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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A Reminder from a Survivor
Hey Scott,
I read your book at 21, bought a home at 26 … then got cancer at 34. Following the Barefoot steps made my diagnosis manageable. Three months of saved expenses (Mojo) saw me through treatment until my Income Protection kicked in. No financial pressure to return to work whilst I continue immunotherapy.
How on earth did I get here?
"Bugger."
The engine warning light lit up like a 2-cent pokie jackpot.
Wally retires
Twenty years ago I had a meeting with a book publisher.
It turned out to be one of the luckiest days of my professional life.
Bridget Jones Scores $900
Hi Scott,
I love your columns and still use your buckets 10 years after reading your book. I’ve saved and paid off my debts, but your email today was perfect timing.
Are You Okay?
“Are you okay? If you need a hand with anything, call.”
I stared at the text while I stood ankle-deep in a kiddie pool, orange juice in hand.
You're Out of Touch, Barefoot
I read your latest column and wasn’t that impressed with your ‘forget about it’ number of $100. Even though I earn $175,000 a year, I’m the type who hunts for bargains even if it’s just saving a few bucks.
What are your Money Rules?
“Jeez, mate … what the hell happened to you?” I said to Benny, an old farmhand I once employed.
He’d shed so much weight since I last saw him that he looked like he’d been kidnapped by a pack of Pilates instructors.
Best Christmas Present Ever!
Last year we got a Christmas gift that changed everything: The Barefoot Investor. And what a year it’s been. My 20-year-old son is now the proud owner of his first piece of land, having already paid off half the loan while keeping his emergency fund intact.
Young and Stupid
Our Year 12 economics teacher just read out one of your Q&A newsletters in class. An 18-year-old guy had written to you confessing he’d spent $8,000 on a credit card.
Barefoot Book Week!
Book Week time again and Barefoot was the only person Hamish wanted to dress as! He has read Barefoot Kids and is now nearly finished your original Barefoot Investor book.
Mum Won’t Give Me $30,000 Because of YOU, Barefoot
My mum is withholding a $30,000 inheritance for me from my late great aunt because she thinks I wouldn’t use it the ‘Barefoot way’. I’m a 26-year-old woman, living with my partner, and we have money of our own saved up for a house deposit.
Screen-free Sunday
I wanted to let you know we were impressed with Screen-free Sunday and have instituted it for the second week running. (Though my kids point out that it should be followed swiftly by Mum-free Monday!)
How I Keep It Hot in the Bedroo
“Why am I so hot?” said Liz, bolting upright in bed the other night. “Perhaps it’s early menopause?” I giggled back into the darkness.
Au Pair? Au Contraire!
I’m 19, au pairing in the UK and preparing for a three-month backpacking trip around Europe. Living the dream, right! Except that by the time I get back to Australia I’ll have just about used up my savings.
Holy Moly!
Last week I challenged you to do ‘one thing’ towards what you’ve been putting off, and then email me and let me know what you did.
Strike me pink!
Do this one thing for me
Howard Marks is one of the world’s greatest investors.
He’s so influential that Warren Buffett says that whenever Marks writes anything he stops what he’s doing and reads it immediately.
What Drugs Are They Smok’n?
I struggle to relate to the questions you get. A couple earning $160,000 a year can’t save 20% for a deposit, or a single mum edging up to $100,000 a year is struggling financially.
You’re a Total Jerk
Your answer to last week’s question from the 90-year-old man, wanting to see whether he should implement your financial plan (‘Old Dog, New Tricks’) would have to be the most insensitive, egotistical slap-back I have ever read in your column.
I Don’t Pay My Best Employee
Today I want to introduce you to the best worker I’ve ever had.His name is Robbo, and he started working for me about six months ago.