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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I Got This!
Hi Scott, I spent my twenties telling myself I could never afford to own a home, so I just spent my money. Then I started reading your stuff.
I won $250,000 on a Gameshow
Hi! Recently, I was lucky enough to win $250,000 on a gameshow!
Pregnant and Dumped
Scott, My husband left me two months ago. I am 24 weeks pregnant with our third child.
I Got This!
Hi Scott, I have suffered with chronic alcoholism and drug addiction my whole life. Father not present, nor any real family.
Am I Going to Lose Everything?
Hi Scott, About 18 months ago I put a $15,000 deposit on an off-the-plan apartment. The idea was to sell my home for the same amount as the apartment and move in.
Dr Phil, Where Are You?
Hi Scott, I am 27 and newly married. My husband earns over double what I do, and he does not like the idea of combining our finances.
Rich Girl Loses it All
This week we’re going to do something a little different. See, right now, the newspapers are full of the tragedy.
You Ripper!
Barefoot, I just wanted to tell you about my latest Barefoot Date Night. Like you advised I rang the bank, followed your script, and they reduced my rate from 5.
Barefoot Confessions
Hi Scott, I am 25 years old, newly married. I am the worst spender I know.
My Sister is Scamming My Dad
Hi Scott,My dad has gone guarantor on a loan for my sister and her partner, so she could buy a property worth over $1 million. I know she has at least two other properties that dad probably does not know about; all of which she could have sold to overcome her "financial woes".
The Chicago Bull
Hi Scott,I have a terrible credit rating. I'm 45 and only have a couple of thousand dollars in savings, and $6k in super.
Scott’s Hot Date
Dear Scott, At 17 I am currently completing my VCE studies, but will soon have to make my own way in the world. I have $7,000 in savings and was hoping you would be able to help me find the right way to invest it so I do not just burn through it right after graduation.
Death, Taxes … and HECS
Hey Scott, In your book you mentioned that HECS debt dies with you. My wife passed away in 2011 -- and the $15,000 she owed rocked up bang on settlement of her estate.
We’re in a Pickle
Hi Scott, My boyfriend bought a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane’s inner city three years ago for $404,000. We are in desperate need of more space and would like to sell, but a recent valuation has put it at $320,000.
The Secret Credit Card
Dear Scott, I am at my wits’ end. My husband is a spender who leaves me to pay all the bills, including a car loans of $17,000, a mortgage of $239,000, and an ever-spiralling credit card debt -- currently $38,000.
Parents, You’re Doing it Wrong
When I was fifteen I would sit in English class and read the Financial Review. (This, of course, made me wildly popular with the ladies.
A Woman Is Not a Financial Plan
Dear Scott, I am 22 and have independently bought my home ($207,000 owing), have $5,000 in Mojo, have $7,000 in other savings, and have no debt besides HECS and the mortgage. My (fairly new) boyfriend earns $53,000 and has a car loan of $25,000 and few savings.
Why Are You Randy?
Dear Mr Pape, I enjoyed your book. However, as a non-native speaker, there were things that confused me.
No Such Thing as a Silly Question
Hi Scott, I am loving your book and have one (probably silly) question. My husband and I, both 40, are tackling a $45,000 credit card debt on $70,000 a year combined income.