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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Should I Dob in My Brother to the Cops?
Dear Scott, For the last year or so, my younger brother has been doing some online share trading. Long story short, he has lost it all -- hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Airbnb Trap
Hi Barefoot, I have had a friend of my brother’s flatting with me for the past seven months, for which I have been charging him $150 a week cash. Now he has moved on, I am thinking of renting out his room on Airbnb.
What Would ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Do?
Hi Scott My husband and I (in our late 30s, two kids) both run our own small businesses. We work part time and are not earning steady money, about $60,000 combined per year.
How to Make $500 Without Even Trying
Recently my editor emailed me a request: Editor: “Can you give us your top tips for saving on power bills?” Barefoot: “Okay.
I’m a Homeowner!
Hi Scott, I do not have a question for you, I just wanted to say thank you. After three years of planning, last year I told my husband I wanted a divorce.
My Husband Sold My Home From Under Me
Scott, My husband sold our family home without my knowledge ... Yes ...
Pay the Tax, Not the Tip
Last week Bill Shorten told us he thinks there are two types of taxpayers: “Those that fly economy, and those that fly first class” (i.e.
Are Family Trusts Dead?
Hi Scott, I own a small business (cleaning), and for the first time in years I have the mortgage paid off and a bit to invest. Last week my accountant had me set up a family trust, costing me just over $2,000.
My Niece is Winning!
Scott, I bought a copy of your book for my niece, who has told me it is the best birthday present she ever had. She has thrown away her credit card and is talking to me about banks and super, and she is excited!
The Day I Got Pregnant ...
Hi Scott, My partner and I married in April 2016. A month later it came out that he had massive debts from online spending.
Heartbreak Motel
Dear Scott, My husband and I are in our thirties, have two kids, have a $70,000-a-year household income, and owe $190,000 on our home ($240,000 value, we live in Tassie!), with $80,000 in an offset account.
Money Ménage à Trois
Hi Barefoot, Last year I bought a 50 per cent share in a rural property with a married couple (who I was in a polyamorous relationship with). We then embarked on a 12-month-long complete home renovation.
What’s Wrong with Ethical Investing, Barefoot?
Hi Scott, I am currently reading your book. It interests me to read how lovingly you speak about your family, yet I have not come across any mention in the book of investing ethically, socially or environmentally.
Why are people stealing my book?
Every father wants to be a hero to his son. So, a few weeks back, I took my four-year-old to a bookstore to show him my bestseller.
The Day Our Lives Turned Around
Hi Scott, In December last year -- after struggling with personal debt of over $55,000, no job, and rent that had zapped my entire savings -- I took a train into the city with my wife (who had been holding the fort for us both on her $80,000-a-year job). We walked around for the whole day and decided something had to change -- WE had to change.
My Totally Independent Financial Advisor … Sucks
Barefoot, My wife are in our early 50s. Adult kids.
IVF Has Left Me $15,000 in Debt
Hi Scott, I believe my situation is unique. I am 42, single, earning $85,000 (including super), and about to embark on IVF cycle number seven, as I have not yet met Mr Right and at my age have no time to wait for him.
What Young People Should Learn from Their Parents
In last week’s column you talked about young people and money. My husband and I encounter many young people, some even in their thirties, who do not know the basics about saving, super, banks, financial advisers, etc.
How to ruin your financial life
He didn’t even introduce himself. An old bloke just walked straight up to me, poked his knobbly old index finger into my ribs, leaned in, and said: “They don’t listen to you, do they!
Why Young Women Are Miserable
The email subject line simply read: “Crisis”. It was from Jess, a 26-year-old, university-educated Melbournian who wrote that her life was “a disaster”.