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 ASX Game
My daughter recently brought home a consent form for me to sign. She is in Year 12 and, as part of Pathways and Wellbeing (PAW) this semester, the students are learning about investing in shares by playing the ASX Sharemarket Game. They are given $50,000 virtual money to invest over a 10-week period. Since reading your book in 2020, I have been investing in the ASX but not trading. My concern is that it is not focusing on long-term investment. So should I sign the form?
My Saturday night date with Lindsay Lohan
On Saturday night I was watching Herbie: Fully Loaded with the kids. That’s the one starring Lindsay Lohan, when she was still sweet and innocent and doing Disney. It’s a terrible movie.
The Big Short
Investment legend Michael Burry met his wife on a dating website. His profile read as follows: “I’m a medical student with only one eye, an awkward social manner, and 145 thousand dollars in student loans.”
How Not to Buy an Island
A couple of years ago you warned retirees about investing with a company that owned Dunk Island, who were promising high returns. Well, I just read about Dunk’s repossession. You predicted this!
Barefoot Endorsement, Please
A reputable friend has suggested I invest in a CFX project (cryptocurrency foreign exchange). From what I understand it is kind of like multilevel marketing and a type of cryptocurrency. I have looked into it and it sounds good. However, I am hesitant to pay out my hard-earned cash without some endorsement from someone like you. I am planning a baby as a single woman at 45 and I bought my first home only a year ago, so I am looking at ways to increase my income and secure my future. Thoughts?
You’re a Dog, Barefoot
am 23, a medical receptionist, and have been trading crypto since lockdown — and killing it, especially in DOGE (Dogecoin). I read your article on DOGE, and it was a joke. Who do I trust more, some hack from Australia or THE WORLD’S RICHEST MAN — genius Elon Musk? You don’t get rich buying index funds, loser.
You Alarmed Me!
A bit confused about your column ‘Financial Markets Are a Dog’s Breakfast’. Are you saying the stock market is a farce and will fail due to all the extra money printing and zero interest rates? I am a big-time Barefooter who is heavily investing in stocks right now, so would you please explain what you mean?
A dog of an investment (that is rocketing)
Hayley thinks I’m a genius. The young mum wrote to me this week after reading my Barefoot Investor for Families book. She’d gotten to the part where I mentioned an investment that has rocketed 1,500% this year.
Making Babies on the Stock Market
Hey Barefoot ...
New Year’s resolution number one for 2021 — invest in shares.
HELP!
Underage Drinking
I am a 16-year-old boy, and I love your work!Recently, after browsing Investopedia, I was targeted by an advertisement promising a guaranteed 8% return on a $10,000 investment. The investment opportunity is in whisky and is being offered by Coburns Distillery.
Investment Wars
I am 19 and considering investing in NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s new $700 billion ‘mega-city of the future’. Considering it is being built in an area that may be subject to wars, is this a stupid investment?
Mum Makes 400% on Share Market
You’ve made it no secret you are not a fan of AfterPay. I, however, am a massive fan. It has helped me to budget bigger (and smaller) purchases, Christmas presents and (now) essentials for our first baby.
I’m Rich! I’m Really Rich!
As a result of recently selling our (multi-generation) family business, my husband and I are now $34 million wealthier (after tax).
The Trouble Began When My Sister and Her Husband Were Murdered …
My sister and brother-in-law were murdered in 2013. I have spent seven years and a lot of money fighting for their orphaned kids — my nephews and niece. I bought your book and am slowly getting myself out of debt. I have also been fighting the federal government and will be hopefully getting $750,000 for the kids. I want them to make the most out of the money in 10 years. So should I buy them a property? Shares? What should I do?
My eye-watering returns
When I look at my bank balance these days, I have the same reaction as getting a COVID test up the schnozz:
Eye-watering pain.
See, as a lifelong saver, it pains me to see the amount of interest I’m earning on my so-called ‘high interest online savings accounts’
The Fortunate Son
I like reading your column, but last week’s hit me so very hard. I am currently having the exact experience with my 18-year-old son, who has lost some money through trading. He does not want any advice from his parents, yet still hopes to be a ‘trader’.
My Doom and Gloom Dad
My dad and I are classic doomers. Dad would often speak around the dining table about the looming subprime mortgage crisis — among other things, like public debt, and the devil in credit cards — when I was a teen. Now I am a Millennial who turned 30 this year.
Message in a Bottle
I have $10,000 in a bottle buried for my only granddaughter, who is two. I want to buy her a car when she turns 18, but I may not be here by then as I am nearly 68, and I also realise it will not be worth much by then. I would like to know how I could grow it better.