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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Are we heading into a recession?
Hi Scott,
I am really scared about where interest rates are heading.
You won’t like this
Warning:
There’s a good chance you’re going to hate what I’m about to write.
Thanks for Nuttin’, Albo
Scott,
I think I know your answer but I’ll ask it anyway. I’ve just been reading that in the US Trump is bringing in 50-year loans to help people get into their first homes.
Wait, 300k Qantas points are worth how much?
"The mortgage wars are back — and banks are bribing you with everything from Qantas points to cash", read the front page of the newspaper this week.
Thanks for NOTHING, Barefoot
Hey Scott,
I just read your column about Maura, the single mum who bought a home with a 2.5% deposit and now can’t afford it. Maura, listen to Scott – and you might end up like me: with ‘nothing’ (and grateful for it).
Here’s what happens next to house prices
So the election is done and dusted.
Albo has been given the rose by Australia. He is our most eligible political bachelor. And, if the Internet is true (and I’m sure it is), I saw a picture of Dutton working at McDonald’s.
Hello 5% Deposits!
Dear Scott,
Albo’s back, and so is his housing policy. So why would anyone want a 5 per cent deposit? That just means borrowing 95 per cent! Who benefits?
The Dim Sim of Australian Politics
Hi Scott,
I’m 32, a teacher, and renting with my boyfriend (also a teacher). We’re working hard and saving where we can, but the idea of owning a home in Melbourne still feels out of reach. We don’t have rich parents or guarantors – my mum also rents, and my partner’s parents are still paying off their home.
About that rate cut
Let’s talk about interest rates.
Watching Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock announce the first rate cut in four years reminded me of my kids when I let them watch TV.
What’s in store for property prices
Let’s take out the crystal ball and see what’s in store for property prices.
Nationally, they continue to creep higher – they’re up a very respectable 6.7% this year.
This is going to hurt
This week, I found myself standing in my underwear while a man took photos of me.
“Oh, this doesn’t look good” he said, getting right up in my grill. “Best we freeze this sunspot off,” said my doctor, walking back to his desk.
Will the Budget Push Interest Rates Up?
I know you boycotted the Budget, but, being a ‘postcode povvo’ who is barely hanging on (after the rate rises, roughly 65% of our income goes to our mortgage!), I have to ask: do you think all the Budget spending will increase interest rates?
Admit It: You Were WRONG, Barefoot
Late 2020, hubby and I were renting a granny flat in Sydney for $520 a week. He saw on the news that house prices were set to rise as much as 30% and said we needed to buy our first home ASAP.
The Seven Stages of Grief
My fiancé and I purchased our house in December 2021 and had a fixed rate for two years at 2.59%.
How to Get a 30-Year Home Loan Fixed at 2%
I’m an Australian expat living in the United States. In the US the vast majority of people have either 15-year or 30-year fixed-interest-rate mortgages, with most of these loans having very few restrictions or prepayment penalties.
*&*# you, Barefoot!
So … it seems that many readers are worried about the state of my mental health. Like Raffy, who wrote:
A Super-Simple Way to Stop Rate Rises
If inflation is a society-wide problem, why is our only reaction to take money from a specific group (mortgage-holders) and give it to a specific industry (banking)?
Launching a Class Action Against the RBA
My inbox is still melting from last week’s column on interest rates! It seems that right now everyone wants to stomp on RBA Governor Philip Lowe’s spectacles.
What’s Next for Property Prices?
The Reserve Bank (RBA) is in full arse-covering mode. They had one job to do: keep inflation (that is, prices) from rising out of control … and they failed.
Don’t believe them
Did you know that Australians are officially the richest people on the planet?It’s true, according to Credit Suisse’s latest annual global wealth report.