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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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.
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!
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.
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.
Does Jesus Despise the Barefoot Investor?
Hi Scott, I’m a committed Christian, and I’m also a committed Barefooter, which is why I felt a bit conflicted recently when I saw a blog post by a pastor on the Gospel Coalition website entitled: “Does Jesus despise the Barefoot Investor?” He writes that your book should be setting off alarm bells for Christians because it encourages people to look to money for their safety rather than the Lord.
Fighting the Fire
Hi Scott, Earlier this week I lost my rental house and most possessions in the Bunyip State Park fires. I just wanted to say that reading your book earlier this year has helped me deal with what I’m going through.
My Son Likes You, But He’s an Idiot
Barefoot, My university-educated adult son read your book. It seems to have inspired him, maybe a little too much.
Top of the Class
Hey Scott, I was indoctrinated into the ‘Barefoot cult’ around Easter this year, and it has changed my life. I am a business studies teacher in a low socio-economic high school in Brisbane’s south and, since reading your book, have been going on about it to my class.
The Most Moving Message I Received in 2018
Throughout the year, I’ve received thousands of messages from Barefooters. This is the one that moved me the most: Dear Scott, Five years ago our middle child was diagnosed with brain cancer, at five years old.
Spreading the Love
Dear Scott, I am the Team Manager for Domestic and Family Violence Programs for Mercy Community. I am not asking for anything ‒ I just wanted to let you know that I am applying for a grant as part of Queensland Women’s Week to put together financial packs for women in refuges to help them with their financial literacy post-separation.
Bailing Out My Boyfriend
Hi, I’m a huge fan! My boyfriend is currently working overseas, and we plan to ‘go Barefoot’ when he gets back so we can tackle our debts.
The Best Thing I Ever Saved For
Dear Mr Pape, I bought your book while in severe financial difficulty — I actually had to save money for six weeks just to buy it! Anyway, I am 10 months in and will never look back, having managed to pay off $25,574.
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.
The Warrior
Dear Scott, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am a veteran who can’t work due to injuries and PTSD from service.
You’re a Self-Promoter, Barefoot
Hi Scott Love your work but am getting a little tired of all the self-promotion of your book. Yes, it’s great and I have bought it, put it to good use and made some gains.
What About Helping ‘Tweens’ Too?
Scott, Last night I was reading your book and my 11-year-old son asked me about it. I was reading the chapter about credit cards, so I explained the dangers of them to him.
Proud, Angry, Happy!
A couple of day ago I finished reading your book, and immediately phoned my bank (Suncorp). My husband and I have had our home loan with them for close to 10 years.
I Am Never Looking Back
Dear Scott, Six years ago I left my ex, due to him punching me. It was the right thing to do, but it certainly set me back financially.
Mortgage or Super?
Hi Scott, On page 156 of your book it says: “So with your home deposit saved and your house bought, it’s time to give your super contributions a boost.” Could you please settle an argument for my husband and me?
The Scary Stepmother
Dear Scott, I need help to do a ‘full life’ money plan for my 21-year-old stepson -- and I am getting migraines! Here is how I picture it: he puts 12.