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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Public Versus Private
This week was the cut-off for enrolling our oldest son into Primary school. It’s been a highly stressful time for my wife, who’s been agonising over our choices: public, private, Catholic.
A Total Disaster
Hi Scott I am a 50-year-old widow with an eight-year-old. After nursing my partner through cancer (he lost his battle on Boxing Day), I have just refinanced my house to consolidate some credit card debt.
Should We Refuse to Pay?
Barefoot, My husband and I (stupidly) bought a timeshare in Vegas back in 1997 ‒ we had just got off a plane and were feeling very jet lagged! We have tried a gazillion avenues to offload it ‒ we even offered it to a number of charities for free.
You’re Being Unfair, Barefoot
Dear Scott, I read your article last week on Wyndham timeshare, and I think what you said was a little unfair.We have been with Wyndham for around 10 years, and it has been great for us because we were able to pay without borrowing, and we enjoy great holidays.
Ground zero of the mortgage crisis
Let me take you to ground zero of the mortgage crisis. Right now the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) is receiving so many calls that they’re at breaking point.
I’m on My Way!
Dear Scott, I’ve just closed the last page of your book (I read it in one sitting, couldn’t put it down). I left an abusive relationship and my three kids and I live on the very edge of poverty.
The Reality Check
Hi Scott, I’m in trouble. I am 33 with three young kids, and waiting for my divorce.
The $3.7 million Hotel Room
Hi Scott, We recently went to an investment seminar where we were offered a chance to buy into a vacation club with international resort group called Wyndham. There are a number of different options, but the one we are looking at is the mid-range offer: we pay $22,146 upfront (financed at an interest rate of 13.
Love Me Two Times, Baby
Hi Scott, I am 24 and earn a good income. My partner and I are getting serious, but she owes $12,000 ($10,000 car loan, $2,000 credit card) and this is annoying me as I have no debt.
Our Tenant Burnt Our House Down
Hi Scott, Our tenant burnt our investment property down (has been charged with arson). The property has landlord insurance for $500,000.
I Feel Defeated
Hi Scott, I am a 21-year-old single female. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to buy a house, because my family rented and we did not have financial security growing up.
Hey Kids, Let’s Learn about Credit Cards!
Dear Scott I am a teacher and I just got an email which made me angry, and I have you to blame... or should I say thank?
When the Bank of Mum and Dad Goes Bad
Can you remember when you got your first credit card? Mine was automatically bundled into my NAB student banking package when I went to university.
Help! I Don’t Want a Tax Bill!
Hi Barefoot, I am 27 and work as a carpenter with a small construction company. The accountant I have always used (who always got me a good refund) retired at the end of last year, and I am worried I will have to pay tax this year.
You’re a Self-Promoter, Barefoot
Hi Scott Love your work but am getting a little tired of all the self-promotion of your book. Yes, it’s great and I have bought it, put it to good use and made some gains.
What About Helping ‘Tweens’ Too?
Scott, Last night I was reading your book and my 11-year-old son asked me about it. I was reading the chapter about credit cards, so I explained the dangers of them to him.
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.