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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I Didn’t Get Paid!
Hi Barefoot Interesting column last week about super not being paid. In my office almost everyone has not been getting super since November last year, and some for 12 months.
Here’s What I Really Think About the Acorns (Raiz) app
A lot of people ask me about the youth-focused investing app Acorns. Its ‘killer app’ is that it collects your spare change and invests it in the share market on your behalf.
The Billionaire
Dear Mr Pape, My name is Lachlan, I am 16 years old, and I live on the Gold Coast. I have a keen interest in finance and economics, and through my part-time job I have been able to build a share portfolio worth $3,000, on top of $2,000 in savings.
Special Q&A with Kelly O’Dwyer.
This week I’m doing a special Q&A with the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, and the Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer.Costello’s RegretsBarefoot:Your old boss, Peter Costello, says he regrets not doing more to lower fees on compulsory superannuation.
Proud, Angry, Happy!
A couple of day ago I finished reading your book, and immediately phoned my bank (Suncorp). My husband and I have had our home loan with them for close to 10 years.
I Am Never Looking Back
Dear Scott, Six years ago I left my ex, due to him punching me. It was the right thing to do, but it certainly set me back financially.
Can I Afford to Become a Mum?
Hi Scott, My husband wants us to have a baby, but I am petrified at the thought of not earning money. How far backwards would we go if I can work only a couple of days a week, and/or have to pay daycare fees so I can work?
Helping Out My Mum
Scott, At the age of just 30, I am VERY aware of the importance of super. Here’s why.
Okay, I’m Angry
Commbank chief Matt Comyn is sorry ... He’s sorry his insurance guys ripped off terminally ill parents who took out life insurance with the bank.
The Big Budget Changes You Missed
Far as I can tell, we’re the only country that goes a little ‘Hollywood’ for the Budget. Other nations just read theirs out on a Tuesday afternoon in parliament, and no one gives a toss.
Your Book Is Stressing Me Out
I started reading your book last night and was discouraged when I read about your SMSF strategy. About two years ago, on advice from a financial advisor, my husband and I set up an SMSF, and we have since purchased a property with it.
Baby, I’m Bamboozled
Hi Scott, I just had a long chat with a financial planner. The topic came to rolling over to their actively managed SMSF, and I asked them about using a low-cost passively managed super fund instead.
How Do I Find a Financial Advisor?
Hi Scott, I have read lots of advice about avoiding excessive fees charged by financial planners. Problem is that we still need one!
Lock ‘Em Up!
Here’s something shocking that I learned about this week. Apparently there’s been a spate of violent home invasions in which young thugs have been terrorising vulnerable pensioners, and it’s been going on for years.
AFL Player Needs Help
Hey mate, I am a professional footballer. I received a copy of your book through the Players’ Association, and it is honestly the first book I have read from start to finish ‒ overnight!
Escape to the Country
Scott I keep falling in love with the idea of moving to the country. Whether it’s you or a happy-go-lucky couple I recently met, it seems many people are singing the praises of the ‘simple life’ ‒ ditching expensive inner city rents for a modest country abode with a manageable mortgage.
#DeleteFacebook
Clearly I was having a ‘moment’ on the 25th of June 2010. My Facebook data says that was the day I officially put my profile into lockdown.
Mortgage or Super?
Hi Scott, On page 156 of your book it says: “So with your home deposit saved and your house bought, it’s time to give your super contributions a boost.” Could you please settle an argument for my husband and me?
Robbed with a Pen
Dear Barefoot, Five years ago we were advised to start up an SMSF and buy a property within it. We bought a unit for $400,000, for which we had to borrow $275,000.