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 best question this year
How cool is this?
On Tuesday an eight-year-old named Molly filled out the “Ask Barefoot” form on my website:
“My parents won’t allow me to buy shares, and it makes me feel so sad. Please help me! Molly”
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.
An 11-Year-Old With a BIG Problem
I’m 11 years old and I’m trying to invest, but I’m having a problem. Every investing app I try has monthly fees up to $10 a month! Can you please help give me some advice on how to find the right investing app.
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!
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.
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.
New Vanguard Kids’ Account
Vanguard has recently released a new product, the Personal Investor Kids account. It starts with as little as $25 and offers a regular savings plan.
Rich Kid, Poor Kid … Worried Mum
We have twin girls and we recently went all in on the Barefoot pocket money strategy.
Help me, help them
I’m a teacher, and I have an opportunity to put together a short finance course (10 lessons) for a Year 10 cohort at my school. I want to focus on how to set them up with really achievable, totally practical and easily applied approaches for future financial security.
You Have ZERO Credibility, Barefoot
Both my sons (age 13 and 15) have read your books and are practising the ‘Buckets’ strategy. They are slowly, slowly building their wealth to financial independence using earnings from weekend chores, part-time jobs and compound interest.
I Tried CommBank’s New App
A mate of mine is a fireman … so his kids get to ride in his fire engine and even get to blast the siren.I’m a finance guy, so my kids get to … beta-test the new Commonwealth Bank app for kids.
Help! The Tax Man is Beating Up My Kid
I have a very hardworking 13-year-old who has amassed quite a bit of money: she has saved up $200,000!
I’m All Ears
My 9-year-old daughter started a business making earrings and hair ties last year during lockdown. It’s grown so much in the last year she now has a few thousand dollars in her bank account!
The Seven-Year-Old Financial Advisor
I am a seven-year-old who lives in Tasmania. I have read all your books and shared them with my mum.
My Son is a TikTok Star
My 15-year-old son owes a lot to homeschooling. He became super creative and started a TikTok profile @tcezy uploading weird, dark and mysterious content. He has amassed a huge 5.7 million followers in just over a year.
Thanks From Spider-Man
Here is a pic of my five-year-old, who started the Jam Jars last year and saved up enough to replace his broken Garmin band (he accidentally cut it with scissors at school last week) with a Spider-Man band. He received a double-edged lesson in saving AND in looking after his things.
The ASX Game
My daughter recently brought home a consent form for me to sign. She is in Year 12 and, as part of Pathways and Wellbeing (PAW) this semester, the students are learning about investing in shares by playing the ASX Sharemarket Game. They are given $50,000 virtual money to invest over a 10-week period. Since reading your book in 2020, I have been investing in the ASX but not trading. My concern is that it is not focusing on long-term investment. So should I sign the form?
The Money Movement Manifesto
Over the past few years, I’ve been on a bit of a journey, and today I’d like to talk to you about it.
To be blunt, I see a lot of trouble brewing:
The rich are getting much richer … while the young, and the poor … are mostly not getting anywhere.