The Blueprint Finance Podcast | Plan Your Future

War is escalating, oil prices are spiking, and market volatility is back. Is your KiwiSaver safe? In this episode of The Blueprint Podcast, we sit down with financial adviser Jono Smith to discuss the shocking truth about investing during global crises. We break down the "War to Wallet" pipeline, explaining how conflict in the Middle East impacts inflation, interest rates, and your personal wealth in New Zealand. Jono reveals the counterintuitive historical data on how stock markets perform during wars and explains why "doing nothing" might be the most profitable strategy you can have right now.Plus, Rory makes a shocking confession about his own portfolio, and we share a cautionary tale about the cost of panic selling that every investor needs to hear.In this episode, we cover:[00:00] The "War to Wallet" effect: How conflict drives up inflation.[00:08] The surprising truth: Do markets actually go up during wars?[00:11] The 30-Year Plan: Why you can't time the market.[00:19] "Steady the Ship": Why changing funds now could cost you thousands.[00:21] Rory’s Confession: The dangers of DIY panic investing.[00:27] Active vs. Passive Management: Which is better in a crash?[00:33] Why investing in New Zealand companies is a tax hack.[00:45] A horror story: The client who sold at the bottom (twice).[00:49] New Government Policy: The upcoming changes to KiwiSaver Talk with an expert: https://calendly.com/blueprintnz/15-min-introductory-call-with-an-adviserGet a First Home Pre-Approval: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/mortgage-pre-approval/Tips to win with your first mortgage: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/first-home/KiwiSaver Planning: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/kiwisaver-planning/See the full podcast archive: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/the-podcast/Subscribe to download mortgage calculators: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/Read Jono's bio: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/#jonathan-smith

In this episode of the Blueprint Finance podcast, we sit down with Brandon Lipman to discuss why buying a "boring" business is the #1 wealth-building opportunity of the next decade. With the Great Wealth Transfer officially here, Brandon breaks down his blueprint for acquiring profitable companies instead of building startups from scratch.We dive deep into:• Speed-Running Capitalism: Why buying an existing business is faster than building one.• The Dark Side of Acquisition: How to avoid "losing your shirt" on a bad deal.• Financing Secrets: The risks of debt vs. the power of investor capital.• Due Diligence: How to spot red flags and assess an owner's true lifestyle.• Instant Growth: The #1 KPI to tweak for immediate profit increases.Brandon also previews his upcoming book, Speed Running Capitalism Through Buying Boring Businesses, and shares the reality of what it takes to go from zero to business owner.Ready to start your deposit-building journey? Book a free chat with our team (link below) and let’s make your homeownership dream a reality!Get in touch with Brandon Lipman: https://www.instagram.com/brandonlipman_/Talk with an expert: https://calendly.com/blueprintnz/15-min-introductory-call-with-an-adviserGet a First Home Pre-Approval: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/mortgage-pre-approval/Tips to win with your first mortgage: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/first-home/KiwiSaver Planning: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/kiwisaver-planning/See the full podcast archive: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/the-podcast/Subscribe to download mortgage calculators: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/

Discover the inspiring story behind Blueprint Finance in this episode of the next Blueprint Podcast! From humble beginnings in a tiny shoebox office to a thriving 15-person team, we share the real journey of launching and growing our boutique financial services firm. Hear how we built our business from scratch, the challenges we faced, and the values that drive us—like helping clients pay off their mortgages faster and providing holistic, independent financial advice. We dive into the importance of team culture, the evolution of our services (mortgages, insurance, KiwiSaver), and why education and client-first service set us apart. Whether you're interested in starting a business, working in finance, or just want to hear a genuine growth story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and practical advice. Talk with an expert:Daniel (Mortgages): https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/#daniel-lipmanRory (Insurance): https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/#rory-mcsweeneyMake a change:Get a Pre-Approval: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/mortgage-pre-approval/Restructure your Mortgage: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/refix-restructure-refinance/Refinance an Investment Portfolio: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/property-investment-review/See the full podcast archive: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/the-podcast/Subscribe to download mortgage calculators: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/

Join us as we unpack the systems that generated nearly $1.9 million in commissions during a “flat” market, explore why the human agent is the future of real estate, and dive into a data-backed analysis of today’s property cycle. From tactical advice for first-home buyers to predictions on how AI will reshape the industry, this episode gives you a blueprint for success in business and life.In this episode, we sit down with Lawrence, a top performer in South Auckland real estate, on the eve of launching his new agency — Limitless Real Estate. After selling 175 homes in three years, Lawrence reveals the systems, mindset, and strategy behind building a modern agency from the ground up.Find more about Lawrence:🎥 YouTube Channel🎙️ Interview: “From Rock Bottom to Top 1%”Blueprint Finance Resources:📊 Download Mortgage & Property Calculators📅 Book a Free Advice Call🎧 More Podcast EpisodesEpisode Highlights & Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Limitless Real Estate00:58 – Duplicating Systems & Personal Branding03:20 – Recruitment: Targeting Proven Agents04:49 – The “Limitless” Standard & Self-Development06:24 – Lawrence’s Personal Motivation07:43 – Applying The 10x Rule09:37 – Philosophy Behind “Limitless”11:34 – Market Breakdown: Who’s Buying Now12:33 – Why Today’s Market is “Normal”13:14 – The Key to a Successful Sale: Motivation16:32 – Will a 1% Rate Drop Spark a Boom?19:14 – Historical Cycles & Flat Market Outlook23:29 – How Technology Changed the Industry24:08 – AI in Admin & Agent Training25:22 – The Digital-First Agency Model27:10 – Are Auctions Dead in 2025?28:26 – Tips for First-Home Buyers29:26 – Creative Negotiation Tactics31:39 – Capital Growth Debate: South Auckland32:40 – Lifestyle vs Investment Decisions34:20 – Can You Still Get 9% Yields?35:06 – Investment Case Study: Gisborne RenoEpisode SummaryLawrence breaks down the three pillars of Limitless Real Estate — replicating successful systems, building agent-centric brands, and embedding daily self-development. He believes the future belongs to individual agents whose personal brand is stronger than any corporate identity.The conversation also covers the current New Zealand property market, which Lawrence calls “flat but normal,” predicting stability for the next 1–2 years before growth returns around 2026.Looking ahead, he shares his vision of a digital, mobile-first agency powered by automation and AI — where admin work, lead management, and even agent training evolve through real-time performance analytics.At its core, this episode is about mindset and momentum — how discipline, data, and daily habits create long-term success in any market. Inspired by The 10x Rule, Think and Grow Rich, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Lawrence shows how to think bigger, act faster, and build a business — and a life — without limits.

Have you ever felt like the traditional map to success—the corporate ladder, the property portfolio—no longer leads to the destination you want? What do you do when the rules of the game change overnight, leaving you feeling adrift?In this special episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and Blueprint family member Brandon Lipman for a masterclass in taking back control. Brandon shares his incredible journey from working night shifts at Countdown to save his first house deposit, to becoming a top mortgage adviser, and finally, to forging his own path by building a portfolio of businesses.He reveals why he traded the well-trodden map of property investment for the compass of entrepreneurship, focusing not on predicting the future, but on building a resilient vessel designed to thrive in any conditions. This conversation is a practical blueprint for anyone who feels the pull to build something of their own but doesn't know where to start.In this episode, you’ll learn:Buy vs. Start: The powerful philosophy on why acquiring an existing business is a smarter, faster structure for wealth creation than starting from scratch.Finding the Deal: The gritty, real-world steps Brandon took to find opportunities—from flicking through the Yellow Pages to sending hand-written letters to owners.The Power of a Blueprint: How a 40-year-old university thesis from one of New Zealand’s greatest entrepreneurs became his "bible" and changed the course of his career.Advice for the Ambitious: Actionable first steps for anyone in their twenties looking to build a life of financial sovereignty, grit, and purpose.This episode is about more than just business; it's about building a smarter structure for a more certain future. Tune in to learn how to find your compass and start building your own blueprint for success.https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/

In Episode 8 of the Blueprint Finance Podcast, we dive deep into a critical question every Kiwi homebuyer should be asking: Whose agent are they anyway? We're joined by Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyer's Agents, a force challenging the traditional, seller-focused real estate agent model still popular in New Zealand.Recorded in May 2025, Alex pulls back the curtain on the "battle for buyer loyalty." With extensive international experience, she reveals why she returned to NZ to champion the buyer, navigating a system often skewed against them. Is the agent showing you houses truly on your side, or are their loyalties elsewhere? Alex Martelli is here to arm you with the truth.In this episode, you’ll uncover: • The often-blurred lines of agent loyalty in NZ and why a true buyer's advocate is a game-changer. • Alex's journey: from global property markets to pioneering a buyer-first agency against the grain in New Zealand. • The cultural and regulatory "wars" fought to establish a service that exclusively represents your best interests as a buyer. • The myth busted: Why dedicated buyer's agents aren't just for the elite – and how they're empowering everyone from first-timers to seasoned investors. • Insider strategies for the (May 2025) market: how to cut through the noise of high stock, scrutinise new builds, and unearth elusive off-market deals when others can't. • Negotiation tactics from the trenches: how Alex "locks horns" and uses "silence" to win for her clients. • Auction room secrets: decoding agent tactics and bidding with a strategy that protects your bottom line, not the seller's.00:00:26 Introducing Alex Martelli: The Buyer's Advocate in a Seller's World00:02:39 The Big Question: Why is True Buyer Representation So Rare in NZ?00:04:12 Battling the System: Regulatory & Cultural Challenges to Putting Buyers First00:06:01 Conflict of Interest? How Selling Agents "Working With" Buyers Still Serve the Vendor00:06:56 Buyer's Agent vs. Seller's Agent: Exposing the Critical Differences00:08:59 Who Really Needs a Buyer's Agent? (The Answer Might Surprise You)00:10:00 FOMO & Full Budgets: How Buyers Unknowingly Give Away Their Power00:13:06 Negotiation Warfare: Tactics to Win When Locking Horns00:15:07 Auckland Market (May 2025): Navigating Record Stock & Dodgy New Builds00:18:14 The "Black Market" of Property: Finding Off-Market Deals00:21:06 The Future: Will Buyers Finally Get the Upper Hand in NZ?00:24:48 Auction Takedown: Strategies to Avoid Emotional Overbids & Agent Traps00:28:02 The Pre-Auction Ambush: When to Strike Before the Competition00:30:39 Misled by Listing Agents? Hearing What You Want to Hear vs. Reality00:32:12 Market Forecast: Where Are Prices Really Heading?Key Takeaways:Challenge Allegiances: Question whose interests your agent truly serves. In a transaction, there are two sides – ensure you have dedicated representation.Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Understand the tactics and market realities that can be used against uninformed buyers.Level the Playing Field: Discover how a dedicated buyer's agent can shift the power dynamic in your favour, from first viewing to final signature.Enjoying this? Take the next step with Blueprint Finance: We’ve got the tools, insights, and expert advice to help you take charge of your life plans.• Subscribe to our newsletter for our spreadsheets: Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool, First Home Buyer Master Sheet, Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator.• Ready for personalised advice? Build your meeting agenda or book a free consultation with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.

Your First Home - Mindset, Myths & Making It Happen!Feeling stuck on your path to homeownership? Are self-doubt and comparison clouding your vision? This week, Dan and Rory uncover the crucial mindset shifts that transform the "impossible" into your first home.We bust common myths about affordability and family support, sharing real client success stories that prove you can do it – like the inspiring journey of those guided by our adviser Jack, who now own their dream home.Beyond the numbers, it's about cultivating belief. We provide actionable strategies across three pillars:Saving: Practical budgeting and consistent automated savings.Earning: Exploring income growth from your job to effective side hustles.Investing: Maximising KiwiSaver and managing its risk for your timeline.Embrace your unique journey, discard limiting beliefs, and step into the profound satisfaction of owning your first home.You've got this! Book a call www.blueprintfinance.co.nz

“A free society is a creative society.” — David SeymourIn this thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by ACT Party Leader and MP David Seymour for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation about the future of New Zealand. From housing and KiwiSaver to red tape, small business, and the elusive promise of freedom, David brings his signature contrarian perspective to the big financial and social questions affecting Kiwis today.INSIDE EPISODE SIXWhy NZ’s housing crisis is a symptom of deeper structural issues—and how rewriting the rules could reignite opportunity.A contrarian take on KiwiSaver—and why paying off your mortgage might be a better bet than locking your money away.The case for radical simplification in small business law, health and safety, and employment reform.Why David sees freedom as the foundation for a prosperous society, not just a political buzzword.How red tape kills innovation—and what happens when we trust people instead of regulating everything.The hidden cost of brain drain and the $60B question: how do we keep talent in New Zealand?Mortgage Rate Comparison ToolProperty Investment Comparison CalculatorRevolving Credit vs. Savings CalculatorPlus: insights on the RMA overhaul, KiwiBank’s competitive potential, NZ’s startup culture, and why “letting go of control” might just be the best thing this country can do.Love this episode? Build your own future with tools designed for Kiwis:Mortgage Rate Comparison ToolProperty Investment Comparison CalculatorRevolving Credit vs. Savings CalculatorBook your personalised mortgage or financial review session at BlueprintFinance.co.nzFor more information about topics discussed:https://www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio...https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin...https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/24/go...https://www.motu.nz/our-research/well...https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...https://retirement.govt.nz/news/lates...

💰 The Mortgage Payoff Playbook 💰In this episode of the Blueprint Podcast, we break down three mortgage payoff strategies—but which ones are gold, and which ones are just hype?The Plays:🔹 Revolving Credit – Smart money move or a discipline trap?🔹 Investment Properties – The controversial 7-year strategy: Myth or Magic?🔹 Keeping Repayments the Same – The easiest win, but is it enough?We take John & Jill (hypothetical first-home buyers) and put each method to the test with numbers, risks, and long-term impact. If you’re a homeowner wondering how to actually pay off your mortgage smarter (without falling for gimmicks), this is your playbook.Listen now to find out how to make these plays actually work!

In this episode of the Blueprint Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Rory, Blueprint Finance’s in-house insurance expert. From representing New Zealand at the Paralympic Games to navigating the world of insurance, Rory’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others.🎧 Enjoying the Blueprint Podcast? Discover more with our free tools and resources:✔️ Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool✔️ First Home Buyer Master Sheet✔️ Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator📅 Ready for personalized advice? Build your own meeting agenda with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll continue exploring the stories behind the experts at Blueprint Finance.