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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When Are You Going to Apologise?
When are you going to apologise to your readers for your stupid advice!? They really will be ‘barefoot’ if they keep their ‘Mojo’ in a savings account, now the Reserve Bank has cut interest rates to a historical low of 1.
The Rocking Chair Test
Hi Barefoot, My wife and I are both 30 and we are lucky enough to earn a combined $350k per annum. Our living costs are $40k a year now, though kids may happen.
Please Help, I’m Desperate
Hi Scott, In one of your recent newspaper columns you exposed the Tasmanian whisky operator Nant Distilling Company, warning your readers to steer clear of them. I was not so lucky.
The Most Important Investment Lesson In The World
“If you stick around till lunch, I’ll share with you what I believe is the most important investment lesson in the world”, Warren Buffett told me (okay, and 40,000 others) in Omaha last weekend at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. At which point my old man, an Omaha virgin, elbowed me in the ribs and said with a grin, “This is what we came here for”.
Don’t Believe the Hype
Hello Scott,I don't have a question. I just want to congratulate you on your commonsense approach to financial issues.
Widow Learns a Lesson?
Hi Scott,I recently lost my beautiful husband unexpectedly. Unfortunately we didn't have a will.
Help! My Partner Left Me Poor
HI Scott, My partner left me in a poor financial state when he broke up with me. My house is worth $275k and I own $90k of it.
Can We Buy a Million-Dollar First Home?
Hi Barefoot, My husband and I have a goal of buying a house in four or five years. Our goal is to have a 20 per cent deposit for a $1 million dollar house.
My Knight In Shining Armour Has Arrived!
Hi Scott, My knight in shining armour showed up! The trouble is, with him came the henchmen that are credit card debt, a Cash Converters loan, a jewellery store loan (from when he proposed to his ex), and a monster Telstra bill -- all up around $15,000.
The Ultimate Boys Trip...
This week I’m travelling to Omaha, Nebraska. It’s time for my annual pilgrimage to Warren Buffett’s ‘Woodstock for Capitalists’ shareholder meeting.
Copping a Big Loss
Barefoot, We are huge fans -- we religiously read your columns every week. We are in our 40s and earn around $140k between us.
400,000 problems
Hi Scott, My partner and I earn great money, close to $400k a year. After years of splurging on kids, cars, houses and fantastic holidays, we are finally sorting out our ‘stuff’.
The Lying Scumbag
Hi Scott, I am negotiating with my ex-husband on our separation. It has been a long and arduous process, mainly because he is a lying scumbag and has no regard for anyone but himself.
I Just Got Out of Jail … Now What?
Hi Scott, I made a huge mistake years ago and ended up in jail. I got out, put it all behind me, and found a job.
The Gold-Plated Urinal
Scott, I read you religiously, so I think I know your thoughts, but I’m just checking. My AMP-administered super fund financial planner charges me a management fee of 2.
Realistic Expectations Please, Barefoot
Hi Scott, You often quote an ‘800-fold increase’ in the share market in the last 100 years. As an investor in blue chip stocks for the last 25 years, this regrettably has not been my experience, nor do I have 75 years left for this to right-size itself.
HELP! My Partner has No Idea How Screwed Up I Am
Hi Scott, I am at a low point. I have been with my partner for a year now, and I know she is ‘the one’.
One of the Most Shocking Emails From a Reader, Ever
A couple of months ago, I received one of the most shocking emails from a reader, ever: Cancer Stricken Single Mother ... Lends a Hand Hi Scott, I’m in my 50s and have just battled cancer.
We’re Getting ‘Nant’
Scott, We were initial and ongoing ‘barrel investors’ in the Nant Distilling Company whisky investment scheme you warned about recently. We encountered extreme resistance and delay in paying out our first investment, and we are now seeing similar tactics with our next payouts, despite the recent bad publicity from you.