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 $32,000 Couch
Hi Scott, Ten years ago I got a ‘buy now, pay later’ $4,000 ‘living room package’ at a retailer (couch, TV, coffee table). Actually, the deal was that they gave me a GEM Visa with a $6,000 limit … so another $2,000 credit, which I stupidly spent.
What Nobody Tells You About Living Through a Bushfire
Here’s what no one tells you about living through a bushfire. First, nobody thinks it’s going to happen to them.
From Zero to Five Kids
Hi Scott, My wife and I — who have had an ongoing struggle with infertility — foster three children. And it has been awesome.
My Super Crappy Boss
Hi Scott, I feel like everybody learns to check their super the hard way — by not being paid it at some point thanks to a super crappy boss. I am a 22-year-old uni student and have mostly had hospitality jobs while studying.
I’m on Lithium
Hi Scott, My wife and I received $370,000 from the sale of our house, which I decided to invest into an Australian lithium producer. But over the last six months the share price has halved, leaving me (on paper at least) with a very distressing loss.
Time for a Super Shakeup
What I’m about to share with you could possibly be the biggest change to superannuation since I wrote my book, The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need, a few years ago.But first, a cute analogy to explain how Aussie super works:Retail super funds, those owned by the banks and AMP, are the financial equivalent of Facebook.
Your Advice Got Us Fired
In 15 years of answering readers’ questions, I have never, ever received one like this: Subject: “YOUR ADVICE GOT US FIRED!” Dear Scott, My girlfriend and I are both scuba diving instructors, and after reading your book we decided to set up a salary-sacrifice contribution arrangement with our employer.
Honouring My Friend
Dear Scott, I recently lost a dear friend due to a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of just 29. She was financially independent and had learnt to be smart with her money.
Complexity Killed the Cat
Hi Scott, I just wanted to say that I completed your survey about school banking. I found the questions really long-winded and complex!
All My Eggs in One Basket
Hi Barefoot, Following your recent post about expensive super funds, I had an appointment with a financial advisor at First State Super, where my fund is held. After doing a ‘risk report’ on me, the advisor suggested I essentially ‘put all my eggs in one basket’ by investing 100% in high growth.
Dirtbag Roommate
Hi Scott, My housemate and I are both on the lease and we split the rent 50/50, paying separately. I am always on time, but my housemate is lousy at keeping up regular rental payments.
ProfitiX MetaTrader 5
Scott, How safe is ProfitiX MetaTrader 5? My husband has recently signed up for this trading site at a cost of $300.
I Am Adrian’s Mum!
Hi Scott, In response to your column last week about the Commonwealth Bank’s school banking program, I am “Adrian’s mum from Year 4” and I’m also the school banking co-ordinator for the primary school. Yes, I am a volunteer.
Tired of earning less than 3% on your money?
I’ve got an old bloke who comes out and services my tractor. Mostly we talk about hydraulics, but the other day he rifled through his overalls and pulled out an ad he’d ripped from a newspaper.
Sounds ... Spriggy
Hi Scott, I have just finished a call with a friend who was telling about a money app for kids called ‘Spriggy’. As far as I can tell, it pays no interest, has a yearly joining fee, and only allows access by a custom, kid-friendly Visa card (decorated with a cute cartoon pig).
Apples with Apples
Hi Scott, What is the best way to compare super funds ‘apples with apples’ — to make a reliable comparison of percentage return and fees all bundled into one? My wife and I have spoken to a private wealth/financial advisor and, while his fees are very reasonable, the annual fee (1.
I Spent $2,000 on Powerball Last Night
Hi Scott, I spent $2,000 on Powerball last night and apparently did not even win my tickets back. I feel pathetic.
It’s time to knock out Dollarmites
Today I feel like a financial Rocky Balboa. See, I’ve been fighting CommBank’s Dollarmites for 15 long years … and haven’t so much as landed a punch.
The Triple Ms
Hi Scott, I need to give you a massive thanks: we stuck to the advice in your book and it’s changed our lives. We saved $160,000 in three years — and that included a year of maternity leave, a wedding, and a baby girl!
My Bank Gave Me $25,000
Hi Scott, I am 24 and started my first full-time job this year, as a graduate teacher. I am travelling soon and my parents recommended I get a credit card for emergencies.