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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Amazon wants the keys to your house.
Oh, and the retail giant also wants to install a camera at your front door to track people coming in and out. Seriously.
Romantic Comedy or Horror Movie?
Hi Scott, My partner comes from a wealthy family. We are engaged, are having a baby, and have joint finances.
‘Zero Balance’ Is a Trap
Hi Scott, I need your help as I am 34, on maternity leave and near broke … though still inspired by my five-month-old baby. I should be secure, relaxed and focusing my energy on the bub (despite the sleepless nights).
How Should I Save for My Baby?
Dear Barefoot, Firstly, I want to say thank you. I have been following the Barefoot system and this year my husband and I got pregnant with our first child!
My $297,641.32 … errr, investment?
The first time, my wife flung her arms around me and, through tears of sheer joy, whispered “we’re pregnant”. The second time, she raced up behind me and squealed with delight.
Burning Through the Bucks, Baby
Dear Barefoot, I am 35 and engaged to the most generous guy, who I love. But we have spent $31,000 in two months!
The revolution starts with you
The Commonwealth Bank is under fire (again). This time it’s because CHOICE magazine called for the CBA’s Dollarmites school banking program to be banned.
It’s 2am and I Can’t Sleep
Hello Barefoot, I am typing this at 2am -- I cannot sleep. My husband and I have a household income of $200,000 and have three small kids -- but we never see them, as we work in the city and live 60 kilometres away.
Dump the Dollarmites?
Dear BFI, My kid’s school is considering school banking, and someone suggested Dollarmites. I bit my tongue while screaming NOOOOOO inwardly.
Your Book is a Joke, Barefoot
Dear Barefoot Investor, I had three separate friends recommend that I read your book, so I gave it a try. I have to admit I was enjoying it, until I got to page 79.
Talking to the Taxman
I have a rather curly question but I hope you can answer it. My husband and I are five years from retiring and, combined, we have just over $620,000 in assets, including an investment property with a mortgage.
Greetings from a Maximum Security Prison
Hi Scott, I am a teacher and run IT classes at a maximum security prison. Having just read your book, I’ve been incorporating some of your principles into the classes.
Your Barefoot Book Doesn’t Work for Us
The other day I was doing an interview with Mia Freedman, the founder of Mamamia. I told her that, if I printed out all the hate mail I got, I could bale it.
My Partner’s Secret Debt
Hi Scott, I have read your book and love it. Using your formula I have already paid off a long-term debt.
Wife vs Husband
Hi Scott My wife and I are having a disagreement about fixed vs variable home loan rates. I have your book and I notice that Rule 2 is “Don’t Fix Your Rate”.
Should We Sell Our CBA Shares?
Hi Scott, We got Commonwealth Bank shares when the bank was floated years ago. Until recently they were worth $100,000, but now they have plunged to just $74,000.
Your Steps Can’t Work for Us
Scott, I have a bone to pick with you. I have been a loyal follower for years, have ALL the newsletters, and have just bought your book.
Forget iPhone X, I'm Getting This Instead ...
My iPhone is basically my office -- it’s where I do business. In contrast, we got a ‘burner’ phone for my 60-something farmhand Archie ...
Climb Every Mountain
Hi Scott, I just wanted to say thank-you for your book. Your advice has pulled me through some uneasy times, and in October this year I am set to build my legacy … by climbing Mt Kilimanjaro solo to raise money for the Cancer Council.
Borrow to Buy Shares?
Hi Scott, My husband and I are both 40, have two very young girls, and have owned our home outright for three years. We are now down to one wage ($100,000), but have also managed to also put away $90,000 in savings.