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 Generous Generation
Hi Scott I just wanted to share with you a lovely story. I run a charity called Mums Supporting Families in Need.
Tuck Shop Attack
Hi Scott, You have talked about in-school marketing programs (like ‘Dollarmites’) and how they hook kids into using the big banks. Well, I have a concern that we are doing the same now with the ‘Qkr!
Why is Nike targeting my kids?
Did you know that Nike is launching a Netflix-style monthly subscription for kids’ sneakers? It’s called the ‘Nike Adventure Club’, it’s aimed at two-year-olds to 10-year-olds, and it kicked off in the US last week.
Pass me a bucket
I saw the door of my study creep open, ever so slightly. I heard heavy breathing.
Coles Mini Money
Hi Scott, I’m sure I’m one of hundreds of people emailing you about this, but thought I’d better, just in case. As someone who is slowly paying down $70,000 worth of debt using your book, I was horrified when my three-year-old son opened a Coles ‘Mini’ with a pretend credit card inside.
Changing Our Kids’ Lives
Hi Scott, My parents were terrible with their finances (and still are, sadly), so I learnt from them that ‘credit is OK’ and got myself into all kinds of trouble. Then, two years ago, I read The Barefoot Investor, and my partner and I are now very close to paying off all our debts.
The Barefoot Kid
Hi Scott, I am so proud of our three-year-old! Scarlett saved up her pocket money from doing her ‘jobs’.
Here's One For The Teachers
I looked at my bedside clock: 4:03 am. It was Monday night (actually, Tuesday morning), and I hadn’t slept a wink.
Barefoot’s Money Movement
Do you want me to come to your school … and teach your kids about money? Well, if you’re a teacher, a parent or a principal, this may be the most important column of mine you’ve ever read.
You Made Me Cry
You made me cry today. My 90-year-old mum had her purse stolen at the local shopping centre.
Would You Like a Credit Card With that?
Hi Scott, My 19-year-old daughter just started a job at David Jones. To my horror, one of her KPIs is to sell the David Jones credit card to customers.
The School Chaplain
Hi Scott, I know you have already had lots of positive support, but I couldn’t agree more with the priest who sent you encouraging words last week. I am a School Chaplain.
A Burglar Stole My Daughter’s Jam Jars
Hi Scott A burglar stole money from my daughter Linda’s jam jars and wallet! Since September 2018, 10-year-old Linda has been working hard and getting pocket money, which she’s divided into her three labelled jam jars.
Don’t Send Kids to the Coalmine, Barefoot
Hey Scott, I just wanted to comment on your response last week to the letter from Alice the 15-year-old asking if she should get a part-time job. Could you please recommend that high school students work no more than 12 hours per week, unless they are happy to take a nose-dive in their education!
Blow the Whistle
Hi Scott, I’m 15 years old and do not have regular work, though I do umpire netball in the winter months, which earns me about $15 a game. I’ve just started Year 10 and will have a lot on my plate school-wise, and do not want my studies to suffer.
My experience with dumpster diving
There have been a couple of times in my career that I’ve come across a subculture. The first was right back when I began: people who would write to me about my … feet.
Australian Scholarships Group Made Me Cry
Thanks for warning people last week about ASG. I wasn’t surprised you don’t recommend them.
Honouring My Husband’s Legacy
Scott, My husband passed away on New Year’s Day at the age of 37. I am 26 years old and for the past four years he and I have had full-time care of his daughter.
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.
25 days of disappointment
Let me tell you about how, a few years ago, I created a family Christmas tradition … … which has caused me nothing but stress, and given my kids 25 days of disappointment. It began one day in Aldi, as disappointment often does.