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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Million Dollar Payday
Dear Scott, I am 24 years old and I earn $40,000 a year working part time. Today I received a lump sum of $1,000,000 (after costs) due to being run over by a car seven years ago.
10 Years Without Money
Hi Scott, Ten years I have been a monk and therefore ten years without money. Now, at age 52, I am leaving the monastic life and coming back into the regular world.
Three Is Enough, Barefoot!
Dear Scott, You seem like a smart guy, but I think your wife is even smarter in wanting to limit the number of children you have to just three. The environment is freaking out, and curtailing the number of children born into our consumer society is one of the greatest contributions anyone can make.
Should I Sell My Investment Property?
Scott, I’m torn! Back in 2008 I bought my first home for $126,000.
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.