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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Don’t save to retire
“Don’t Save to Retire”
Thundered the headline as I doomscrolled in bed on Sunday night.
“Trillionaire Elon Musk says AI will overtake human intelligence in five years, one billion robots will be doing your jobs, and money will be meaningless.”
Albo takes a swipe at our super
Can’t a man leave the country for a fortnight without the entire financial system melting down?
I’m barely off the plane and I find out the Prime Minister’s been running the skewer up our super. My inbox is jammed with Barefooters like Brad:
Albos War on Property Investors
Scott,
I read a financial commentator suggesting Labor is planning to cut the Capital Gains Tax discount from 50% to 25%
New Mum is Ghosted and Gutted
Hi Scott,
I’ve been trying to sell an investment property since early 2024. A buyer came through, signed everything, and I was told the contract was unconditional.
Where Are They Now?
Hi Scott,
You won’t remember me, but 12 years ago I reached out to you, desperate for help. I had made a bad property investment and then found out I was pregnant.
Buy a House, or Get Screwed?
Hi Scott,
A few years ago, my husband and I lost a lot of money in a housing downturn. We’ve since saved over $400,000 and are ready to buy again, but the market is crazy.
My Best Friend Thinks I’m Scum
I am so privileged. Thanks to following Barefoot from age 17, I bought my own home in Brisbane on a modest salary when I was 24, which I am now renting out while I live interstate.
2024 Will Bring The Biggest Crash of Our Lifetime
A question for you if you wouldn’t mind commenting – is there any truth to economist Harry Dent’s latest dire warning of doom for shares and property in Australia?
Should I kick my friend out?
I’m in a difficult situation with my friend. She’s been renting my large family home from me for the last three years, paying $825 a week in rent.
Am I a Greedy Landlord?
I own an investment property in an area where rent prices have basically doubled during covid. Do I keep my good tenant of nearly 10 years who is now on very very low rent, or chuck him out to cash in on the double dollars with new tenants? The tenant could actually be making money as he has 2 rooms to sublet, and these could exceed the entire rent price. The rent is actually so low now that is embarrassing me because I feel stupid.
Timeshare Tragedy
My husband and I are in our sixties and on the pension. In 2007 we went to an Accor timeshare seminar and signed up to their deal. We paid $22,000 upfront, plus an annual maintenance fee. We’ve only used the hotel three times (it’s always booked out).
Following My Dream
I am trying to follow my dream of buying my own home before I turn 30, even though I am on an average wage. But my accountant recently put me in touch with his property advisory team and they are adamant I should buy an investment property (with their help) as a way to pay less tax.
Scrooge McDuck
I see your dread and fear of low-interest rates, and will slay this with my positive outcome. My investment property in Queensland, which I bought cheaply, is positively geared and is reaping the rewards.
Crash Landing
My wife and I live in regional Australia, earning good dough. Our problem is our rental in Brisbane. Our tenants (no problem up to this point) have been stood down due to COVID.
Student Digs
Hi Scott, You generally advise your readers to buy a house first and invest later, but I am wondering if this is always the best approach. I am currently trying to decide whether to invest in a student accommodation apartment.
Are Index Funds in a Bubble?
Hi Scott, The financial guru from the movie The Big Short, Michael Burry, who made a fortune betting against the US housing collapse, is saying that the next big bubble is index funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs), and that things will get really ugly should the share market crash. Aren’t index funds what Barefoot recommends?
Let me tell you about the smartest 23-year-old woman I know:
Her name is Samantha, and she’s worked out a way to get a private 30-minute financial strategy session with me every single month. How much does she pay me?
When cashed up bogans run out of luck
You know what really grinds my gears? Cashed up bogans.
Preparing for Apartment Armageddon
Hi Scott, A few years ago I read your prediction that inner city apartment prices would fall. Since then I’ve been saving hard and am relieved to see property prices finally going down!
Does Renting Now Make Sense?
Hi Scott, I would like your thoughts on something that is bothering me. Forecasters think that house prices are set to fall at least 5% over the next year.