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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We Bought a $3,000 House
Hi Scott, My wife and I are some of the many victims of first homebuyer advertising. You know the ads — “If you have $3,000, you can buy a home!
Taxing Question from a Woolies Worker
Hi Scott, I am one of the thousands of people Woolworths has underpaid over the past decade, and I am now waiting for them to pay it back. The first payment will supposedly be made before Christmas.
Help! I'm with 28 Banks
Hello Scott, I am with 28 different banks (including credit unions). Some charge monthly, some are purely online.
My Year of Being a Tafe Student
It all began on a Date Night last year, when Liz said to me: “You’ve sold over a million copies of your book … what’s next?” “Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about that”, I said.
Sleepless Barefooters
Hi Scott, My wife and I recently welcomed our first child, a boy. While at the hospital, I noticed your book was in the hospital library with the caption ‘Great Books to Read Aloud to Babies’.
Problems with ING
Hi Scott, Last week my husband and I were hit by scammers, who “ported” (transferred) all our business mobiles from Telstra. We contacted Telstra, who assured us that our mobiles could be recovered, and that they would report the matter to their fraud department.
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.