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 Kind Landlord
Hi Scott, I would like to tell you about one of our tenants. She was an excellent tenant for four years, but fell behind during the last year and was not able to claw her way back.
Does Jesus Despise the Barefoot Investor?
Hi Scott, I’m a committed Christian, and I’m also a committed Barefooter, which is why I felt a bit conflicted recently when I saw a blog post by a pastor on the Gospel Coalition website entitled: “Does Jesus despise the Barefoot Investor?” He writes that your book should be setting off alarm bells for Christians because it encourages people to look to money for their safety rather than the Lord.
I am NOT an Alcoholic
Scott, I currently spend about $100 a week on alcohol ‒ it is pure habit and l love the taste too. I am not an alcoholic, but I do need some incentive to drop the habit, like a financial goal!
How a Barefooter lost 97 kilos, and saved fifteen grand in 18 months
I’ve decided to make a move into a new industry: health and fitness. (I’ve even come up with a catchy name for my program: ‘The Barefoot Bikini Challenge’.
You’ll Be Proud of Me, Barefoot
Dear Scott, I wrote to you when I was on maternity leave in October 2017 to tell you I had racked up a $17,000 credit card debt (you published my response as ‘Zero Balance Is a Trap’). Well, since returning from maternity leave I am down to my last $1,000 payment, I am winning at work, and I even have a new role!
Fighting the Fire
Hi Scott, Earlier this week I lost my rental house and most possessions in the Bunyip State Park fires. I just wanted to say that reading your book earlier this year has helped me deal with what I’m going through.
My Son Likes You, But He’s an Idiot
Barefoot, My university-educated adult son read your book. It seems to have inspired him, maybe a little too much.
Fearless Despite the Floods
Hi Scott, It is 3am and I am wide awake checking the river levels from a mate’s house to see if our house has gone under yet — a bloody stressful time for our town (Townsville). Yet one thing I do not have to worry about is my important documents and my most cherished items.
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.
The Most Moving Message I Received in 2018
Throughout the year, I’ve received thousands of messages from Barefooters. This is the one that moved me the most: Dear Scott, Five years ago our middle child was diagnosed with brain cancer, at five years old.
Spreading the Love
Dear Scott, I am the Team Manager for Domestic and Family Violence Programs for Mercy Community. I am not asking for anything ‒ I just wanted to let you know that I am applying for a grant as part of Queensland Women’s Week to put together financial packs for women in refuges to help them with their financial literacy post-separation.
Bailing Out My Boyfriend
Hi, I’m a huge fan! My boyfriend is currently working overseas, and we plan to ‘go Barefoot’ when he gets back so we can tackle our debts.
The Best Thing I Ever Saved For
Dear Mr Pape, I bought your book while in severe financial difficulty — I actually had to save money for six weeks just to buy it! Anyway, I am 10 months in and will never look back, having managed to pay off $25,574.
Randy Andy
Scott Today I called my bank to negotiate after seeing a special home loan rate advertised on their website. I followed your script and asked for the new rate.
Boxing at Retirement Shadows
Hi Scott, We read your book and loved it. However, we got a little confused near the end when talking about superannuation approaching retirement (which we hope to do in two to three years).
The Warrior
Dear Scott, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am a veteran who can’t work due to injuries and PTSD from service.
The Super Hero
Today I want to introduce you to Mia, who this week became a quiet hero to hundreds of thousands of Aussies around the country … without them even knowing it. Mia is a single mother of two kids.
I’m on My Way!
Dear Scott, I’ve just closed the last page of your book (I read it in one sitting, couldn’t put it down). I left an abusive relationship and my three kids and I live on the very edge of poverty.
I Feel Defeated
Hi Scott, I am a 21-year-old single female. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to buy a house, because my family rented and we did not have financial security growing up.
You’re a Self-Promoter, Barefoot
Hi Scott Love your work but am getting a little tired of all the self-promotion of your book. Yes, it’s great and I have bought it, put it to good use and made some gains.