Articles & Questions
Every week I publish a fun new article on a money topic I think you’ll find interesting. I also answer a handful of reader questions. Subscribers to my newsletter get to see everything first — but you can browse some of my past articles & questions on this page.
My Best Articles
Not sure where to start? Below I’ve handpicked a few of my favourites. And if you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe to my free newsletter to get new issues before anyone else!
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The beast is coming for me
For the past couple of years I've been quietly checking in on a single mum I'll call Fiona.
In 2024 she wrote to me with a confession: she had bought an apartment using the Government's low income single parent deposit scheme, and she was now in deep trouble.
I wasn't surprised.
The Best Christmas Present Ever
Hi Scott,
I bought Barefoot Kids for my seven-year-old son Chris during the school holidays. I wasn't sure he'd read it – he's only ever read small books before.
Annie's Wish
Dear Scott,
My granddaughter, Annie, is 17. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
What You Can Learn From a 10 Year Old
Hi Scott,
My name is Olli, I'm 10 years old and I have ADHD so I have lots and lots of energy. That's why I love footy, I get to burn it all off! My mum and I have been reading Barefoot Kids and it got me thinking ...
Barefoot Bubbles
My son Odin absolutely loves Barefoot Kids – he’s followed every single step over the past year.
Slim Dusty and the Nine-Year-Old
Dear Scott,
My name is Imogen. I’m nine years old and live in Melbourne. I was camping with my country cousins at Christmas when my uncle made me a deal: he’d give me $50 if I could learn and recite one of his favourite Slim Dusty songs.
My Bag Men
Here is a picture of my boys with their bags full of toys to donate. They saved just under $250 this year, and I let them loose in Kmart. They had a ball and put so much thought into the presents.
The Fairy Floss Boss
Hi, my name is Theo. I want to start a fairy floss business. I’ve done a business plan but my mum called the insurance people and they said that they don’t give 10-year-olds insurance.
No Batteries Required
We got both my boys the Barefoot Kids book for Christmas over a year ago. In the last four months, Charlie has made over $100 from recycling cans and bottles. Charlie and our eldest son, Patrick, who’s 11, have also begun buying and selling Pokemon cards on eBay!
Cowabunga, Dude
Over three years ago you answered a question about my daughters following your ‘Jam Jars’ method. Well, I have a family update for you ... we are still going strong with the jars, and both girls have just saved over $100 for their own skateboards.
My Parents Don’t Support Me
My name is Laura and I’m 12 years old. A couple of months ago I was given a copy of Barefoot Kids. I’ve come to inform you that I’ve read it many times and it has inspired me to become a better person when it comes to money.
Could you ... would you?
Thank you so much for your amazing money concept for kids. I am a School Chaplain at a low socio-economic school in Tamworth, NSW.
The Farmer
My name is Sam Williams, I’m 13 years old, and I own a business – a Poll Dorset sheep stud.
Chop Wood, Carry Water
We confiscated our 14-year-old son’s phone over a year ago because he was misusing it. It’s been a long year of self-harm and reminding him he is supported and loved.
My bedtime routine
Each night I tuck the kids into bed and read them a story.
Yet lately … I’ve been cheating.
Cards of Courage
My name is Amira and I’m 10. For Christmas Mum got me Barefoot Kids. Thanks for writing a cool book. Mum and I read it together.
Harry Styles Goes Barefoot
Just writing to thank you for your latest book, which I bought for my nine-year-old granddaughter. She has now established her jars for spending, saving and giving. Two weeks ago she and a little friend had a bake sale in Collingwood, where they live.
Barefoot the Beetroot
I’m the librarian at Mornington Primary School. A Grade 5 student named Liam nominated Barefoot Kids for our book of the week.
The Christmas Miracle
I bought your new book for my nine-year-old son. It was Christmas night, and putting him to bed was proving challenging.
We Thought Our Daughter Had a Learning Disability
I want to say thank you for writing one of the most incredible books for kids. My eight-year-old daughter has a tendency to read the first chapter of a book then get bored.