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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Banker Bait
Dear Scott, My 18-year-old daughter lives at home, pays no board, works full time, and is saving for her first property. She also wants to buy a new car ($20,000) so she can get a credit rating, which will make it easier to get a home loan.
Three Is Enough, Barefoot!
Dear Scott, You seem like a smart guy, but I think your wife is even smarter in wanting to limit the number of children you have to just three. The environment is freaking out, and curtailing the number of children born into our consumer society is one of the greatest contributions anyone can make.
How Should I Save for My Baby?
Dear Barefoot, Firstly, I want to say thank you. I have been following the Barefoot system and this year my husband and I got pregnant with our first child!
My $297,641.32 … errr, investment?
The first time, my wife flung her arms around me and, through tears of sheer joy, whispered “we’re pregnant”. The second time, she raced up behind me and squealed with delight.
The revolution starts with you
The Commonwealth Bank is under fire (again). This time it’s because CHOICE magazine called for the CBA’s Dollarmites school banking program to be banned.
Dump the Dollarmites?
Dear BFI, My kid’s school is considering school banking, and someone suggested Dollarmites. I bit my tongue while screaming NOOOOOO inwardly.
When Dad Is a Mum
Dear Scott, We are two mothers -- a couple wanting to have a baby. We finished reading your book a couple of weeks ago and have started implementing the strategy.
The Present I Gave Malcolm Turnbull
Last week I sat down one on one with the Prime Minister. A journo from a rival rag snivelled, “He’ll answer questions from hosts who aren’t wearing shoes” … which, unless Malcolm has been doing vox-pops with homeless people, is a swipe at yours truly.
Divorced Dad Wants to Win
Hi Scott,As a dad, how do I best set up my son financially? He’s four, and I'm planning ahead!
Chasing Ghosts
Hey Scott, I am a 32-year-old soon-to-be father (with my beautiful fiancée). In the past, my spending was out of control, causing me to rack up $55,000 in credit card debt and a huge car loan.
What Motivates Me
When I was younger, I was motivated by trying to attract women (largely unsuccessfully, but that’s another story). That was a long time ago.
Too Young to Be Barefoot
Scott, I do not have a job or any real income, besides weekly allowances and lunch money, because I am only 15. I picked up your Barefoot Investor book (thought it might be an interesting read) and am halfway through, but I can’t really relate because I can’t save up or anything like that.
How to Save 98% of Your Income
Hi Scott, My mum and I always read your column, and it is one of few times we stop arguing and have great discussions. I am in Year 11 and interested in sports journalism and management.
What Young People Should Learn from Their Parents
In last week’s column you talked about young people and money. My husband and I encounter many young people, some even in their thirties, who do not know the basics about saving, super, banks, financial advisers, etc.
Sinking Not Swimming
Scott, My stepdaughter is a single mum in her early forties, with two kids. She earns $60,000 working three days a week, and has never owned property.
Scott’s Hot Date
Dear Scott, At 17 I am currently completing my VCE studies, but will soon have to make my own way in the world. I have $7,000 in savings and was hoping you would be able to help me find the right way to invest it so I do not just burn through it right after graduation.
Parents, You’re Doing it Wrong
When I was fifteen I would sit in English class and read the Financial Review. (This, of course, made me wildly popular with the ladies.
Schools sell out their kids for cash
Let me give you a window into my Wednesdays .... Every Wednesday, I’m just one of the girls.
How Not to Raise a Spoilt Brat
Recently, I received the following email: “Hello Scott, We’re a PR firm representing a toothpaste company. We’ve commissioned some research on how much Aussie kids get from the Tooth Fairy.