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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Westpac Jackpot!
Dear Scott I just wanted to say thank you! I received a letter from Westpac today to say that in response to my ‘query’ they have cancelled my credit card repayment insurance and refunded $1,100 in premiums paid over the past four years.
Prisoner’s Last Chance
Dear Mr Scott Pape, My name is Peter. I am 59 and I have four years left to serve on a five-year prison term.
Family Feud
Hi Scott, I am 26 and recently got married (yay!), but my husband and I are not sure how to combine our finances.
Introducing … Zuckbucks?
Facebook is set to launch its own crypto-currency next year, the BBC reported this week. (The article referred to the new currency as ‘GlobalCoin’ … though I much prefer ‘Zuckbucks’.
The Barefoot Kid
Hi Scott, I am so proud of our three-year-old! Scarlett saved up her pocket money from doing her ‘jobs’.
Car Crash Classroom
Hi Scott, I am a 25-year-old teacher and I got a car loan in my second year of uni. I had no idea what interest rates were, or how getting a loan worked, and just signed away on the first deal I got accepted for (which ended up being a fixed rate loan with a 17% interest rate).
Here's One For The Teachers
I looked at my bedside clock: 4:03 am. It was Monday night (actually, Tuesday morning), and I hadn’t slept a wink.
Barefoot’s Money Movement
Do you want me to come to your school … and teach your kids about money? Well, if you’re a teacher, a parent or a principal, this may be the most important column of mine you’ve ever read.
You Made Me Cry
You made me cry today. My 90-year-old mum had her purse stolen at the local shopping centre.
Would You Like a Credit Card With that?
Hi Scott, My 19-year-old daughter just started a job at David Jones. To my horror, one of her KPIs is to sell the David Jones credit card to customers.
First Home Loan Deposit Scheme
Hi Scott, After years of saving up for a deposit and getting nowhere (I live in Sydney, and I work in hospo!), I was slightly stoked to hear about the new policy that helps first home buyers get a house with just a 5% deposit.
The School Chaplain
Hi Scott, I know you have already had lots of positive support, but I couldn’t agree more with the priest who sent you encouraging words last week. I am a School Chaplain.
Bankrupt but They’re Still Chasing Me!
Scott, I am a 36-year-old single woman, earning $65,000 as an admin officer, and I have recently declared bankruptcy. However, one loan could not be erased, as it is a secured loan, and my car (a Mitsubishi ASX worth $8,000) is attached to it.
The Good Reverend
Hi Scott, I’m just following up on your question last week, ‘Does Jesus Despise the Barefoot Investor?’ As an Anglican priest I love your books -- they are against debt, they are about living within your means, and they are about being generous.
A Pig Gave me a Fridge Magnet!
The other day my son came home and announced he’d received a ‘present’ … from a stranger at the local park. “A pig gave me a fridge magnet!
We’re Rich!
Scott, My husband (30) and I (24) have inherited an eye-watering $6.5 million!
The Kind Landlord
Hi Scott, I would like to tell you about one of our tenants. She was an excellent tenant for four years, but fell behind during the last year and was not able to claw her way back.
St George Bank Swanns Around
Hi Scott, I am having all sorts of problems trying to cancel the credit card insurance that was added to my St George credit card when I first took it out. I was told that, as I was a single mum, I would not get the card without it.
Filthy from Head to Toe
Hi Scott, Thanks so much for your last column. My son and I went on our first camping trip these holidays and it was honestly the best holiday ever.
Does Jesus Despise the Barefoot Investor?
Hi Scott, I’m a committed Christian, and I’m also a committed Barefooter, which is why I felt a bit conflicted recently when I saw a blog post by a pastor on the Gospel Coalition website entitled: “Does Jesus despise the Barefoot Investor?” He writes that your book should be setting off alarm bells for Christians because it encourages people to look to money for their safety rather than the Lord.