In Inside a Financial Plan: Dion & Rachel’s Journey - we follow a couple taking their first steps toward long-term financial clarity. From identifying their values to setting meaningful goals, this episode shows how a real financial plan is built - one grounded in transparency, teamwork, and the freedom money can create.
Understanding the Journey
This week we launched our new mini series with Dion and Rachel – a couple ready to open up their finances and work through a full financial plan over the next 12 months. Out of more than 100 applicants, they were selected to share their experience from start to finish.
Dion, a self-confessed spreadsheet lover and data professional, and Rachel, a passionate teacher, have partnered with James, Wealth Director and financial adviser at Lighthouse Financial, to bring this process to life. As James explains, great financial advice always starts with understanding people – because once you understand the person, the plan becomes clear.
For Dion and Rachel, that means defining what money really means to them. Dion’s upbringing, marked by financial hardship, taught him to value structure and the freedom that comes from control. Rachel, on the other hand, admits she learned the hard way through overdrafts and poor spending habits – but now sees financial discipline as the path to independence and opportunity.
Values Behind the Financial Plan
When asked what money represents, both answer with the same word: freedom.
For Dion, that freedom is about choice – being able to work fewer hours or explore new passions without worrying about income. Rachel’s idea of freedom is being able to support their daughter, Lily, and continue doing the work she loves without financial stress.
They also share a strong desire to invest in Lily’s future. They want her to have opportunities – for study, travel, and independence – but to remain grounded in the same values that shaped them. Their story reflects a common challenge for Kiwi parents: how to support your kids while still letting them learn the value of earning and effort.
Turning Values into Action
The financial planning process in Inside a Financial Plan: Dion & Rachel’s Journey highlights how structured advice turns goals into results. James breaks the process into clear stages – from understanding values to setting budgets, building strategy, and following through with implementation.
Throughout this process, PocketSmith plays a major role. The budgeting software connects directly to bank accounts to show live spending data – something even the most detailed spreadsheet can’t do. As James explains, “You can lie to a spreadsheet, but you can’t lie to PocketSmith.”
For Dion and Rachel, that transparency helps bridge the gap between intention and reality – tracking every dollar and keeping their plan on course. PocketSmith’s real-time budgeting and projection tools make it easier to stay accountable, simplify decision-making, and bring financial goals to life.
Looking Ahead
Dion and Rachel’s goals are clear: continue improving their home, travel more often, and eventually create a better work-life balance. Rachel loves her career and hopes to keep teaching for as long as she’s passionate about it, while Dion wants to reach a point where work is a choice, not a necessity.
Their openness about money – something many New Zealanders still avoid – sets the tone for the entire series. By sharing their story publicly, they’re showing that financial planning isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, partnership, and aligning your money with what truly matters.
Key Takeaways
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Financial planning starts with values – knowing what money means to you is the foundation of every good plan.
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Freedom is the goal – for Dion and Rachel, it’s about time, choice, and opportunity.
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Open conversations drive clarity – transparency helps couples align on goals and priorities.
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PocketSmith makes budgeting real – live data and categorised transactions keep you accountable and honest.
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Small, consistent steps matter most – steady progress builds long-term financial freedom.
Next Steps
This series is proudly sponsored by PocketSmith, the smart budgeting software that helps you see your money clearly. With live bank feeds, automated categorisation, and powerful forecasting, PocketSmith gives you the full picture of where your money’s going – and where it could take you.
At Lighthouse Financial, we use PocketSmith with many of our clients because it connects your day-to-day spending to your long-term goals. Unlike a spreadsheet, it can’t be fudged – real data means real progress. Whether you’re managing a household budget or planning for financial freedom, PocketSmith helps turn your plan into action.
Try PocketSmith today and get 50 percent off your first two months.
If you’d like to learn more, check out these other episodes below.
For a no obligation discussion to see how we can help you on the path to wealth, please contact us.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only, is provided free of charge and does not constitute professional advice. We try to keep the information up to date. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, in relation to this article – including (without limitation) warranties as to accuracy, completeness and fitness for any particular purpose. Please seek independent advice before acting on any information in this article.
