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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Top of the Class
Hey Scott, I was indoctrinated into the ‘Barefoot cult’ around Easter this year, and it has changed my life. I am a business studies teacher in a low socio-economic high school in Brisbane’s south and, since reading your book, have been going on about it to my class.
25 days of disappointment
Let me tell you about how, a few years ago, I created a family Christmas tradition … … which has caused me nothing but stress, and given my kids 25 days of disappointment. It began one day in Aldi, as disappointment often does.
The Most Moving Message I Received in 2018
Throughout the year, I’ve received thousands of messages from Barefooters. This is the one that moved me the most: Dear Scott, Five years ago our middle child was diagnosed with brain cancer, at five years old.
A super fund option with ZERO fees?
If you've been reading my stuff for a while, you’ll know I bang on – a lot – about minimising your super fees.Well, today I'm going to tell you about a super fund that has zero fees.
Spreading the Love
Dear Scott, I am the Team Manager for Domestic and Family Violence Programs for Mercy Community. I am not asking for anything ‒ I just wanted to let you know that I am applying for a grant as part of Queensland Women’s Week to put together financial packs for women in refuges to help them with their financial literacy post-separation.
Could We Lose All Our Money?
My husband and I are working through your book, but we are stuck at the superannuation chapter. We both work for the Queensland Government and have our super in the QSuper Lifetime Aspire fund.
Bailing Out My Boyfriend
Hi, I’m a huge fan! My boyfriend is currently working overseas, and we plan to ‘go Barefoot’ when he gets back so we can tackle our debts.
The Best Thing I Ever Saved For
Dear Mr Pape, I bought your book while in severe financial difficulty — I actually had to save money for six weeks just to buy it! Anyway, I am 10 months in and will never look back, having managed to pay off $25,574.
The Giving Game
Hi Scott, My daughter would like to donate the contents of her money box to a charity. I really want to take her to one in person, rather than doing it online, so she can be a part of the process.
The Dollarmite Rebel
Hi Scott, I purchased your latest book, The Barefoot Investor for Families, and gave it to my nine-year-old son, who has taken to it like a duck to water. He is enthusiastically helping with cooking, and has set up his three jam jars.
The 3 books I’m giving for Christmas this year
Christmas shopping sucks, right? Not for me.
Why Afterpay is the marijuana of credit
I think of Afterpay as the financial equivalent of marijuana. Young people absolutely love it, and old people are doing a lot of finger-waving about the dangers of getting hooked on the newest financial drug to hit the streets.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance
Hi Scott, This question is for my brother. After being diagnosed with serious bone cancer in March 2017, he proceeded to apply to his travel insurer -- Southern Cross Travel -- for a refund on his overseas trip, planned for April 2017.
Does Renting Now Make Sense?
Hi Scott, I would like your thoughts on something that is bothering me. Forecasters think that house prices are set to fall at least 5% over the next year.
Boost My Super Just By Shopping? SuperSuper!
Hi Scott, I am hearing a lot of advertising for SuperSuper ‒ a shopping rewards program that pays rewards directly to your super account with GuildSuper. It’s targeting women, enabling us to boost our super balances by doing nothing different ‒ we are shopping anyway!
Buffett’s Secret Aussie Share Play?
Hi Scott, I know you’re a fan of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Well, there’s a relatively small listed investment company (LIC), called Global Masters Fund Limited (ASX: GFL), that invests in Berkshire Hathaway, UK shares and cash.
19-Year-Old Girl Wins the Lottery
Hi Scott, I am 19 and was given your book last Christmas. I am not the greatest saver — I like to splurge a little too often.
Don’t Raise a Tightarse
Hi Scott, Loving your new book, but I have a question. If a child does not want to spend their accumulated ‘Splurge’ money, isn’t that effectively another form of savings?
Eat, Pray, Dump
Hi Barefoot, So I get a message from my wife at 2am while she is in Morocco (finding herself): “I think I’m going to move to Morocco, I’m so sorry.” This really was not expected, nor in my plan for the future.
Is AMP Heading South?
Hi Barefoot, On advice from our financial adviser, my wife and moved our super from Australian Super to AMP MyNorth Super a year ago. We have generally been happy with the advice we have received and, like all funds, in the past year MyNorth has had its ups and down.