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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Nosebleed in Byron Bay
I just had an out of body experience … in Byron Bay no less.
Let me explain.
My yoga-loving, vegetarian wife announced that for the school holidays she’d snagged cheap Jetstar flights and an ‘amazing’ Airbnb that’s usually booked out.
You’ll hate this
After reading this column, my editor, Wally, said:
“I’m confident this piece will generate the greatest amount of hate mail you’ve ever received.”
Let’s see if he’s right …
Do you know what the easiest thing I could have done this week was?
Jim Chalmers Gets an A+ For His New Super Tax
Hi Scott,
With the newly re-elected government, there’s been lots of talk about the new tax on superannuation accounts over $3 million, specifically that it’s unindexed and that you pay it from unrealised capital gains.
My Beautiful Little Tax Deduction
I have just been told of a way I can save more money on taxes as a sole trader that is perfectly legal and above board. Apparently I can employ my 14-year-old son on minimum wage to help me as a personal assistant, thus giving me a deduction of up to $18,500 on my taxes.
You’re Nothing but a Bag of %$#^&, Barefoot
Many people who earn a lot are miners. We sacrifice our lives without family and friends to make higher wages while giving tax cuts to people who choose to earn less but won’t make a sacrifice to earn more.
AMEN, Barefoot!
I love your position on the tax cuts! I’m in the highest tax bracket, and you won’t catch me moaning about getting a bit less of a still giant tax cut when we are in a cost of living crisis that I am immune from due to my high income.
Is three grand coming your way?
This week I spoke to the ATO. Rarely is that an interesting conversation … however, this time, I asked them the one thing that people really care about: how much does the average Aussie get back at tax time?
My ‘Free’ Land Cost Me $140 Grand
My brother and I — both in our sixties — did a land swap, with no money changing hands. The aim was to facilitate generational change (when we eventually die). Now I have now been hit with a $140,000 capital gains tax bill!
Barefoot Budget Will Send Us Broke?
I was reading about this week’s budget and there was an article saying that you thought the Treasurer was going to send us all broke. I assume it was referring to all the spending and government debt, but thought I’d go straight to the horse’s mouth and check.
Too Broke to Go Broke
Dear Scott, I am one of those ‘bastard bosses’ you talk about — I am still about $40,000 behind on my employees’ super (including mine — I have not paid myself any super, ever). I am also going broke.
Taxing Question from a Woolies Worker
Hi Scott, I am one of the thousands of people Woolworths has underpaid over the past decade, and I am now waiting for them to pay it back. The first payment will supposedly be made before Christmas.
3 ways to spend your tax refund that’ll change your life
Did you know that the average Aussie gets a tax refund of $2,574? Even better, this year the ‘Lamington’ (Low And Middle Income Offset) of up to $1,080 kicks in.
How to Find a Great Accountant
Scott, I am 51 and newly divorced, and for the first ever I feel the need to get some tax advice from an accountant. But how do I find one who is trustworthy and not just after as much of my money as they can get?
Help! I Don’t Want a Tax Bill!
Hi Barefoot, I am 27 and work as a carpenter with a small construction company. The accountant I have always used (who always got me a good refund) retired at the end of last year, and I am worried I will have to pay tax this year.
The Big Budget Changes You Missed
Far as I can tell, we’re the only country that goes a little ‘Hollywood’ for the Budget. Other nations just read theirs out on a Tuesday afternoon in parliament, and no one gives a toss.
Do I Have to Pay Tax on Bitcoin?
Hi Scott, I have just bitten the bullet and invested in Bitcoin (and it has been a wild ride over the past week!).
Million Dollar Payday
Dear Scott, I am 24 years old and I earn $40,000 a year working part time. Today I received a lump sum of $1,000,000 (after costs) due to being run over by a car seven years ago.
The Present I Gave Malcolm Turnbull
Last week I sat down one on one with the Prime Minister. A journo from a rival rag snivelled, “He’ll answer questions from hosts who aren’t wearing shoes” … which, unless Malcolm has been doing vox-pops with homeless people, is a swipe at yours truly.
I’m a Single Woman Earning $210,000 … How Do I Pay Less Tax?
Hi Scott, I am a 40-year-old, single, professional woman with no dependants (other than my pets). I have recently increased my income to $210,000 and so have moved into the top tax bracket -- a double-edged sword.
Airbnb Trap
Hi Barefoot, I have had a friend of my brother’s flatting with me for the past seven months, for which I have been charging him $150 a week cash. Now he has moved on, I am thinking of renting out his room on Airbnb.