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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‘You need sleeping pills’, said my doctor
The Three Exams Years ago, when I was cramming for my final VCE exams, I went to see my doctor. I confessed to the old quack that I was stressed -- wound up like a lacker band -- and was having trouble sleeping.
I’ve been a little low this week
I’ve been feeling a bit low lately. My grandmother died last week, at the grand old age of 92.
Is Dollarmites Done For?
Hi Scott, I read in the news this week that ASIC are finally launching a review into school banking -- maybe it has something to do with that book of yours! What is your view on this?
The Business of Buckets
Hi Scott, I love your book and love passing it on to other people. But what comes back to me from some of my self-employed friends is that do not have a steady income.
Should I Go to Cash in My Super?
Dear Barefoot, I am a single working woman, 61 years old, planning to retire in five years. I am now wondering if I should be concerned about my superannuation reducing with the recent share market losses.
The Sunday Night Ritual
Hi Scott, We are two weeks into our ‘Barefoot family experience’. The kids are excited to be doing chores (who would have thought?!
The Do-Gooder
Dear Mr Foot, I do not know if you follow the Facebook groups formed around your books. But there has been a lot of pushback on your idea of the ‘Give Jar’ and kids giving a portion of their money to those in need.
I Faced My Financial Fire
Dear Scott, On November 23rd last year, I finally came to my senses and left a violent relationship ‒ then began my ‘financial fire’. My ex-husband immediately did three things: clear out our bank accounts, redraw on our mortgage, and direct his salary solely to his account.
The Best Travel Money Deal
Hi Scott, I read an article saying that Australians are getting ripped off by $2 billion a year on foreign exchange, mostly by the big banks. I am heading overseas at the end of the year, so what would you suggest I do to get the best deal?
This morning I arrived home from a family holiday from Bali
I’ve just arrived home from a family holiday. As I opened my front door, I quickly realised I’d brought home a souvenir from Bali: bacteria.
Barefoot Money Meals
Hey Scott and family! I know you are probably being inundated with emails and messages about your new book (which is just freaking amazing!
Best Kids’ Bank Account?
Hi Scott, My 14-year-old son wants a debit card. He is a good saver and has a few thousand dollars in his bank account.
You Made Me Rich! … Now What Do I Do?
Hi Scott, Twelve years ago (May 2006), you wrote an article in the Herald Sun talking about why you were buying shares in Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. I know the date because I followed your advice, and I am very glad I did!
One Star Amazon Reviews
After 18 months of tapping and toiling away, I finally pushed my new literary baby into the big wide world. And the very first review on Amazon?
Can Grandparents Do This?
Hi Scott, I ordered three copies of your book, one for each of my adult children, but I am worried they will be too busy to get time to read it. For my grandkids’ sake I really want them to actually do it!
The Second Chance
Hi Scott, I was so excited when I read last week that you donated some of your books to a father doing time in Bathurst Correctional Complex. I just wanted to say thank you.
My Proudest Dad Moment
I am not like most fathers. See, most kids grow up watching their dad get into his work clobber and head off to work each day.
How Do You Get Paid, Barefoot?
Hi Scott, I may well be the only person who had never heard of the Barefoot Investor, until this week! I heard you on ABC Radio’s Nightlife and bought your book the next morning.
Why are you wearing Mummy’s makeup?
Writing a book is a weird experience. I’ve spent months holed up on the farm, tapping away on my lonesome.
First Share Purchase and I’m Petrified!
Hi Scott, I have just learnt that the value of shares I own have dropped by $5,000 since last week, from $25,000 to $20,000. In April last year I purchased them at $30,000, so they had already dropped $5,000.