into how these shift...
Mike & James Just Bought 12 Houses! Ft. Ilse Wolfe (Part 2) | Episode 228
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into our latest multi-unit renovation project, where we’ve bought 12 houses in Upper Hutt. We share the challenges we faced, from managing t...