The Blueprint Finance Podcast | Plan Your Future

Daniel Lipman and Rory McSweeney
  • 0.0 (0)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Worried about making the right money moves for your future? The Blueprint Finance Podcast cuts through the noise. Join award-winning adviser Daniel Lipman & Paralympian Rory McSweeney for practical, jargon-free advice on everything from mastering your mortgage to building an investment portfolio. In each episode, discover how to: ► Build a real strategy: Understand the long game for your loans, investments, and insurance. ► Turn complexity into clarity: Get simple, actionable steps for today's market. ► Learn from real Kiwis: Hear success stories that show you what's possible. Let's go!

  1. FEB 9

    Don't Start a Business, Buy One: The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History

    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/

    58 min

  2. 12/04/2025

    How Blueprint Finance Started: From Shoebox Office to a 15-Person Team

    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/

    59 min

  3. 11/09/2025

    The Great NZ Property Debate: Is Commercial Really Better Than Residential?

    Which is the superior investment: residential or commercial property? This episode provides a complete financial breakdown.The core difference comes down to Net vs. Gross Yield. In residential, you get a gross yield (e.g., 2-3%) and are responsible for all outgoings—rates, insurance, and management. With commercial, you get a net yield (e.g., 5-7%) because the tenant is legally responsible for all of those costs (known as OPEX). The income you receive is pure.We explore the other major advantages of commercial, including long-term leases (3, 10, or even 20 years vs. a 1-year residential term) and a hands-off, professional B2B relationship.But it's not that simple. Residential is far more "bank-friendly," with 30-year terms and higher LVRs. So, what's the ultimate strategy? We reveal how smart investors "hack" the system by leveraging their residential portfolio (with its low interest rates and high leverage) to fund their commercial purchases, getting the best of both worlds.We also cover a complete "State of the Nation" for commercial real estate, including:- The Landlord's Dilemma: The counter-intuitive reason why a landlord would rather leave a property empty than accept a lower rent (hint: it protects the building's entire valuation).- The "Add-Value" Play: Why the high-vacancy office market—hit hard by work-from-home—is the number one opportunity for investors to "rinse and repeat" by creating equity.- Sector Breakdown: A look at why industrial property is king, suburban retail is resilient, and different sectors offer different yields.- Financing Rules: How owner-occupiers (a business buying its own building) can still get 100% bank lending.Talk with an expert:Logan (Commercial Property: https://www.colliers.co.nz/en-nz/experts/logan-roachDaniel (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/

    45 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    How to break your limits in NZ Real Estate with Lawrence Kenyon-Slade

    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 Episodes Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Limitless Real Estate 00:58 – Duplicating Systems & Personal Branding 03:20 – Recruitment: Targeting Proven Agents 04:49 – The “Limitless” Standard & Self-Development 06:24 – Lawrence’s Personal Motivation 07:43 – Applying The 10x Rule 09:37 – Philosophy Behind “Limitless” 11:34 – Market Breakdown: Who’s Buying Now 12:33 – Why Today’s Market is “Normal” 13:14 – The Key to a Successful Sale: Motivation 16:32 – Will a 1% Rate Drop Spark a Boom? 19:14 – Historical Cycles & Flat Market Outlook 23:29 – How Technology Changed the Industry 24:08 – AI in Admin & Agent Training 25:22 – The Digital-First Agency Model 27:10 – Are Auctions Dead in 2025? 28:26 – Tips for First-Home Buyers 29:26 – Creative Negotiation Tactics 31:39 – Capital Growth Debate: South Auckland 32:40 – Lifestyle vs Investment Decisions 34:20 – Can You Still Get 9% Yields? 35:06 – Investment Case Study: Gisborne Reno Episode Summary Lawrence 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.

    38 min

  5. 10/16/2025

    When do you become wealthy enough to not need insurance? | Blueprint Finance Podcast EP13

    The news many Kiwi have been waiting for is here: mortgage rates are once again on a downward trend. In this episode, we're giving you an update from the 2nd of October, including our bold (now proven correct) prediction for the upcoming OCR announcement and what it likely means for the property market.We break down the "window of opportunity" for first home buyers and discuss the critical point where the cost of owning becomes neck-and-neck with renting.Then, we pivot to one of the most important questions a successful family can ask: When do you become wealthy enough to not need insurance?We dive into a case study of a couple with a $5 million net worth and no debt. By flipping the script from "protecting the downside" to "protecting the upside," we reveal how a small investment in risk protection can guarantee a multi-million dollar legacy.Listen now for a masterclass in seizing market opportunities and securing your financial future.Get professional analysis, calculations, and advice for your mortgage, insurance and investments. To request a free review visit https://blueprintfinance.co.nzTo book a conversation with Rory please visit https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/#rory-mcsweeneyBlueprint Finance LimitedFSP 100-60230800 769 1082025 Winner: Finsure New Brokerage of the YearThere is a big difference between "professional" and "accidental" investors. How they submit offers, how many offers they submit, what price they pay, their emotional attachment... but the biggest difference? A fundamentally better investment property!https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/property-investment/ is a guide for New Zealanders looking to improve their property investing. It covers the essentials, from: calculating the "usable equity" in your current home to fund a deposit, to choosing the right investment strategy and navigating NZ tax rules. Move from theory to practice by using the free downloadable calculators to compare properties, structure loans, and build a tangible investment plan.Subscribe to our Property Ownership and Investing newsletter here https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/

    32 min

  6. 09/12/2025

    The Entrepreneur's Compass: Forging Your Own Path with Brandon Lipman

    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/

    1h 27m

  7. 07/31/2025

    Bitcoin at All-Time Highs: Is It Too Late to Invest?

    With Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs in 2025, the most common question we hear is: "Have I missed the boat?" It's easy to look at the charts and feel like the incredible gains are a thing of the past.In this episode, Daniel and Rory sit down with Paul, the Chief Commercial Officer of Easy Crypto, to tackle this question head-on. They explore why looking at today's price can be misleading and how a simple shift in perspective—from short-term speculation to a long-term strategy—changes everything.This isn't a conversation about getting rich quick. It's a deep dive into the principles of long-term conviction, the powerful role of Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), and how institutional adoption through ETFs and KiwiSaver is creating a brand new chapter for crypto, suggesting the journey is far from over.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why the famous saying, "The best time to buy was five years ago, the second-best time is today," holds true for long-term investors.• Practical strategies like Dollar-Cost Averaging to start building a position without the stress of trying to time the market perfectly.•How institutional money via ETFs is fundamentally changing the game and what it means for future growth.• The powerful lesson from those who thought it was "too late" to buy when Bitcoin first hit $20,000.• Simple, low-barrier ways to get started, even with as little as $50.If you've been watching from the sidelines, feeling like you're too late to the party, this episode provides the crucial context and practical steps you need to make an informed decision.

    45 min

  8. 06/30/2025

    Are Buyers Getting Shafted? Whose Agent Are They Anyway? Alex Martelli on The Blueprint Podcast #8

    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.

    39 min
See All (18)

About

Worried about making the right money moves for your future? The Blueprint Finance Podcast cuts through the noise. Join award-winning adviser Daniel Lipman & Paralympian Rory McSweeney for practical, jargon-free advice on everything from mastering your mortgage to building an investment portfolio. In each episode, discover how to: ► Build a real strategy: Understand the long game for your loans, investments, and insurance. ► Turn complexity into clarity: Get simple, actionable steps for today's market. ► Learn from real Kiwis: Hear success stories that show you what's possible. Let's go!

Information