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Lighthouse Financial Services Review - What You Need to Know

Our review of this growing Auckland-based financial advisory firm focuses on wealth management; we look at costs, services, client benefits, alternatives and must-know questions to ask to help you determine if Lighthouse is right for you.
Updated 23 June 2025

Summary
  • Lighthouse Financial Services is an Auckland-based financial advisory firm offering a range of services, including accounting, mortgages, wealth management, property investment, and insurance.
  • Lighthouse positions itself as a one-stop solution for financial planning, serving clients throughout New Zealand with a team of over 30 members, including approximately eight specialists in financial advisory services.
  • Our review looks at Lighthouse's offerings, client experiences, potential drawbacks, costs, and practical considerations. The purpose of this review is to help readers assess whether Lighthouse aligns with their financial needs and to understand the available alternatives.
  • Our review focuses on Lighthouse's financial advisory offering, although we also outline their services in accounting, insurance, property and mortgages.

​Our review covers:
Important Disclosure: Lighthouse Financial Services is a client of MoneyHub. However, this review has been independently written by our research team to provide an objective analysis of their services, costs, and approach.

We have asked Lighthouse to respond directly to questions about their services to ensure accuracy and transparency in financial advisory information. This allows readers to make informed decisions based on factual information rather than assumptions. Our goal is to make financial advisory services more transparent and accessible to New Zealanders, regardless of our commercial relationships.

Lighthouse’s Services Explained

Lighthouse's services span five main categories, each with specific offerings:

Wealth (the focus of this review, and discussed in detail below)
  • Holistic Financial Advice: Plans for budgeting, goal setting, budgeting, debt repayment, investment strategy and financial projections.
  • Investment Advice: Independent investment advice on shares, property and bonds. They have no conflicts of interest and pass on discounts on funds to clients.
  • KiwiSaver Management: Assistance with provider selection and contribution strategies.

Accounting
  • Property Accounting: Focuses on rental property tax and compliance.
  • Trusts: Assistance with trust setup and management for asset protection.
  • Business Accounting: Includes bookkeeping and tax planning for small to medium enterprises.

Mortgages
  • Property Investors: Mortgage options for investment property purchases.
  • First Home Buyers: Support for deposit saving, buying processes, and loan structuring.

Property
  • Our Process: Steps for Property Investment, Including Market Analysis.
  • Investing From Australia: Support for cross-border property deals.

Insurance
  • Life Insurance: Coverage for family and estate protection.
  • Disability Insurance: Income support during disability.
  • Income Protection: Earnings replacement for illness or injury.
  • Health Insurance: Medical coverage options.
  • Business Insurance: Protection for business assets and liabilities.

Our view: This integrated model aims to consolidate financial management, but it may limit clients' exposure to specialised providers.

Lighthouse's Wealth Financial Services: An Overview

Lighthouse Financial Services operates with a stated mission to improve financial literacy (with programs in workplaces) and deliver tailored advice to New Zealanders of all income and wealth levels. Lighthouse also has a popular podcast with 45,000+ monthly downloads and is a top 10 business podcast in New Zealand (per discussions with Lighthouse's team).

The financial advisory leadership includes James Blair, Lighthouse's Wealth Director, who brings over 10 years of experience in financial advisory services, having worked with Westpac and now Lighthouse. Lighthouse's team takes an approach to understanding a potential client's goals and values before providing solutions, supported by a team of advisers and industry partnerships with leading fund management platforms and services.

Our research team has noted conservative LinkedIn posts from members of the Lighthouse team that imply caution towards cryptocurrency while objectively informing readers about the benefits of regular investment contributions, compounding returns, property versus shares due diligence, and discussing money in relationships, among other issues.

Lighthouse's Paid Wealth Services: Our View

Lighthouse Financial Services structures its paid services around a core financial planning package, with additional options for ongoing support and specialised advice. We analyse the costs, components, and implications of these services to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the service, costs, risks and alternatives.

Breakdown of the $3,000 Financial Plan
​The cornerstone of Lighthouse's paid offerings is the financial plan, which costs a one-off $3,000 (excluding GST). This package includes several key elements:
  • Initial Discovery Meeting: A session to assess the client's financial goals, current position, and personal circumstances. Please note that the initial discovery session is always free; Lighthouse spends the time figuring out whether a plan is right for them. Lighthouse never sells a plan to someone who won't find value in one.
  • Financial Analysis: An evaluation of income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and existing investments or savings.
  • Financial Projections: Forward-looking scenarios to estimate future wealth, retirement needs, or other goals based on current data.
  • Presentation Meeting: A follow-up to deliver the finalised plan, outlining actionable steps and recommendations.
  • Implementation Accountability: Support to help clients execute the plan, such as setting up accounts or adjusting budgets.
  • Access to Financial Planning Software: 24/7 access to tools for tracking progress and modelling scenarios.

This comprehensive approach aims to provide a detailed roadmap that appeals to clients seeking a structured start to their financial planning. We asked Lighthouse whether the services include tax optimisation for investments, and their response was that a huge advantage of their service is their inhouse team of accountants (compared to other Financial Advisers).

Ongoing Review Options
​Following the initial plan, Lighthouse offers three review services that resemble a subscription model. We believe these ongoing reviews are designed to help you adapt to changing circumstances. Each has a specific cost:
  • Ad-hoc Review: $1,450 per session, providing a one-off update to the financial plan based on new financial data or life events. This review could take place once a year or less frequently.
  • 6-Monthly Reviews: $100 per month (totalling $1,200 annually), including assessments every six months, updated projections, and adviser access via phone and email between reviews.
  • Quarterly Reviews: $200 per month (totalling $2,400 annually), offering four reviews per year with the same benefits as the 6-monthly option, plus more frequent adjustments.

These reviews aim to ensure the plan remains relevant; however, the costs, especially the quarterly option at $2,400 per year, could become a significant ongoing expense.
According to Lighthouse's disclosure statement, these fees will only apply if you agree to them before any engagement for services.

Lighthouse also discloses that KiwiSaver and insurance providers pay Lighthouse a commission fee and/or an ongoing amount. For investments, this is usually a percentage based on the value of your investment contributions or insurance premiums. Lighthouse makes it clear that "specific commission amounts will be disclosed and agreed upon before any advice and products are implemented".

Lighthouse charges 0.55%, including GST, as an ongoing advice fee for clients who implement their MyFiduciary portfolios. We asked Lighthouse to explain this fee in detail - their response:

“The 0.55% is for our investment advice clients. A lot of our holistic clients will graduate to this offering as well. Mapua Wealth is our Independent Research house. The fee covers our ongoing investment research, portfolio management, financial reviews, financial projections and updating their financial plans”.

Additional Paid Services
  • Investment Advice: This service is priced on an application basis, varying according to portfolio size, complexity, and client objectives. Lighthouse partners with Mapua for research, building model portfolios for clients with over $250,000 to invest, with an ongoing advice fee of 0.55% (including GST) covering annual reviews and management.
  • KiwiSaver Management: Also priced on application, this includes provider selection and contribution strategies. Commissions from providers such as Milford, Booster, and Generate (either upfront or trailing, based on the KiwiSaver balance) are paid to Lighthouse and won't be added as a cost to investors. Lighthouse will outline individual plans, and fees and commissions will be disclosed before implementation.

Cost Implications and Value Assessment
  • The $3,000 entry point will challenge some potential clients, but Lighthouse offers integrated support. Furthermore, the upfront costs means the Adviser is going to be compensated for their time and won't need to push clients towards products with incentives (an issue with some financial advisors in New Zealand). Lighthouse, when discussing this point with our research team, also stated the cost is reflective of the amount of time they spend with their clients through the process, which was reflected in Google reviews etc.
  • The additional review costs further increase the total expense. However, we discussed this with Lighthouse’s team who stated 70% of clients chose six monthly (additional $1,200 plus GST), 20% ad-hoc and 10% quarterly. Quarterly is designed for those that need a lot of accountability or have higher incomes.
  • We believe this positions Lighthouse as a premium service, likely targeting clients with significant assets or complex needs.
  • The value of the Lighthouse service depends on how much of its recommendations are implemented. Anyone with simpler needs, such as single investments, might find the cost disproportionate, especially if they rarely use ongoing support. The 0.55% ongoing fee for Mapua portfolios, while competitive with industry standards (typically 0.5%-1%), adds another layer for high-net-worth clients, potentially totalling thousands of dollars annually based on investment size.​

Hidden Costs and Commission Structures

Beyond the headline fees, Lighthouse's reliance on commissions is outlined in its Disclosure Statement, which introduces potential hidden costs:
  • Insurance Commissions: For life, health, and income protection policies with providers such as Asteron and AIA, Lighthouse receives initial and ongoing commissions based on the premiums. This is standard within the insurance industry and not unique to Lighthouse's process.
  • KiwiSaver Commissions: Upfront or trailing commissions from providers like Milford, Booster, and Generate depend on contribution levels or balances, adding to the effective cost of management, although these are paid by the KiwiSaver fund manager to Lighthouse (as a component of the standard management fee you pay for being in the fund). These fees are not paid by you directly.
  • Referral Fees: A fee from property developers for successful referrals may incentivise property recommendations, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

Our view is simple: Lighthouse Financial Services is one of numerous financial advisory firms operating across New Zealand, and its point of difference is the fact they offer multiple services under one roof. They also invest in creating conversations about money, particularly through its educational outreach via a popular podcast, workplace education, social media discussion, in-person events and more.

We believe the value of Lighthouse's services will depend heavily on individual circumstances. Be aware that while online reviews suggest personalised service from popular advisers, the reliance on individual relationships could pose risks if key staff depart. However, this is the case with any financial advisory firm and is not unique to Lighthouse.​

Strengths, Risks and Drawbacks to Consider

Lighthouse has established itself as a provider of financial services. Although our research team has not utilised their services, we outline our insights to help you determine what's best for you.

Strengths include:
  • Client review: Lighthouse has 200+ Google reviews, frequently mentioning good communication and professionalism, along with clear explanations of investments.
  • Broad service range: Lighthouse can be a convenient "one-stop" provider for linking accounting, mortgages, and wealth planning. While Lighthouse has historically been involved in servicing clients with residential property investments, we understand that this is no longer a focus, given the growth in wealth management and financial advisory services.
  • Educational Efforts: Lighthouse offers workplace workshops and an ongoing podcast that delivers arguably 'accessible' information. While it's likely Lighthouse uses these as a marketing strategy, the podcast is professional, featuring considered topics and well-known guests, with a focus on long-form interviews.

Risks and Drawbacks include:
  • Budget Strain: The $3,000 upfront cost, combined with potential review and commission expenses, could overwhelm clients with modest incomes or savings. However, Lighthouse is upfront with its fees and clearly outlines ongoing costs to help potential clients decide whether they'll pay for the services.
  • Staff turnover can disrupt continuity, as personalised service depends on key advisers. We asked Lighthouse about how they ensure continuity; their response was “While every client has a lead adviser, they’re also supported by a team who know their situation and goals.All plans, conversations, and strategies are documented clearly so that another team member can pick up the relationship seamlessly if needed.We have a consistent process for annual reviews and check-ins, ensuring advice is ongoing, not one-off. We invest in training, culture, and clear career pathways, so our advisers want to grow with us.”
  • Expectation Gaps: Clients need to commit to the long term; if market conditions mean investment values fall, a lack of continued investment (and dollar-cost averaging) is essential to build wealth. 

Our view on fees: Lighthouse's pricing aligns with mid-to-high-tier advisers in New Zealand, where fees often reflect the level of personalisation and support. Financial advice is a highly skilled service that is arguably overlooked, and all too often, New Zealanders save money upfront by consulting a commission-only financial adviser, where the outcomes may not be in the best interests of the investor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following frequently asked questions address the most common queries we receive about Lighthouse Financial Services. Where indicated, we have asked Lighthouse to provide direct responses to ensure accuracy and give readers insight into how the firm explains its services and approach.

We believe this transparency helps potential clients understand exactly what they're considering and allows for more informed decision-making. The questions cover practical concerns about costs, processes, and service delivery that are crucial for anyone evaluating financial advisory services.

Is the $3,000 financial plan a one-time cost, or does it include ongoing support?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "The $3,000 (excluding GST) is a one-time fee for the initial comprehensive financial plan. This includes your discovery meeting, financial analysis, projections, presentation meeting, implementation support, and 24/7 access to financial planning software. However, ongoing reviews incur separate costs, ranging from $1,200 to $2,400 annually, or $1,450 for ad-hoc sessions. The ongoing and ad-hoc costs also cover updating client financial plans".

What exactly do I get for my $3,000 - is it just a document?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "No, it's a comprehensive service package including multiple meetings, detailed financial analysis, future projections, a structured implementation plan, accountability support to help you execute recommendations, and ongoing access to financial planning software for tracking and scenario modelling. You are paying Lighthouse for advice and assistance, not a DIY investing plan".

Can I just get investment advice without paying for the full $3,000 financial plan?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "Investment advice is offered as a separate service, priced on application, typically for clients with over $250,000 to invest. However, for most clients, Lighthouse positions the comprehensive financial plan as the starting point for their advisory relationship".

How does the 0.55% ongoing advice fee work with MyFiduciary/Mapua portfolios?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "The portfolios aren't Mapau Wealth portfolios. Lighthouse pays Mapua Wealth as their independent research house to build their Lighthouse portfolios for clients".
  • "The fee covers our ongoing investment research, portfolio management, financial reviews, financial projections and updating their financial plans. Most clients in our investment portfolios are seeking a Financial Adviser to guide not just their money but also their retirement".

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

While Lighthouse discloses its fee structure, you'll indirectly pay through commissions on insurance policies and KiwiSaver products from schemes and plans offered by Milford, Booster, and Generate. Lighthouse also receives referral fees from property developers. These costs are built into product pricing rather than being charged directly to you, but they still represent actual costs within the system.

​KiwiSaver providers pay Lighthouse commissions (upfront or trailing) based on your contributions or balance. These don't directly increase your costs, as they're paid by the fund manager from their standard management fees; however, they're still a cost component within the system.

What happens if my assigned adviser leaves Lighthouse?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "While every client has a lead adviser, they're also supported by a team that knows their situation and goals. All plans, conversations, and strategies are documented clearly so that another team member can pick up the relationship seamlessly if needed".
  • "We have a consistent process for annual reviews and check-ins, ensuring advice is ongoing, not one-off. We invest in training, culture, and clear career pathways, so our advisers want to grow with us".

Do I need to implement all recommendations to get value from the service?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "We say a financial plan is words and projections - nobody will build wealth with a plan alone. Taking action from a financial plan is the only way to create wealth. If a client is not comfortable with one of the recommendations, that is the client's decision. We will want to work with them to understand their view as we will have made the recommendation as we believe it is the most efficient way to achieve their goals".

How often should I expect contact from my adviser?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "Typically, we will work with a client for 60 days after presenting the plan to ensure all points have been actioned. After this point, we will be in touch with our investment clients for quarterly and semi-annual reviews, as agreed upon. Between meetings, it is very common to have phone calls and emails. We will also bring forward reviews at no additional cost if a significant event has occurred in the client's life".
  • "For our ad-hoc reviews, we offer a review once a year, and clients can contact us for a review at any point. The review fee covers a meeting, updating their financial plan and assisting with any actions".

Is Lighthouse suitable for someone just starting their financial journey?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • A Financial Plan is usually suitable for New Zealanders with a household income over $200,000 or more than $200,000 in cash or useable equity. For those at the start of their journey, we can provide guidance on KiwiSaver and insurance advice, and our Mortgage team can assist first-home buyers. 

What if I only need help with one area like KiwiSaver, and will I pay the full fees if so?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "We have Insurance and KiwiSaver-only Advisers. There is no fee, as the provider pays the Adviser".

What investment options does Lighthouse typically recommend?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "We believe our offering is unique, as we provide advice on budgeting, debt repayment, investment properties, investment portfolios, and KiwiSaver". 
  • "Our advice on investment property is more from a planning perspective. Based on placeholder numbers, does a property improve your ability to achieve your goals? We will also help you determine the type of property investor you want to be - new build, renovator, multi-unit, or commercial". 
  • "For our investment portfolios, we believe we offer a very strong proposition, independent investment advice. We have no conflicts of interest with the underlying funds we recommend, and we pass on all available discounts. We will make recommendations from time to time if we believe a fund is underperforming or a new fund has come to market that offers a lower fee, a better tax option, or other advantages".

Does Lighthouse provide tax optimisation advice for investments?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "For most clients, PIE funds are the right solution. When clients have more complicated situations, we will work with our team of Accountants".

How long does the financial planning process take from start to finish?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "Usually six weeks. Implementation can take longer, especially if an investment property is involved". 

What qualifications do their advisers have?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:

Can I cancel ongoing review services if I'm not satisfied?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "Absolutely - we aren't in the business of holding clients to contracts".

Does Lighthouse work with clients outside Auckland?

Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "Yes, we tend to work with most of our clients over Zoom, including those in Auckland. Although, it is great to meet clients at our office in the city".

What if I disagree with their investment recommendations?

​Lighthouse helps answer this question:
  • "We would work with you to understand your views. A key aspect of our financial projections is that they remove biases. Either the recommendations bring you closer to your goals, or they wouldn't be in the plan. 
  • Saying that you are in control of your financial plan, and you decide what you implement". 

10 Important Questions to Ask Lighthouse (and What Answers to Expect, As Answered By Lighthouse's Team)

When considering any financial advisory service, it's essential to ask direct questions about costs, processes, and value propositions. The following ten questions represent the most critical inquiries potential clients should make before engaging with Lighthouse or any financial advisory firm.

Know This: ​We have asked Lighthouse's team to provide their responses to these questions, marked clearly as "Lighthouse's response," to give readers direct insight into how the firm positions itself and explains its services. This approach serves two purposes: it provides transparency about what potential clients can expect to hear, and it allows readers to evaluate whether these responses align with their needs and expectations.

We believe these questions and responses should help you prepare for your discussions with Lighthouse or serve as a framework for evaluating other financial advisory services.

Question 1: "Can you provide a complete breakdown of all potential costs I might face over the next 3 years?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "Financial Plan Only - $3,000 plus GST" 
  • "Financial Plan plus six monthly reviews - $3,000 plus GST plus $100 per month plus GST - $4,200 plus GST per annum - $6,600 plus GST over three years".
  • "Financial Plan plus quarterly reviews - $3,000 plus GST plus $200 per month plus GST - $5,400 plus GST per annum - $10,200 plus GST over three years".
  • "Financial Plan and investment Client (say $500,000) - $3,000 plus GST plus 0.55%, including GST per annum ($2,750) - $11,250 over three years".

"Question 2: How much commission do you receive from each product you recommend, and how does this influence your recommendations?"

Lighthouse's response:
"We charge a financial plan fee so our Advisers time is covered for the in depth financial planning process. Our commissions are as follows: 
  • KiwiSaver (Kernel, Milford, Pathfinder and Booster) - 0.2% to 0.5% - the Kernel Fee is in addition to the fund manager fee. Pathfinder pays $150 upfront if your KiwiSaver balance is over $5,000".

Question 3: "Can you show me examples of how you've helped clients during market downturns?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "During the Trump Tariff volatility, we sent an email to all clients to reassure them. We provided a podcast episode featuring James, who discussed the situation and offered guidance on the next steps". 
  • "When interest rates fell to 2%, we reduced the duration of our bond portfolios to prepare for a potential increase in interest rates". 
  • "Saying all of that, we believe in being in the market over time instead of timing the market. The best time for a client to take action (whether regarding property or funds) is when it aligns with their goals and they are in a position to do so". 

Question 4: "How do you measure success for your clients, and what happens if I'm not achieving my goals?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "I believe we are the best Financial planners in New Zealand in this space. We spend significant time upfront to understand your goals, and if you are in a relationship, ensure you are on the same page. If you are not on track to achieve your goals, we will explain the levers available to you, such as reducing spending, postponing home upgrades, or working longer hours". 
  • "At our financial reviews, we will update your financial projections to ensure you stay on track". 
  • "On the other hand, we also dislike clients who have unallocated capital. For example, if a client is on track to die with $5 million, we will discuss increasing spending, retiring early, or receiving an early inheritance, among other options". 

Question 5: "Why would I choose your service over going directly to providers like Kernel, Simplicity, or Booster?"

Lighthouse's response:
"You certainly can - our clients want an Adviser as they want to ensure the provider, fund, and contribution level continue to make sense for them in the future. They also want support during periods of volatility".

Question 6: "Based on my situation, what would be the total cost-benefit analysis of using your services versus alternatives?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "For clients with a household income over $200,000 or more than $200,000 in cash or useable equity, we believe a financial plan is the best investment you can make. The clarity about your future, the peace of mind it provides". 
  • "For clients who aren't in this position, we do not recommend completing a plan, as we do not believe we can provide an adequate return on investment". 
  • "We also don't recommend our service for DIY investors as we find the clients who benefit the most are those who want hands-on advice". ​

Question 7: "What specific value will I receive that justifies your premium pricing compared to other advisers?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "A holistic financial plan focused on you and your goals first. Our financial projection software, combined with budgeting software, enables us to examine all options based on your specific situation and develop a clear plan to achieve your goals".
  • Many clients appreciate the convenience of working with other professionals at Lighthouse, including those in Accounting, Mortgages, and Property. All of your professionals are under one roof, working towards one plan".

Question 8: "What happens if I don't implement all your recommendations?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • "We would work with you to understand your views. A key benefit of our financial projections is that they remove biases. Either the recommendations bring you closer to your goals, or they wouldn't be in the plan". 
  • "Saying that you are in control of your financial plan and you decide what you implement".

Question 9: "What's the minimum time commitment you expect from me, and what preparation is required?"

Lighthouse's response:
  • ​"We need you to complete our background form. We won't hold a meeting unless both parties in a couple are present. We need you to complete homework tasks, such as the budget template and finding insurance policies. It might sound silly, but we need you to read and ask questions about your financial plan".
  • "In total, you spend 3.5 hours with your Financial Adviser, from the first meeting to implementation, and you must be engaged".

Question 10: "How long should I expect before seeing meaningful results from your recommendations?"

​Lighthouse's response:
  • "I'd love to give a straightforward answer, but it depends on your goals, income, expenses and current financial position".
  • "Our financial projections will help you determine how long it will take to achieve your goals". 

Our Conclusion

​Who Lighthouse may suit:
  • Households with income over $200,000 or assets exceeding $200,000
  • Clients seeking comprehensive financial planning rather than single-product advice
  • Individuals who value ongoing support and regular reviews
  • Those who prefer working with a team that handles multiple financial services

Who may want to consider alternatives:
  • Beginning investors with modest assets or income
  • DIY investors are comfortable making their own decisions
  • Those seeking single-service solutions (KiwiSaver only, insurance only)
  • Cost-sensitive clients for whom the $3,000 upfront fee represents a significant expense​
Bottom Line: 
  • The transparency around fees is commendable, many financial advisors are less upfront about costs. The $3,000 entry point, while substantial, removes conflicts of interest that can arise with commission-only models. However, the total cost of engagement, including ongoing reviews and investment management fees, can become significant over time.
  • We believe Lighthouse's educational efforts, through their podcast and workshops, demonstrate a commitment to financial literacy while also serving as effective marketing tools. The firm's approach appears genuinely focused on comprehensive planning rather than product sales, which aligns with best practices in financial advice.
  • Lighthouse Financial Services appears to deliver on its promises - comprehensive, personalised financial planning for clients with the means and complexity to justify the cost, as outlined in its extensive Google reviews. The service is likely worth considering for those who meet their target client profile and value integrated financial management. However, simpler financial situations may be better served by lower-cost alternatives or direct investment approaches.
  • Before engaging, ensure you understand the total potential costs over several years and carefully consider whether the level of service justifies the expense for your specific situation. The firm's willingness to state upfront who they believe their service suits (households with an income of over $200,000 or assets of over $200,000) provides helpful guidance for self-assessment.
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