What Motivates Me

When I was younger, I was motivated by trying to attract women (largely unsuccessfully, but that’s another story).

That was a long time ago.

These days, I’m a dad, and my motivations have changed. It does have an upside though, I now get to wear the same jumper and chino combo most days (it’s my dad uniform), and I couldn’t care less if women looked at me … and they still don’t!

As a Dad, the thing that really motivates me now is being a hero to my kids.
(My wife? Well, the polish has worn off me, but, like a comfy pair of boots, she keeps me around.)

And let me tell you, it’s hard work impressing my boys.

Take this week, when I proudly announced:

Barefoot: “Today I’m meeting the most important man in the country!”

Four year old: “Donald Trump?”

Barefoot: “No … the Prime Minister of Australia!”

Four year old: “Does he know Jimmy Giggle?” (The ABC Kids host).

Barefoot: “No, I don’t think so … ”

Every DIK (Dad I Know) is motivated at a deep level to be a hero to their kids. (Of course, the only one who really nails it is Jimmy Giggle … he’s got it all sorted out.)

The thing fatherhood has taught me is that deep down your kids aren’t impressed with what car you drive, or the suburb you live in, or the clothes you wear, or even the fancy-pants people you get to meet in your job — all they really care about is spending time with their hero.

Pediatrician Meg Meeker, in her book Strong Fathers, says that if dads could look at themselves through the eyes of their kids — and see just how big and important and powerful they are to them — that’s all the status they’d ever need.

And to celebrate Father’s Day, this week’s questions are dedicated to dads …

I’m a Single Woman Earning $210,000 … How Do I Pay Less Tax?

Hi Scott,

I am a 40-year-old, single, professional woman with no dependants (other than my pets). I have recently increased my income to $210,000 and so have moved into the top tax bracket -- a double-edged sword. I am following your steps, claiming deductions where I can, and saving for a home. The trouble is, most of my income disappears through tax! I have seen you recommend family trusts, splitting income, etc, as ways to reduce tax. What options are available for employees like me who do not have a traditional family?

Jessica

Hi Jessica,

I don’t think earning $210,000 is a double-edged sword … it’s more of a diamond-encrusted poker.

So let me poke you a bit.It’s not true that most of your income disappears through tax. The Australian tax system is based on marginal rates, so you are only paying the top rate of tax of 45 cents in the dollar, excluding Medicare, on each dollar you earn over $180k. The total tax payable on your $210,000 is around $71,932 per year, roughly one-third of your income.

My advice?

Put away your violin, and start swinging from the chandeliers!

You still have $11,503 after-tax income is hitting your bank account each month. and you have no debt and no dependants to share it with. Life is good! However, the truth is that you’re working a very demanding job, so my advice would be to keep your financial affairs simple and build up your financial security.

Here’s what I’d do over the next decade:

First, save up a 20 per cent deposit and buy yourself a nice home. You deserve it, and you can afford it.

Second, add to your employer’s pre-tax super contributions so that you round it up to $25,000 per year.

Third, build up a Mojo account of three months of living expenses.

Fourth, focus on paying down your mortgage as quickly as you can.Fifth, then start building up your investments, inside and outside of super.

Disclaimer: I understand that none of this is as sexy as taking out a whopping big loan, investing in something exotic, and then running a spreadsheet of how much tax you’ll save each year.

But my plan is simple, and it works.

And if you continue earning big bucks, you’ll retire a very wealthy woman, no doubt about it.

Scott

Centrelink Property Mogul

Hi Scott,

I’m a 41-year-old single mum stuck on Centrelink benefits. I cannot work for health reasons, but I love (and have always loved) houses! I am cashflow poor but have a good amount of equity in my home and want to work towards having two or three properties to support myself and provide for my future. I have found a few cheap, positively geared properties I could buy with the equity, but once their value reaches $250,000 my benefits would be cut. Any advice on how to get out of this cycle?

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

I love that you want to get off the welfare cycle … but you’ll be replacing it with a debt cycle.

Now, even though you have equity in your home, and you’re planning on buying cash flow-positive investments, the banks are bound by responsible lending laws to take your income into account.

And if you’re on Centrelink, you don’t have enough income.

My view?

If you’re smart enough to hunt down positively geared investments, then you should be able to turn your talents to doing paid work in some capacity. And working is the only surefire way to escape the welfare cycle. You’ve got this!

Scott

Too Young to Be Barefoot

Scott,

I do not have a job or any real income, besides weekly allowances and lunch money, because I am only 15. I picked up your Barefoot Investor book (thought it might be an interesting read) and am halfway through, but I can’t really relate because I can’t save up or anything like that. Anyway, my question is, how do I make sure that I never have to turn my life around financially and that I am ready for any financial fires that come my way?

Oscar

Hi Oscar,

Truth is, I get a lot of teenagers who write to me with concerns like yours. Often it’s because they’ve grown up in homes where a lack of money was a big problem. Often they learn what not to do from their parents.But you know what, Oscar?

The cool thing is that it doesn’t matter who your parents are, or where you’re from, or what you look like, or whether you’re good at sport, or how popular you are.

All you need to do is build some ‘million dollar habits’: work hard, save, and compound your money.

Money is the great leveller in life. All you have to do is have at least a passing interest in it, early enough. The fact that you’re reading a finance book and not on Snapchat tells me you needn’t worry about any financial fires. You’re going to tread your own path!

Thank-you for reading!

Scott

What’s a Girl with Bad Credit to Do?

Hi Scott,

In my early twenties I had a drug addiction which resulted in me having my car repossessed and taking out huge loans I could never repay. Three years on, I am in a reliable job (earning $55,000 p.a.) and have paid off all my debts. However, as you can imagine, I have terrible credit. I want a chance at buying a house, but what’s a girl with bad credit to do?Please help! 

Tegan

Hi Tegan,

You’ve been able to beat drugs and you’ve been able to repay your debts, so I have no doubt you’ll eventually buy your own home. You’re a fighter!

I’d suggest you grab a copy of your credit report (go to www.checkyourcredit.com.au and following the links to get a free file sent out in the post) and make sure any debt you’ve repaid is marked as ‘settled’. If not, you can ask your creditor to do it for you.

Honestly, though, there’s no way to ‘clean’ your bad credit file, despite what those dodgy ‘credit repair’ companies claim. It’s really a waiting game: overdue accounts and defaults drop off your file after five years, while more serious matters last for seven years.

What’s done is done. Instead, focus on increasing your income and boosting your savings. You’ve got this!

Scott

My Husband Is My Banker

Hi Scott,

I am a 31-year-old stay-at-home mum of two kids. My hubby has a new job (paying $130,000 p.a.) and has arranged for payroll to pay the money into his account each fortnight. Once paid he direct-debits money into my account to pay all bills for the fortnight. He also has a (maxed out) credit card on his online banking which he adds to. He works long hours and deserves some spending money, but I honestly do not know how much he spends each fortnight! Please help me address this issue without ruining us.

Eliza

Hi Eliza,

This is going to sound like a blatant plug (because it is), but the easiest way to address this issue is to get a copy of my book. The book is set around Barefoot Date Nights, where the two of you sort out your finances as a team (with a wine in your hand). The book explains why married couples should share the same account. If he baulks at the idea, well, he has the rest of the dinner to explain why he doesn’t trust you enough to share money with you. Good luck!

Scott

Am I Foolish to Pay off My Home?

I owe about $80,000 on a house worth a bit over $500,000. I am 29, earn $100,000 p.a, have a wife and two kids, and no debts other than the house. A person I respect said it is stupid to have equity sitting in a home and even stupider to own a home outright. He has used the equity in his home to buy real estate and make about $600,000 for ‘doing nothing’, as he puts it. He said at my age it is foolish to pay off my home. I must admit I am tempted, but what do you think?

Tom

Hi Tom,

Dude! Well done! You’ve got yourself in a position that most 59-year-olds would like to be in -- at age 29!

(I’m so impressed with you, Tom, I’ve pulled out three exclamation marks! What the hell, let’s make it five!)

Okay, so now let’s deal with your friend.

You need to understand that they’re talking about their own personal experience … yours may be different.

So let me share with you my personal experience.

The day I paid off my home was the proudest (financial) moment of my life.I don’t want to get too Oprah on you, Tom, but it really was a life-changing moment: life became a lot simpler.

See, whether you admit it or not, debt always makes things more complicated, and more stressful.

But once you’ve got the banker off your back, you have the freedom to call the shots. For me that meant being able to ‘invest’ more time into hanging out with my kids, and less time stressing about ‘stuff’.

And being around my family is what makes me truly happy … that’s what makes me feel rich.

My advice?

If you can wipe out your mortgage in the next few years, you’ll then have the ability to redirect your repayments into building up your long-term nest egg, via pre-tax super contributions. It’s simple. It’s tax effective. And if you stick at it over your working life, you’ll end up seriously wealthy.

Scott

Are we heading for a stock market crash?

Well, less than a year ago, the leader of the free world had this to say about the market:

“We are in a big, fat, ugly bubble. And we better be awfully careful.”At the time, the Dow Jones was trading at 18,000 points.

Recently the Dow broke through 22,000, but this time Trump tweeted triumphantly:

“Stock Market at an all-time high. That doesn’t just happen!”

Thought bubble?  Well, we all know the Tweeter-in-Chief has four of those before breakfast. (And if you’re trying to make sense of any of this, you haven’t been paying attention.)  Whether Donald likes it or not, the share market has a nasty habit of crashing (on average) every 10 years or so:1987 was the Black Monday crash.

1997 was the start of the Asian Financial Crisis.

2007 was the start of the Global Financial Crisis.

2017 is  … well, let’s not get carried away, because, just like the Trump presidency, there’s no logic to any of this.

(Case in point: the ‘tech-wreck’ happened around 2000, which didn’t fit the 10-year pattern.)

Again, to be clear, I’m not saying the share market is going to crash this year.

However, I am growing more cautious, and taking my cues from another US billionaire …Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway currently has $100 billion in cash in its war-chest. That’s the most they’ve ever had. As a percentage of Berkshire’s assets, it’s actually more than the prescient pile Buffett went into the GFC with, when he made good on his motto: “Be greedy when other people are fearful.”Tweet! Tweet!

Tread Your Own Path!

How to Save 98% of Your Income

Hi Scott,

My mum and I always read your column, and it is one of few times we stop arguing and have great discussions. I am in Year 11 and interested in sports journalism and management. I have worked at KFC for 18 months and saved 98% of my pay, just over $3,000. Thinking ahead to next year when I get my licence, I will not be able to buy much of a car so I was hoping to invest some of my savings. Would be grateful for your advice. Oh yes, and I turn 17 soon, so your book would be a wonderful gift, don’t you think! 

Mark

Hey Mark,

First of all, congratulations on being a saver; it’s the number one habit of financially successful people.

However, the ‘11 secret herbs and spices’ on how you’re able to save 98% of your pay packet is … it’s your mother who’s picking up the tab. Finger lick’n good!

So what should you do?

First, put $500 into a Mojo account, so you can stand on your own two drumsticks.

Second, if you’re focusing on long-term investing, think superannuation. Just make sure you’re not getting screwed with fees on your super, and think about opting out of the expensive (and automatic) life insurance while you’re young and still living at home.

Third, start researching what wheels you can buy for around $7,000 (like, say, an early noughties Subaru Forester … rugged, urban, yet understated), and then apply your hard work and savings ability until you get it.

Oh, and if you’re saving 98% of your income, buy your own bloody book … better yet, buy one for your lovely mum!

Scott

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. In the process he has nicked money from some of my family members, which has wiped out their savings. He even took a loan out in the name of a family member without them knowing! Given he is family, is it better to keep this amongst ourselves or to involve outside parties?

Hamish

Hi Hamish!

‘Nicking money’ is like $20 from your mum’s purse. You’re talking about wiping out their life savings!

That’s not nicking, that’s fraud. And the fact that your mother used to change his nappy doesn’t change the fact that he’s committed a crime.

It sounds like he’s an addicted gambler, yet rather than sitting in front of a pokie screen he sits in front of a trading screen. It’s the same thing (and has basically the same odds).

What would I do if I were in your shoes?

Well, I’d tell your brother that he needs to do three things: first, he needs to get legal advice (and so should your family, even if no charges are ever laid. It will bring home the gravity of what he’s done). Second, he should get professional help for his addiction. Third, when he’s sorted out, he needs to start repaying the family debts by getting a job and earning some real income.

If he doesn’t do these things, I’d consider handing the matter over to the authorities.

Good luck.

Scott

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. Question: would I need to declare that money on my tax return?

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Yes, you would certainly have to declare it.

Unlike with your mate’s brother, who presumably paid you in cash, Airbnb is all electronic payments.

And therefore the ATO will be able to track the income that comes electronically to you from Airbnb, and they’ll send you a ‘please explain’ letter in the mail.

Given the ATO has the computing power to check these things, it’s also a fair bet they have the ability to send you another letter if you sell your home without factoring in any potential capital gains tax (CGT) ramifications. Talk to your accountant.

Scott

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. Our incomes never meet our expenses -- NEVER -- and now we have stopped paying our mortgage because we are so tired of ‘the game’, as I call it. My question is this: is it really worth all the effort to own your own home? ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author Robert Kiyosaki calls a home your biggest liability -- not an asset! Do you agree with him?

Katie

Hi Katie,

Please insert your thumb into your mouth and begin sucking it while I pat your head and gently whisper: “Being a grown-up totally sucks, doesn’t it?”

The ‘game’ you say you’ve opted out of is called ‘being an adult and facing up to your responsibilities’. You made the decision to buy a house and take out the mortgage … so you either sell your home and rent, or you continue honouring your commitment.

It sounds like you’re not earning enough money in either of the business (presumably because you’re both only working part time?). If they aren’t making you enough money, and you see little prospect of improvement, by all means get out of that game. Either way, my advice is simple but brutal: one or both of you need to get a job so you can put food on the table for your kids, and avoid losing your home.

Now to your actual question: Is it really worth all the effort to own your own home?

Well, I agree that maintaining a home is expensive, and at times it can be a huge drain on your cash. But I still think it’s worth it.

Yes, creating your own castle involves sacrifice, hard work and a commitment to providing stability for your family. Yet that’s what being a parent is all about, right?

Finally, what would ‘Rich Dad’ do? I have no idea, though I do know he filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

Scott

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. How about ‘turn off your bloody lights!’.”

Editor: “Errr … do you have anything else?”

Barefoot: … (No reply)

Truth is, I don’t do money-saving tips:

“If Jenny uses her Hills Hoist instead of her clothes dryer, she could save $384 a year on her power bill!”

Seriously? Jenny didn’t twig that the giant golden ball in the sky could dry her clothes … for free?

Yet I get it, power prices are insane. This week we learned that Australians are paying the highest power costs in the world … twice as much as the Yanks! (Hang on, aren’t we basically a giant coal pit?)

And a report by the Australian Energy Market Commission found that almost half of households haven’t switched their plan or retailer in the past five years … a ‘lazy tax’ that costs on average an extra $507 a year on power and $285 on gas.

So this week I decided I’d buck the trend.

I typed ‘cheap power’ into Google and started dutifully scrolling through the 136,000,000 results it served up.

The top pages were power comparison sites, and they reminded me of walking through a market in Bali:

“Hey Mister! You want free power?”*

“$2 gas for you!”*

(*Just sign up for a horribly confusing bait-and-switch plan that will see you rolling over and being charged an average $278 more for power the year after your deal expires.)

Thankfully, I came across a government website that makes it really simple:

https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au

It may not be sexy, but with a copy of my last power bill, and a few clicks, I saved $540 a year. (And then I put a note in my calendar to remind myself to go back to the site next year.)

Power to you!

Tread Your Own Path!

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. There was a high level of domestic abuse in the relationship. The past 12 months have taught me who I can and cannot depend on, and you and your fantastic book have supported me through this time. Today I collected the keys to my new property -- I’m a homeowner! I would not have got here without your help.

Thank you xxx

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Well done!

Your question (like the one previous) shows why it’s critical for women to understand, and take control of, their financial situation. I’ve met far too many women who stay in unhealthy relationships because they’re fearful they won’t survive financially on their own. You’ve proven that’s not the case. You’ve got this!

Scott

My Husband Sold My Home From Under Me

Scott,

My husband sold our family home without my knowledge ... Yes ... S.O.L.D. I.T! To give you some background, I am 36 years old and work in childcare, earning $45,000 a year. He and I separated some months ago -- it was a slow decline but the time had come. A few weeks ago he asked me if we could reconcile our marriage, and I said I was not sure. He replied with, “Well, I’m done and I have someone coming to buy the house”. He then completed the sale with a 30-day settlement. He is telling me I will get nothing. What can I do?

Rita

Hi Rita,

He’s not taking the separation well, is he?

Understand that he’s not basing his argument on sound legal opinion, but on lashing out irrationally after being rejected.

The first thing you should do is consult a family lawyer -- immediately -- and explain what’s happened. If your property was in joint names, he can’t just sell it from under you!

The second thing you should do is move on. As part of the divorce there will be a division of assets, including proceeds from the sale of the house, and it will also take into account any custody and child support arrangements. Onwards!

Scott

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. who can minimise their tax).

(Hats off to the speech writer who came up with this analogy … who doesn’t hate those wankers that fly up the nose of the plane with their reclining beds, and champagne, while the rest of us squeeze in next to a big Tongan bloke and eat warmed-up dogfood with plastic knives and forks.)

So where do you sit on Bill’s, errr, tax jumbo jet?

Well, let’s defer to former flight captain Kerry Packer, who told a parliamentary enquiry in 1991:

“I am not evading tax … of course I’m minimising my tax, and if anybody in this country doesn’t minimise their tax they want their heads read, because as a government I can tell you you’re not spending it that well that we should be donating extra.”

Problem is, since Kerry said that, governments have systematically clamped down on ways to minimise tax:

The Libs stopped kids being used as a tax deduction and put caps on how much you can put in, and have in, super.

And this week Labor announced they’ll crack down on income-splitting via trusts, as well as increasing the top tax rate to 49.5% and hitting negative gearing.

My view?

Both sides are guilty of fingering the economic pie … instead of working out ways to actually grow it.

Seriously, we’ve lived through a once-in-a-lifetime mining boom and all we’ve got to show for it is a tin-can internet plan (NBN) and half a trillion ($500 billion) on the government credit card? And they need more of our money!?

Truth is, even with these proposed changes, you can avoid paying the top rate of tax (see my answer here).

Yet let’s be pragmatic. There’s a price for living in the greatest country on earth. So pay the tax.

Just don’t tip ’em.

Tread Your Own Path!

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. So you can imagine how shocked I was this week when I heard Bill Shorten talking about killing trusts! Should I take my money out again, or leave it in, or what?

Craig

Hi Craig,

You’re a bit early aren’t you, cobber?

I mean (Tony Abbott) hasn’t even called the next election and you’re acting like it’s a done deal!

Now, Bill Shorten’s argument is that it’s unfair that people who use trusts can split their income to lower their tax, whereas everyday workers can’t.

Fair enough. It’s actually pretty hard to argue with that.

Yet the ability to split the trust income with unemployed members of your (adult) family is really only a small side benefit to having a trust. (How many of these family members do you have?!)

The main reason you would have a trust is to protect your assets. The second is to avoid getting whacked with the top marginal tax rate. See, even with these proposed changes you still have the ability to cap your tax rate below 30% (versus the top marginal tax rate of 47%) by distributing income from the trust to what’s known as a ‘bucket company’ and then using the franking credits to eventually lower your income.

Anyway, back to your question. The bottom line is, trusts have been around since King Henry VIII … they’re not going anywhere!

Scott

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! A remarkable financial turnaround for a beautiful young woman who has had a difficult path through life, through circumstances outside her control. I love this girl so much and now I can see a more positive future for her. Thank you.

Karen

Hi Karen,

I’m sending your email straight to my grandmother in Ouyen (okay, I’ll print it out and post it ... she doesn’t have email). Thank you so much for helping me spread my message, and pass on my congratulations to your niece. She’s got this!

Scott

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. He had lied to me for the last 10 years. We had counselling, and he proceeded to pay off everything except a BIG debt of $40,000 (he runs his own business and earns $150,000 a year). Money is still a major issue, though he says paying off the debt is priority number one. Now, unexpectedly, I am pregnant, with around $10,000 in savings. Yet the day I confirmed my pregnancy with the GP, he bought an $800 briefcase. I am terrified -- what can I do?

Vickie

Hi Vickie,

If he’s earning $150k in his own business, he’s obviously no dill -- he’s just depressed. His spending is a symptom of that depression. However, by deciding to have a family with him, his out-of-control spending is now your problem too.

So if I were in your situation, I’d sit down and call him out on his bulldust: he’s got a problem, and he needs to deal with it:

First, by getting help from a professional (call Beyond Blue).

Second, by working with you. From now on you share the one joint bank account, you have an equal vote on where the family money goes, and you have a regular monthly Barefoot Date Night where you plot and plan and scheme about all the things you’re going to do to secure your family’s future.

Let him know you believe that he has it in him. Then hold him to it.

Scott

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. We now have an opportunity to invest in a business as 25 per cent owners in an accommodation/wedding venue. The asking price is $1.5 million-plus, with four partners putting in 25 per cent ($500,000 each) and an additional $500,000 for improvements. The profit from previous years is around $200,000 per annum, with future bookings into 2019. We are unsure if we should take this opportunity (as silent partners) or just continue to pay off our mortgage. Please help.

Tash and Simon

Hi guys,

This sounds like a real stinker of an idea.

In fact, let me count the whiffs:

Whiff one, you can’t afford it. You’re simply not earning enough to take on more debt. (Though that’s my opinion ... not the opinion of a bank that wants to flog you more debt.)

Whiff two, you’re getting into bed with not one, not two, but three partners!? You may start out wanting to be a silent partner, but trust me you’ll eventually have to raise your voice.

Whiff three, if the business has a downturn you may have to put your hand in your pockets, or reduce your dividends. And this is at a time when you’re still repaying your debt. And you can’t afford it in the first place.

Look guys, this venture smells worse than my son’s teething nappy (and the end result will be just as messy).

Life is difficult when you’re raising young kids, and living off one income. To quote Jon Bon Jovi, “You’ve got to hold on to what you’ve got”. Keep your life simple. Pay off your mortgage. Take time to smell the roses.

Scott