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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Worried Grandad
Hi Scott, My granddaughter’s father (my son-in-law) died when she was 10 years old, and left her a legacy. She is now 19 and has a share portfolio worth $105,000 earning (around $7,000 fully franked) and cash investments of $30,000.
Divine Intervention
Scott, Could this be divine intervention? I have just read your recent article in which you saved a single mum from a property ‘guru’.
Mojo or Offset?
Hi Scott, We are absolutely loving your book -- we are on Date Night Three and already feel more in control than we’ve ever been. But the one thing we can’t get our head around is your advice on Mojo -- you say that people shouldn’t put their Mojo money in an offset account.
You’ve Lost the Plot, Barefoot
Hi Barefoot, I always read your column and generally agree with your comments, but I strongly disagree with the thrust of your article on 29 January on ‘How to Retire Comfortably’. I do not dispute your arithmetic, just the logic that a couple need only get to the very bottom rung of the assets ladder (paid-off home plus $250,000 in super), and then rely on a taxpayer-funded pension for the rest of their lives.
I’m Accident Prone
Hi Scott, I am 28 years old, earning $55k, and curious whether I should get private health insurance. I injured my ankle and had surgery through the public system after waiting a year.
My Fiancé Had a Surprise For Me ...
Hi Scott, First-time caller, long-time listener. In May I was all set to be married to what I thought was a lovely gentleman.
The Revenge of the Oldies
You never actually know what will become a ‘hit’. Case in point: when I wrote my book, I had no idea that my ‘Donald Bradman Retirement Strategy’ would resonate so strongly with readers.
I'm So Worried I Can't Sleep
“I wish I could be like you ... and own my own business”, said a friend to me this week.
You’re Sexist, Barefoot!
Scott, I am usually a fan but I was rather disappointed by the way you described picking up your son from kindy in a recent column. To me your language came across as sexist, and I think we can all (especially someone in a position such as yours) be more careful in the way we phrase things.
ING Direct Fees Rip Off!
Hi Scott ING Direct came to the market a few years back with great product called Living Super (you call this type of fund ‘SMSF Lite’ as it allows you to buy shares within super). If memory serves, it was the first super provider to offer a zero-fee balanced option and it really shook up the market.
Changing My Life, One Day at a Time
Hi Scott, You won’t remember this because you speak to so many people each week, but I wrote to you in late November last year about being overwhelmed by receiving a payout from the Church for $175,000, and you were kind enough to give me a call. The advice you gave me was incredibly helpful.
Barefoot Goes to Church
“Did you get a letter … from the Bishop?” my mother asked casually over coffee a couple of months back.
Barefoot Goes to School
Hi Scott, I am a high school economics teacher. This week I made your recent article ‘How Not to Raise a Spoiled Brat’ required reading for my Year 9/10 class.
The Ethical Dilemma
Hi Scott, I have a question about ethical investing. Having done some research on ethical funds, I find myself stuck between two extremes.
A Father’s Final Wish
Hi Scott, Sadly, my husband has just been advised that his cancer has moved to ‘terminal’ (he is only 48). We are devastated, but the reality is we have to make some hard decisions about where to go from here.
A $25,000 Gift to First Home Buyers?
Should first home buyers be allowed to raid their super to fund a house deposit? “No”, declared Malcolm Turnbull boldly in 2015, before adding that it was “a thoroughly bad idea”.
Should I Help Out My Dad?
Hi Scott, I am a 30-something single renting in Sydney -- and I have saved up a $25,000 deposit towards a home. My dear dad is an expat on a whopping wage overseas but has just lost half his retirement money to his very predictable ex-girlfriend (now there’s a bad investment!
My Mother is $90,000 in the Hole
Hi Scott, I knew my mum had debt, but when she finally fessed up I was absolutely shocked. She owes $90,000 in credit cards and personal loans due to gambling and spending.