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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My Son Likes You, But He’s an Idiot
Barefoot, My university-educated adult son read your book. It seems to have inspired him, maybe a little too much.
The man who made $54 million before lunch
Last Monday, I broke bread with a bloke who’d just made $54 million … before lunch. True dinks.
Fearless Despite the Floods
Hi Scott, It is 3am and I am wide awake checking the river levels from a mate’s house to see if our house has gone under yet — a bloody stressful time for our town (Townsville). Yet one thing I do not have to worry about is my important documents and my most cherished items.
Crypto Low
Hi Scott, I have always put my savings in a long-term deposit bank account. However, starting about 12 months ago, I decided to use half of this money to invest in cryptocurrencies, and this resulted in a 90% loss.
Single Mum Is a Loser
Hi Scott I am a 32-year-old single mother trying to save for my own house. I’m working full time and completing my degree online, so I moved in with my grandparents to get some help.
When cashed up bogans run out of luck
You know what really grinds my gears? Cashed up bogans.
Do I Need Renters Insurance?
Hi Scott, I am a renter, and recently my new property agent mentioned contents insurance. I understand that the building is covered by the landlord, but I have never bothered with contents insurance before.
He came downstairs brandishing a screwdriver
When I was in my early twenties I rented a shoebox apartment in the armpit of St Kilda. My landlord, an excitable 70-something Jewish man, lived upstairs with his excitable 20-something Russian bride.
What The Royal Commission Means For You
This column was supposed to be a rip-snorter. See, Monday — when the findings of the Hayne Royal Commission were released — was like Grand Final Day for me ...
Australian Scholarships Group Made Me Cry
Thanks for warning people last week about ASG. I wasn’t surprised you don’t recommend them.
Preparing for Apartment Armageddon
Hi Scott, A few years ago I read your prediction that inner city apartment prices would fall. Since then I’ve been saving hard and am relieved to see property prices finally going down!
Honouring My Husband’s Legacy
Scott, My husband passed away on New Year’s Day at the age of 37. I am 26 years old and for the past four years he and I have had full-time care of his daughter.
Are You Taking Kickbacks, Barefoot?
Hello, I have a simple question: does Scott or his team receive payments from Vanguard to recommend their products?
My thoughts on The Royal Commission
Sir John Barnard was by all accounts a ripping bloke. He was one of the first officials to fearlessly take on the finance industry, and ask a simple question: “How do we stop these greedy finance bastards from ripping us off?
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.