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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The three questions my financial advisor couldn’t handle
A woman I’ll call Lynne emailed me with the subject line “Devastated”. Here’s what she wrote: Scott, Over the past three years I had become increasingly anxious about the state of my finances, which have been controlled by my ‘trusted’ financial advisor of seven years.
My Aunty Has 15 Credit Cards
Hi Scott, My aunty has got herself into trouble with credit cards. She is not savvy with money and I really do not think she understood what she was doing.
Is your money in one of these ‘fat cat’ funds?
2018’s Top 10 ‘Fat Cat Funds’ I once knew a very rich guy in his sixties who prided himself on ‘calling a spade a spade’. “You’re fat!
High Income Earners Completely Out of Control
Scott, We are what many would consider ‘high income earners’, earning $255,000 a year ‒ and yet we are completely out of control. Our five years of DINK (Double Income No Kids) lifestyle came to a halt when we had three kids in two years, and we are now floundering month to month.
‘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.