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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Buffett’s Secret Aussie Share Play?
Hi Scott, I know you’re a fan of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Well, there’s a relatively small listed investment company (LIC), called Global Masters Fund Limited (ASX: GFL), that invests in Berkshire Hathaway, UK shares and cash.
This morning I arrived home from a family holiday from Bali
I’ve just arrived home from a family holiday. As I opened my front door, I quickly realised I’d brought home a souvenir from Bali: bacteria.
You Made Me Rich! … Now What Do I Do?
Hi Scott, Twelve years ago (May 2006), you wrote an article in the Herald Sun talking about why you were buying shares in Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. I know the date because I followed your advice, and I am very glad I did!
First Share Purchase and I’m Petrified!
Hi Scott, I have just learnt that the value of shares I own have dropped by $5,000 since last week, from $25,000 to $20,000. In April last year I purchased them at $30,000, so they had already dropped $5,000.
Is This a Scam?
Hi Scott, I recently received an unsolicited phone call from an investing group offering to invest my savings in their share trading scheme. A promise of 18‒22% sounds attractive, but I could not find them or their associated company on the ASIC website.
Here’s What I Really Think About the Acorns (Raiz) app
A lot of people ask me about the youth-focused investing app Acorns. Its ‘killer app’ is that it collects your spare change and invests it in the share market on your behalf.
We Smell a Rat!
Dear Barefoot, My wife and I desperately need your help. We have been following your wise advice for many years.
High Returns from Medical Cannabis?
Hi Scott, We are in our mid-forties with a combined income of $110,000. We own our home and have an investment property worth approximately $420,000.
I’m Freaking Out Here!
Hi Scott, As I write this, the Dow Jones has suffered its “biggest fall in history”. They are saying on Sunrise that our market will plummet today.
How to Invest in Shares With No Risk
Hi Scott, My partner and I are quite young (both 28) and have bought our first home already. We are now looking to invest in the share market, and would like to take out a ‘protected equity loan’ to do so.
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!).
Why Advisors Hate Barefoot
Hi Scott, My husband and I would like to share with you a conversation he recently had with our financial adviser. Husband: “My wife and I have been looking into our shared finances.
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.
Should We Sell Our CBA Shares?
Hi Scott, We got Commonwealth Bank shares when the bank was floated years ago. Until recently they were worth $100,000, but now they have plunged to just $74,000.
Borrow to Buy Shares?
Hi Scott, My husband and I are both 40, have two very young girls, and have owned our home outright for three years. We are now down to one wage ($100,000), but have also managed to also put away $90,000 in savings.
Should I Sell My Telstra Shares?
Hi Scott, I was one of the sheep who bought Telstra in the floats (T1 and T2) when the government thought it would be a good time to sell off taxpayers’ assets. I have been a long-term investor -- I have been holding them for 20 years and they have delivered me bugger all!
Are we heading for a stock market crash?
Well, less than a year ago, the leader of the free world had this to say about the market: “We are in a big, fat, ugly bubble. And we better be awfully careful.
What’s Wrong with Ethical Investing, Barefoot?
Hi Scott, I am currently reading your book. It interests me to read how lovingly you speak about your family, yet I have not come across any mention in the book of investing ethically, socially or environmentally.
How to ruin your financial life
He didn’t even introduce himself. An old bloke just walked straight up to me, poked his knobbly old index finger into my ribs, leaned in, and said: “They don’t listen to you, do they!
How Would You Invest a Spare $10,000, Barefoot?
Hi Scott, I’ve just turned 28, and after reading your book I came to the realisation that my savings have been sitting in my bank account for several years doing nothing. I have no investments whatsoever, but I do have $10,000 I could invest.