Cheques and Balances

R.I.P First Home Grant, What Will This Mean For Buyers? | Episode 166

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We say goodbye to the First Home Grant and discuss the financial implications for first home buyers. We also explore and outline alternative strategie...

How This Single Mother Bought A House While On The Benefit | Episode 165

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The incredible journey of a single mother who managed to buy her own home while living on an annual income of $46,000. This episode is proudly sponso...

The Beginners Guide To Shares Ft. Sharesies Co-Founder Sonya Williams | Episode 164

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sonya Williams, Co-Founder of Sharesies, breaks down the essentials of getting started with shares, making the process approachable and understandable...

How $50 Built One Of NZ’s Most Successful Start-Ups Ft. Sharesies Co-Founder Sonya Williams | Episode 163

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with Sonya Williams, Co-Founder of Sharesies, to take a look into the process of building one of New Zealand's most successful start-u...

Petrol vs EV Cars: Do Electric Cars Actually Save You Money? | Episode 162

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

James and Mike discuss whether petrol or electric cars are more cost-effective, exploring whether electric cars can truly save you money. This episode...

Budgeting 101: How To Create A Budget And Stick To It | Episode 161

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of Cheques & Balances: The Takeover, Jess and Makayla explore the basics of budgeting, covering everything from income ...

How To Help Your Parents If They Are Behind Financially | Episode 160

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With statistics showing a concerning trend of Kiwis struggling post-retirement, Mike and James discuss how to help your parents if they are behind fin...

Quarterly Market Update: Q2 2024 | Episode 159

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mike and James provide a quarterly market update, covering key areas such as share market performance, global GDP trends, and economic outlooks. This...

5 Things Millionaires Don't Want You To Know | Episode 158

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mike and James as they explore the results of the biggest survey ever done on millionaires, uncovering the habits that make and keep them rich wh...

How To Increase Your Cash Flow On Your Property Ft. Matthew Harris | Midweek Episode

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on this Midweek Episode as we discuss how to increase your property's cash flow with Lighthouse's Managing Director, Property Investor...

5 Signs You're Stuck In The Middle Class | Midweek Episode

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've covered the 5 Signs You're Poor and the 5 Signs You're Rich. Now, let's explore the 5 Signs You're Stuck In The Middle Class...

Mike & James Buy A House Together Ft. Amy Stevens Founder Of Slice | Episode 157

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mike and James as they sit down with Amy Stevens, Founder of the first home buyers platform, Slice, to embark on their journey to (hypothetically...

30% Of 2024 Has Passed, Are You Still On Track Towards Your Goals? | Midweek Episode

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Midweek Episode, we take stock as 30% of 2024 is already gone – are you on track with your goals? Tune in to learn how to make th...

Your Guide To Getting A Mortgage The First Time Ft. Makayla Edwards | Midweek Episode

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Makayla from Lighthouse's Mortgage team to share expert advice on applying for mortgages and avoiding common mistakes. This ep...

Why Your Uber Eats Bill Is About To Get More Expensive Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 156

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Find out why platforms like Uber and AirBNB are about to get a whole lot more expensive as Matt Harris joins us to talk on the reinstatement of the &q...

How These 2 Tax Changes Will Change The Property Market Ft. Matthew Harris | Midweek Episode

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Midweek Episode, we're back with Lighthouse’s Managing Director, Property Investor, and Developer, Matt Harris to break down ...

How This Couple Bought A House In 4 Weeks Ft. Jess Hargreaves | Midweek Episode

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we chat with Jess Hargreaves from Lighthouse to uncover the secrets behind how her and her partner managed to purchase a house in just four...

Why Mothers Could Lose Up To $300K In Retirement Ft. Stephanie Pow | Episode 155

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We welcome back Stephanie Pow, Founder of Crayon, to discuss the financial challenges faced by mothers due to the 'motherhood penalty', includ...

The Hot New Housing Trend You NEED To Know Ft. Ilse Wolfe | Midweek Episode

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Property Coach, Ilse Wolfe, joins us to discuss the hot new housing trend that property investors NEED to know about. This episode is proudly sponsore...

Why Inheritances Will Ruin Your Kids | Midweek Episode

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Find out why inheritances can cause family problems and hurt your kids. We explore the challenges of passing down wealth and give you simple tips to h...

Does Living Next To A School Zone Increase Property Value? Ft. Alex Martelli | Episode 154

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is living in a top school zone really worth $500K? Join us as we chat with Buyer's Agent, Alex Martelli, to unpack whether proximity to schools im...

How Much Does A Destination Wedding Cost? | Midweek Episode

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for another episode of Am I The A**hole where we delve into Reddit's community dilemmas. This week, we tackle the ethics of declining dest...

Are Term Deposits Worth It? | Midweek Episode

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Term Deposits, are they worth it? In this week's Midweek Episode, we weigh the pros and cons of term deposits against alternative investments. Thi...

Matt's Property Predictions For 2024 Ft. Matthew Harris | Episode 153

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Step into the future of property investment with Matt Harris as he unveils his predictions for the New Zealand property market in 2024. This episode ...

Should You Sell Your Home To Pay Off Debt? Ft. Cat Emerson | Midweek Episode

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we delve into real-life financial dilemmas sourced from The Mum Hub community page on Facebook, featuring Cat Emerson. From managing overwh...

5 Signs You're Wealthier Than You Think | Midweek Episode

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From debunking the status game to underlining the significance of financial planning, this week's Midweek Episode offers invaluable insights to re...

Day In The Life Of A CEO Ft. Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich | Episode 152

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with Steve Jurkovich, CEO of Kiwibank, to delve into the multifaceted world of leadership. From navigating public scrutiny to embracing fa...

How To Retire A Millionaire | Midweek Episode

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Midweek Episode, we dissect a listener's KiwiSaver concerns, unveiling the roadmap to retiring a millionaire. This episode is p...

Am I The A**hole? Pt. 3 | Midweek Episode

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready for another wild Reddit adventure! This time, we're diving into a husband's jaw-dropping $300,000 crypto loss and the age-old debate...

Parental Leave Policies You Need To Know Ft. Stephanie Pow | Episode 151

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a game of true or false with Stephanie Pow, Founder of Crayon, we uncover the startling truths about parental leave policies and their wide-reachin...

Is Renting A Waste Of Money? | Midweek Episode

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Midweek Episode, we tackle the question: Is renting a waste of money? We break down the costs and societal pressures involved, givi...

What Is The Best Way To Invest $100K? | Midweek Episode

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Midweek Episode, we went down the deep dark hole that is Reddit's r/personalfinancenz forum, providing insights and advice draw...

NZ’s First Woman To Sell For $1 Billion Ft. Naomi Ballantyne | Episode 150

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From humble beginnings to overcoming complex challenges, Naomi's story offers profound insights into the spirit of entrepreneurship, resulting in...

Is University Worth It? | Midweek Episode

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Degrees vs. Dollars – Is University Worth It? In this week's Midweek Episode, we delve into the age-old question, is a degree necessary for succ...

Euro Summer Or Save For A House? | Midweek Episode

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about our own spending choices? From summer splurges to home investments, get an inside look into how we manage our money. This episode is pr...

Top 3 Economic Trends For New Zealand Ft. Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr | Episode 149

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we explore "What Would Jarrod Do?" with Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist at Kiwibank. We tap into his insights on economic matters, f...

5 Signs You're Poor | Midweek Episode

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From living paycheck to paycheck to setting financial goals, Mike and James discuss practical tips and real talk about securing your financial future!...

Am I The A**hole? Pt. 2 | Midweek Episode

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're stepping into the wild world of 'Am I the A**hole?' once again as we unravel tales of open relationships and financial dilemmas from...

What's REALLY Going To Happen In 2024 Ft. Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr | Episode 148

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with KiwiBank's Chief Economist, Jarrod Kerr, as he offers crucial insights into economic challenges and strategies for resilience. C...

Dogs Vs Kids: Which Is Cheaper? Ft. Ravi Chand | Midweek Episode

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From daycare dilemmas to unexpected vet bills, we dive into the financial reality of parenting pups and raising kids. This episode is proudly sponsore...

What Is A CCC? | Midweek Episode

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From navigating building standards to insider tips, Mike and James dive into the world of CCC's. The content in this podcast is the opinion of th...

The Cost Of Childcare Ft. Stephanie Pow | Episode 147

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From financial strains to workforce barriers, we sat down with Stephanie Pow from Crayon to unpack the real-life challenges families face surrounding ...

What Are Your Odds Of Winning The Lottery? | Midweek Episode

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to roll the dice on lottery odds? Mike and James uncover the harsh truths and myths behind winning big. The content in this podcast is the opini...

Am I The A**hole? Pt. 1 | Valentine's Day Special

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Love, finance, and Moncler jackets. James and Mike sit down to unravel the tangled web of dating and financial woes straight from the depths of Reddit...

How Much Does The Bank Make Off You? | Episode 146

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how much the bank truly makes off you? We dive deep into the numbers and uncover the hidden truth behind your home loan journey! Check o...

Gen Z's Hidden Strategy: Live Now, Get Rich Later | Midweek Episode

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Soft serve or soft savings? James and Mike discuss the emerging trend of Gen Z prioritising the joys of life over concerns about retirement. The cont...

Mike And James Predict The Future (2024 Update) | Episode 145

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We evaluate our 2023 predictions and spice things up with a forecast for the financial landscape of 2024, sprinkled with some juicy insights into upco...

Decoding Debt-to-Income Ratios | Midweek Episode

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, James and Mike sit down to explore the intricacies of the latest proposed debt-to-income ratios. The content in this podcast is the opinion...

What Caused 2023's 'Everything' Rally? | Episode 144

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the unexpected market events of 2023 and the factors behind the remarkable 'Everything' Rally. Check out the full episode here F...

Don’t Make NY Resolutions – Do This Instead | Episode 143

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by James Clear's groundbreaking book "Atomic Habits", we explore the transformative power of creating systems rather than merel...

Want To Start A Business? Key Business Principles You Need To Know Ft. Matthew Horncastle | Midweek Episode

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Matthew Horncastle to talk through his top business tips for any entrenpenuer in 2024. The content in this podcast is the opinion ...

Building $1 Billion Of Property Before 30 - An Interview With Matthew Horncastle | Episode 142

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off the 2024 year, we're joined by Matthew Horncastle, Managing Director At Williams Corporation. Matthew Horncastle has come from a stro...

Our Last Podcast | Midweek Episode

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

.... for the year. James and Mike wrap up 2023 and give their thoughts on what to expect in 2024 The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hos...

The Best NZ Regions To Invest In Over The Next 5 Years | Episode 141

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past five years, the housing market in New Zealand has experienced significant growth. However, this growth hasn't been uniform across th...

How To Set Your Kids Up For Success Ft. Greg Munt | Midweek Episode

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we dive deep with Greg Munt about how to set your kids up for success early on in life. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the ho...

When Property Investors Will Be Cashflow Positive Again | Episode 140

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the various factors contributing to the current cash flow dilemma for property investors and discuss when the market might tilt in their fa...

How One Book Made Him Millions - An Interview With Greg Munt | Midweek Episode

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we catch up with business owner and entrepreneur Greg Munt to talk about how one book changed his life and his journey. If you'd like ...

How Much Car You Can Afford (By Salary) | Episode 139

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Outside of a house, a car is usually one of the biggest financial purchases most people make, multiple times during their lives. This episode provides...

Why A Bach Is A Terrible Investment - We Crunch The Numbers | Episode 138

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the financial and lifestyle considerations of bach ownership, unraveling the truth behind this cherished Kiwi dream. Chec...

We Rank Our Best And Worst Clients | Midweek Episode

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week James and Mike cancel themselves by ranking their best and worst clients by profession. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the h...

How To Survive 7% Interest Rates | Episode 137

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you (or know someone who is) losing sleep at night over 7% interest rates? This episodes for you. We go through the 4 steps to tackle high interes...

What Happens When You Miss A Loan Repayment | Midweek Episode

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we ask Mike what happens when you miss a loan repayment on your mortgage. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should...

Our Top 5 Tips When Getting A Divorce Ft. Amanda Donovan | Episode 136

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dividing property during a separation or divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. We talked to Amanda Donovan, Director at Haigh ...

Justin Bieber And Paris Hilton Sued Over "Financial Scam" - A Review Of The NFT Market | Midweek Episode

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mike and Jame discuss the recent news from the NFT and crypto space. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated...

Revealed: How Much Kiwi's Spend In Retirement Ft. Ben Brinkerhoff | Episode 135

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Were joined by Ben Brinkerhoff to delve into the critical topic of retirement savings. Consilium recently published the newly released Retirement Expe...

Women and Property Event Recap Ft. Ilse Wolfe

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we recap our latest 'Women and Property' event with Ilse Wolfe The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It sho...

10 Best Strategies For Investing Ft. Ben Brinkerhoff

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have Ben Brinkerhoff, Head of Advice at Consilium here to talk about how you can improve your chances of success in investing. We'll ...

How To Transition Career Ft. Ash Solly

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a chat with Ash Solly, a financial adviser at Lighthouse Financial to chat about transitioning careers. The content in this podcast ...

The Science Of Spending Ft. Ben Brinkerhoff | Episode 134

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Ben Brinkerhoff from Consilium to talk about "the science of spending". Check out the full article here For...

Webinar Special: How To Protect You And Your Family - Insurance

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about all the essential parts of protecting your wealth through the right insurance. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. I...

How To Negotiate On A Property Ft. Emma Duncan | Episode 133

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Emma Duncan from Anne Duncan Real Estate to talk about her top negotiating tips on property. Check out the full articl...

The Bank News You Need To Know! | Midweek Episode

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week Mike gives us an update on the latest bank and mortgage news. The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be tre...

Financial Advisers React To ChatGPT Financial Advice | Episode 132

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week James and Mike react to financial advice provided by ChatGPT. We ask a range of questions from investment advice to prenups and review the a...

Webinar Special: Contractors 101 - How To Succeed As Your Own Boss | Midweek Episode

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our business accounting specialists will go through everything you need to know to financially succeed as your own boss, including long-term planning,...

Election Special: What Happens To House Prices Under A National Or Labour Government? | Episode 131

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We got over 30 years of data from Valocity to see if and how house prices change under a National or Labour government. A huge thank you to our partn...

Should You Use A Buyer's Agent? Ft. Alex Vincent Martelli | Episode 130

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In New Zealand, most houses are sold by one real estate agent who works for the seller. Even though this agent has to be fair to everyone, they mainly...

The 10 Commandments Of Building Wealth - Lighthouse Financial x Keep The Change | Midweek Episode

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Luke Kemeys from Keep The Change and James Blair from Lighthouse Financial for an interactive webinar where they go through the fundamental wealt...

Election Special: An Interview With David Seymour - ACT Party Leader | Episode 129

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The thoughts and opinions shared in this podcast, including those from our guest David Seymour, may not match the views of our podcast, its hosts, or ...

The 10 Commandments Of Building Wealth Q&A - Lighthouse Financial x Keep The Change | Midweek Episode

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James sits down with Luke from Keep The Change to discuss your questions from August's webinar - The 10 Commandments Of Building Wealth. The con...

Women And Property Ft. Ilse Wolfe | Midweek Episode

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Ilse Wolfe, property investor and coach to talk about how women can create independence by investing in property. Inte...

Why You NEED a Will Ft. Shaun McGivern | Episode 128

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For most people, a will is often their main asset planning tool which means it is important to ensure it is robust, clearly written and technically co...