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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Too Good to Be True?
Dear Scott, A friend has signed up with an investment company where they have set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF). This group uses this money to buy him investment properties, which they buy and then run.
Tithing Is NOT Mandatory!
Dear Scott, I read with interest your recent answer to a question from a woman who said that tithing was ‘not negotiable’ at her church. As a Christian, it sickens me that the church would do such a thing.
The Ambulance Ride from Hell
Last year my two-year-old decided to do a swan dive off his highchair. He landed on our wooden floorboards.
My Son is $120k in Debt … and Wants Me to Save Him
Dear Barefoot, Twelve months ago my wife and I separated, so I am now ‘starting again’. We have nine children, and my eldest son has asked me to go guarantor, or have a joint loan, so he can consolidate his $55,000 credit card debt.
Man Overboard
Hi Barefoot, Last August my husband bought a boat without telling me, and put it all on finance. After wanting to throw him to the sharks, I have come to terms with this liability (B.
The Financial Dominatrix
Hi Scott, I am 24 and do financial domination on the side, out of my normal working hours. Income goes into my account for this, which is mostly gifts, the rest as payment for videos.
Tithing for the Church
Hi Scott, I am a single mum of three. I earn $86,000 a year, pay $624.
We Smell a Rat!
Dear Barefoot, My wife and I desperately need your help. We have been following your wise advice for many years.
GoFund My Lifestyle!
Dear Scott, A young relative of mine, a single mum with a one-year-old, is in such a bad state that she posted her financial hardship story on a ‘crowdfunding’ website. The only donation she got was from her own mother — which (to me) says her mum is happy for her daughter to beg!
My Parents Nicked My Money
Dear Scott, My grandmother passed away in 2013 and left me, along with her other four grandchildren, $50,000. Unfortunately, my parents put the money into their mortgage offset account without discussion, as they thought I was too young to be in charge of the money (I was 22, but I have always been very responsible and a great saver — unlike them).
My First Year as an Adult
Dear Scott, Just over a year ago I was a 17-year-old high school graduate with literally $0 to my name. Luckily, I managed to find a farm job over the summer break before starting uni.
High Returns from Medical Cannabis?
Hi Scott, We are in our mid-forties with a combined income of $110,000. We own our home and have an investment property worth approximately $420,000.
I’m Freaking Out Here!
Hi Scott, As I write this, the Dow Jones has suffered its “biggest fall in history”. They are saying on Sunrise that our market will plummet today.
I Was Robbed … by the Police!
Hey Barefoot, I have managed to rack up a large sum ($15,000) in parking and speeding fines. Not being able to come up with the money, I tried to pay fortnightly, but the ‘hardship’ rate was unreasonable; and when it caused food to be taken off my table, I refused to pay.
How to Invest in Shares With No Risk
Hi Scott, My partner and I are quite young (both 28) and have bought our first home already. We are now looking to invest in the share market, and would like to take out a ‘protected equity loan’ to do so.
Do I Have to Pay Tax on Bitcoin?
Hi Scott, I have just bitten the bullet and invested in Bitcoin (and it has been a wild ride over the past week!).
The 3 Smart Gifts I’m Giving this Christmas for Under $30
Christmas shopping sucks, right? Not for me.
Why Advisors Hate Barefoot
Hi Scott, My husband and I would like to share with you a conversation he recently had with our financial adviser. Husband: “My wife and I have been looking into our shared finances.
The First Home Super Saver Gets Up!
Hi Scott, I heard you on Triple J this week talking about the fact that the First Home Super Saver Scheme has finally been passed by Parliament. My parents, being traditional hardcore Asian parents, are telling me I have to open one up.
I’m Down on Bended Knee
Hi Scott, I have been seeing my girlfriend for three years now, and I am finally ready to propose! She pointed out the ring of her dreams on the weekend, and it looks like it is going to cost me $4,800.