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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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:
Dating an Orange Narcissist
An old mate of mine turned up to the farm with a baseball cap on.
It wasn’t sunny.
As we shook hands I noticed his head was bandaged.
“What have you done to your head, cobber?” I asked, concerned for his wellbeing.
Why I invested in Elon Musk's SpaceX
I just invested in the most overvalued piece of junk going around:
Elon’s latest trillion-dollar trouser-tickler, SpaceX.
I didn’t have a choice. My index fund bought it for me. Automatically.
Barefoot’s Take on the Budget
A spinner from the Housing Minister’s office called me a couple of weeks ago:
“The Minister would like to invite you to Canberra to attend the Budget. There are a few changes we’re going to announce that, let’s just say … we think you’ll be very interested in”, he purred.
“Yeah, yeah. You blokes always say that. What’s the date again?” I asked, turning off my tractor.
Shiver Me Timbers
Hi Scott,
I have a friend who offered to manage my superannuation for me.
The Iran War is Killing My Retirement
Hi Scott,
I am very stressed about the Iran war, and the impact it will have on my superannuation. I am 61, still working, and looking to retire in the next four years.
Have You Checked Your Super Lately?
Hi Scott,
I read your column about Mary (“I’m Still Standing”), who lost the majority of her lifetime super savings through the First Guardian Master Fund collapse.
Jeffrey Epstein and Vanguard
Scott,
As a mid-life woman, I have been impacted by predatory behaviour in the workplace and I identify strongly with the women who were treated as prey in Epstein’s network.
What’s the Catch?
Hi Scott,
Long time reader, first time writer! After comparing super funds I was contacted by Sue from (FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM’S NAME DELETED BY BAREFOOT’S LAWYERS)
Don’t Make Me Google
Hi Scott,
I was recently contacted by an investment company called Caprion Group, which operates in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Caprion’s account manager is encouraging me to invest $20,000, claiming they only risk 1% per trade and that most trades are profitable. I’m unsure whether this is legitimate or wise.
Should I Switch to Vanguard Super?
Hi Scott,
A while back you wrote about Vanguard Super’s upcoming entry onto the Australian scene. I was hoping you could share your thoughts on their performance so far.
Should I Go to Cash?
I’m sure you'll get a million questions to this effect, but what should we do with our super based on Warren Buffett’s indicator? Do we move our super investments to more conservative options (cash, etc)?
Is My Super Genocidal?
Own up, Barefoot, you support the war machine. I have often wondered why my super investments in a fund like Australian Ethical have not grown as much as others.
I don’t want this to happen to you
The stock market is flirting with all-time-record highs …
… and that’s my cue to cock my leg and pee all over your portfolio.
You see, I still have PTSD from the GFC, when retirees would write to me in tears as they watched their super balance crater. They had no idea how much risk they were taking in their super fund ... until it was too late.
Best Returning Super Funds
I was reading about the best performing super funds, which were Mine Super, Colonial FirstChoice, and IOOF – all of which earned over 10% and easily beat my super fund (AustralianSuper).
What you’re about to read is going to get me into trouble
What you’re about to read is going to get me into trouble.
So I’m going to cut to the chase: to all the marketing managers of the products I’m about to mention, please email my assistant: idontcare@barefootinvestor.com
*&^%$^* the Labor Government
I’m writing on behalf of my mum, who is distressed about the upcoming changes to superannuation. She is a widower who has worked hard all her life, saving like crazy to ensure she had a secure retirement (believing it was her responsibility not to be a burden to society via the pension) and to leave a tidy nest egg for her kids.
Help, My Dentist Wants My Super!
We have been blessed with seven kids, some of whom have unfortunately not been blessed with straight teeth. Blimey, $7,500 for braces is no walk in the park, especially when you start multiplying it by three, four or more!