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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How to Get a Big Tax Refund
Hi Scott, I had my tax done this week and found out that I have (finally) paid off my HECS debt! This is great news, but my accountant advised me that I cannot let my workplace know that this is the case, so I can ensure a decent refund next year.
Fight Club
Hi Scott, My partner and are currently having a massive argument: I am pro renting and she is against it. We do not have any debts, and have about $80,000 in cash and shares.
If you were a drug dealer, how would you want to be paid?
If you were a drug dealer, how do you think you’d want to be paid? PayPal?
Wedding Bills
Hi Scott,I’ve never owned a credit card in my life but with my wedding coming up in 4 weeks I’m looking into one for a few expenses I can't pay upfront. I’m looking at a NAB low rate credit card, how does this one fare?
The Booby Prize
Hi Scott About 10 years ago I won $2,000 in a competition. Part of the prize was a financial planning session with AMP.
Single Mum, Losing her Home
Scott, I’m scared. I’m 35 years old and have recently separated from my husband.
Risky, Stupid -- or Both?
Hi Scott, Thanks for the great advice -- we read your column out loud each week! Our current situation is this: we live in Geelong, have a home loan of $7k on a property valued at $500k, and have no other debts.
What Do You Think of the Super Changes?
Scott, I’ll keep this super-brief. What do you think of the latest super changes?
It’s the End of the World As We Know It
Scott, I am 43 with $240,000 in my SMSF, and I have liquidated my portfolio after reading up on the coming financial crisis. The US Federal Reserve will lift interest rates, which will cause a tsunami of defaults around a world that is addicted to cheap money.
The Prodigal Son
Scott, My son is 45 years old. He earns in excess of $200,000 but loves spending borrowed money.
Who’d Work for Below the Minimum Wage?
Barefoot, My husband owns a small CBD café which he purchased two years ago. After a lot of hard work, it nearly pays him a minimum hourly wage, while employing four staff.
You’re Wrong, Barefoot
Scott, Last week you wrote about MyBudget, saying it is not worth the money. But you’re wrong.
When will the housing market crash?
Donald Trump reminds me of the bullies who teased me at school. Anyone who stands up to him gets a put-down: ‘Crooked Hillary’, ‘Little Marco’, ‘Low Energy Ted’.
Barefoot, should I call off my wedding?
My column last week -- why engagement rings are a scam (and why you’ll buy one anyway) -- went off like a drunk uncle on the dance floor. I was flooded with emails.
The Barefoot Investor Made Me a Fortune!
Hi Scott, You finally earned me some money! I looked in the paper and saw your horse -- Barefoot Investor -- running at Cranbourne last weekend.
Buying Bricks
Hi Scott Just read about a company called BRICKX which lets you buy a ‘brick’ in a property investment with very small amounts of money. (They split a house into 10,000 bricks you can invest in.
Can I Afford to Keep the House?
Hi Scott, I am currently going through a separation and want to know if I am in a financial position to keep the house. The mortgage is $506k; the house was bought for $665k 18 months ago and is valued at $730k.
The Financial Fitness Trainer
Hi Scott, My partner and I are looking at using a budgeting advisor like MyBudget to help us create a plan and stick to it. We earn $90k combined but have $7k on a car loan, $17k on a personal loan and $13k on a credit card.