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 Payday Lending Pandemic
Hi Scott As instructed I sent an email to the Honourable Mr Michael Sukkar about putting a muzzle on payday lenders. I’ve never told anyone this because it’s embarrassing, but I once fell victim to these predators when I was struggling financially.
I Vowed to Write to You Once We Were Debt Free
Dear Scott, Ten years ago, my wife and I were drowning in debt, with a big mortgage and maxed-out credit cards. I came across a copy of your (first) Barefoot Investor book and vowed to change our circumstances and write to you once we were debt free.
I Owe MyBudget $1,250
Hey Barefoot, I signed up with a money managing agency MyBudget because I felt that some financial structure and discipline would be good, and also to make my parents happy. Unfortunately, the model did not work for me.
Fighting in the Jungle
Hey Scott, My mother and her partner owe money left, right and centre -- in fact the sheriff is chasing them for more than $100,000. But they live in a caravan and are ‘on the run’ (not so much Bonnie and Clyde, more like postcard bandits).
Bankrupt but They’re Still Chasing Me!
Scott, I am a 36-year-old single woman, earning $65,000 as an admin officer, and I have recently declared bankruptcy. However, one loan could not be erased, as it is a secured loan, and my car (a Mitsubishi ASX worth $8,000) is attached to it.
The Kind Landlord
Hi Scott, I would like to tell you about one of our tenants. She was an excellent tenant for four years, but fell behind during the last year and was not able to claw her way back.
Confessions of an Afterpay Junkie
Dear Barefoot, As someone who fell down the Afterpay rabbit hole and got stuck in a cycle for three years, I completely agree with what you are saying. I added up every single purchase I had made and found I had spent a disgusting $19,338.
My Aunty Has 15 Credit Cards
Hi Scott, My aunty has got herself into trouble with credit cards. She is not savvy with money and I really do not think she understood what she was doing.
I Faced My Financial Fire
Dear Scott, On November 23rd last year, I finally came to my senses and left a violent relationship ‒ then began my ‘financial fire’. My ex-husband immediately did three things: clear out our bank accounts, redraw on our mortgage, and direct his salary solely to his account.