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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From Average to Awesome
I wanted to share a story with you. Two years ago our young family of five employed a money method that many other families use: everything on the credit card, big limit, and spend, spend, spend! Then pay the bill, except not in full every month, with the snowball effect equaling a biggish ($30k) bill every few years that then has to be paid by rolling it into a larger debt like the mortgage. It was not a good picture.
Dodgy Banks, Dodgy Accounting
So I thought I’d do the Barefoot thing and ask my bank for a better rate than the 3.97% I am currently being slugged with. Yet when I called them to review my loan, they said that because my house price has fallen (I live in Perth) they now consider my LVR to be 120%!
Mortgage Wars
After reading ‘Mortgage Month’ in Step 3 of your book, I apprehensively (as I avoid confrontation) called the bank and stuck to your script. Our rate was dropped from 4.03% to 2.74%, no questions asked.
I Used My Mojo to Buy a $10,800 Handbag
I am a long-time Barefooter and, overall, have made money decisions I think you would be happy with: I have a good job ($110,000 a year), have paid off my bad debts, have started maxing out my super, own my car, pay extra on my mortgage, and have started a share portfolio. Most importantly, I have three months of Mojo — until yesterday, that is…
From the Depths of Despair
I sat in my GP’s office crying my heart out, feeling suffocated by my $27,000 debt, feeling depressed like there was no way out. My GP listened to every word I said (in between sobs) and finally said, “I think we need a longer appointment”, and asked me to come back the next day.
The people who are really getting screwed in this downturn (it's not who you think)
My editor emailed me with a request on Thursday:
“Can you do a piece on the Treasurer’s economic update to the nation?”
My answer?
Sure, and I can do it in one line:
From $500 to $15,000
Scott I do not have a question, I just want to say thank you. Two years ago I walked out of an abusive relationship with $500 to my name and debts that should never have belonged to me.
My Financial Planner Hates You
Scott, We’ve just come back from seeing our financial planner, and I am a little rattled! Our super fund is competitive in terms of earnings but its fees are 2% pa.
A Hole in My Heart
Hi Scott, Last March I came across your book in a store in New Zealand. Since then, it has completely changed how my husband and I use our money.
If We Are Heading into a Depression, Do This
Hi Scott, I have been reading people saying that all this stimulus (especially in the US, where the Federal Reserve is printing trillions of dollars) will soon lead to massive inflation, and then recession. Even the world’s biggest hedge fund manager, Ray Dalio, says we are heading for a depression.
Pilot Gets Grounded
Hey Scott, Last time I emailed you, I had a well-paying job as an international pilot, the share market was at a record high, my super was doing brilliantly, I was investing every month and we were planning a holiday to Greece. I wrote to thank you for changing our lives.
The true story of two alpacas
I picked a tough time to change careers:Last year I went back to study so I could become a community-based financial counsellor.In January I was sent off to help survivors on the bushfire frontlines.
I Lost My Job This Week, But I Got This
Hi Scott, I wanted to get in touch with you to say thank you. I lost my job this week.
Honouring My Friend
Dear Scott, I recently lost a dear friend due to a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of just 29. She was financially independent and had learnt to be smart with her money.
Dirtbag Roommate
Hi Scott, My housemate and I are both on the lease and we split the rent 50/50, paying separately. I am always on time, but my housemate is lousy at keeping up regular rental payments.
I Spent $2,000 on Powerball Last Night
Hi Scott, I spent $2,000 on Powerball last night and apparently did not even win my tickets back. I feel pathetic.
The Triple Ms
Hi Scott, I need to give you a massive thanks: we stuck to the advice in your book and it’s changed our lives. We saved $160,000 in three years — and that included a year of maternity leave, a wedding, and a baby girl!
Pass Me a Bucket
I glanced in the rear-view mirror and saw that my six-year-old had crossed arms and a cross face. “What’s wrong, cobber?
The Good Reverend
Hi Scott, I’m just following up on your question last week, ‘Does Jesus Despise the Barefoot Investor?’ As an Anglican priest I love your books -- they are against debt, they are about living within your means, and they are about being generous.