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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Let me tell you about the smartest 23-year-old woman I know:
Her name is Samantha, and she’s worked out a way to get a private 30-minute financial strategy session with me every single month. How much does she pay me?
Confessions of an Afterpay Junkie
Dear Barefoot, As someone who fell down the Afterpay rabbit hole and got stuck in a cycle for three years, I completely agree with what you are saying. I added up every single purchase I had made and found I had spent a disgusting $19,338.
Am I a Financial Drug Dealer?
Hi Scott, I run a small online business with my wife. While I do not use Afterpay myself, we do offer it as a payment option for our customers.
My experience with dumpster diving
There have been a couple of times in my career that I’ve come across a subculture. The first was right back when I began: people who would write to me about my … feet.
Fighting the Fire
Hi Scott, Earlier this week I lost my rental house and most possessions in the Bunyip State Park fires. I just wanted to say that reading your book earlier this year has helped me deal with what I’m going through.
Are Charities Ripping Us Off?
Hi Barefoot, Do you know of any charities which do not have highly paid CEOs and numerous other well-paid staff? l would like to make a donation to charities where all the money goes to the people who need it, rather than paying managers and having only the leftovers go to actual charity.
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?