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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How to help out a mate
“It’s over ... it has to be.” I just can’t do this anymore. I’ve carried the stress for far too long.” On the other end of the line was Steve, the owner of a struggling retail shop.
“I Don’t Need Your Help but Wish to Criticise You …”
I don’t need your help but wish to criticise your answer to “Should I Pay My HELP Debt?” Your first response should have been “of course”, but you treated the subject as most recipients do, with a dismissive attitude on how to avoid it.
Demolition Debt
My husband and I run a demolition business with seven full-time employees. Unfortunately, one of them got into financial difficulty and some sharks called Panthera Finance bought his debt. They now have a garnishee order on his wages and harass me (as office manager) to pay the instalments
cough, cough, cough
“Cough, cough, cough.”
My wife rolled over in bed and shot me a dagger: “What was THAT?”
For the next few minutes I successfully stopped myself from coughing, but it felt like my head was going to explode.
Indigenous Woman, Hear Me Roar!
I am a young professional Aboriginal woman from Cape York. In the past I made some foolish investments, but a few years ago I picked up your book. I loved it, though I struggled to get my hubby to read it. So I played him your audio-book in the car. He was so excited, given how easy it is to follow.
NAB CEO says ‘get out now’
“Get out now.”
That’s the advice the CEO of NAB has given to homeowners who are struggling to make their repayments.
Yes, in his quarterly trading update last week, NAB’s new-ish chief, Ross McEwan, warned…
The Broke Accountant
I am a single parent of two kids and, financially, I am hemorrhaging. I have been trying to domino my debts for three years, often paying off too much and leaving myself struggling (then ending up in more debt).
Nor Way! My Mother-in-Law is a Thief!
We have had a bit of a shocker the past few days. My mother-in-law, who was visiting us from Norway, was arrested for shoplifting.
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.
We Hit the Jackpot!
This month, my husband and I will finally be debt free! We owe nothing (though we also own nothing). My hubby used to have an addiction to gambling and a $120,000 debt on credit cards.
The Hangover
My daughter lives with her partner and three children in a property that I own. They have many bills and are unable to pay rent. Her partner is wasting his money on gambling and will not change…
How to Honour Him
Hi Scott, I am in my early thirties and feel hopeless. Recently I lost my brother to a very long and hard battle with cancer, and in his will he left me $10,000. I was thinking about spending it on a holiday or a nice piece of jewellery to remember him by,
Terrified of Debt Collectors
Barefoot, I am a stay-at-home mum with three kids. When my hubby and I moved to Brissie a few years ago, we had barely any money, so we got a credit card (and he also had a personal loan from a previous relationship).
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.
Hello, I’m calling on behalf of my idiot husband...
I picked up the phone at my financial counselling office. It was a woman, breathing very heavily: “I need to speak to a gambling counsellor.
Nursing My Debt
Hi there, I know you are probably sick of hearing this … but thank you so much. Four months ago I picked up your book.
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.
Dead Broke in a Beamer
Christmas came early for my kids this year ...Daddy finally got a job.
The $32,000 Couch
Hi Scott, Ten years ago I got a ‘buy now, pay later’ $4,000 ‘living room package’ at a retailer (couch, TV, coffee table). Actually, the deal was that they gave me a GEM Visa with a $6,000 limit … so another $2,000 credit, which I stupidly spent.
From Zero to Five Kids
Hi Scott, My wife and I — who have had an ongoing struggle with infertility — foster three children. And it has been awesome.