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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How to grab a quick 20k, but is it painless?
Truth be told, Australia was one of the least prepared countries for this crisis. That’s because the average Aussie household is shouldering some of the highest household debts in the world, and has skint savings: half of us have less than $7,000 in the bank, according to the Grattan Institute.
What To Do When You're Terrified
I live a very privileged life. See, I spend my time on my farm, in the middle of nowhere, with my family.
We Got This!
Dear Scott, I want to thank you for the concept of ‘Mojo’. Mojo allowed me to fly immediately from Brisbane to Melbourne to be with my 95-year-old Gramps when I was told he had only 24 hours left.
Beware the Killer Chihuahua
Hi Scott, My wife and I are both in our early seventies, retired, and have just been given another ‘pay cut’ on our term deposits, courtesy of the Reserve Bank! I have two questions: 1) What are your thoughts on current interest rates?
Tiny Houses
Hey Scott, I recently stumbled upon the YouTube phenomenon of ‘tiny houses’. Are these a great idea or a terrible one?
The Road to Recovery
My wife slammed the door and said: “You need to go and see someone.” It was almost three months to the day after our house burned when things started to fall apart.
Better Than Any Shopping Spree!
Hi Scott, I am living proof that ‘paying it forward’ can work. I was sitting in a cafe with my son one day having lunch.
Too Broke to Go Broke
Dear Scott, I am one of those ‘bastard bosses’ you talk about — I am still about $40,000 behind on my employees’ super (including mine — I have not paid myself any super, ever). I am also going broke.
My Son is a Thief
Hi Scott, Today my 8-year-old son stole $40 from my 10-year-old daughter’s purse, and then shouted all his friends at the school canteen. I am not sure how to deal with this one correctly so that both of my kids learn a lesson.
Why I’ve been buying shares in the share market ‘bloodbath’
“No wrestling in the kitchen!”, I yelled.
Cashier Kindness
Hi Scott, How fantastic that you shouted that guy his meal! I was myself behind a lady in the queue at Coles recently and saw she had her groceries scanned and bagged, and for good measure her son had started tucking into some snacks from the bags.
Living the ING Life
Hey Scott, Long time reader, first time asker! I know you mention ING in your book, so I would love your thoughts on their latest superannuation offering -- ‘Living Super’.
How to Blow $50,000
Dear Scott, My fiancé and I work in hospitality, earning around $55,000 each. We love the industry we work in, but unfortunately it does not pay well.
Have you Googled yourself lately?
Picture this. You wake up one day, flick on Sunrise, and Kochie is in a flap: “Overnight the internet was hit with the biggest coordinated data hack in history.
My House Burnt Down, Now I Really Am Barefoot
Hi Scott, I know you probably won’t read this, but you were ‘on my list’. You see, since my house in Mallacoota burnt down, I have been shown the most amazing acts of generosity and human kindness, and I have a list of the people I want to thank.
Beware of 60-Year-Old Hussies!
Hi Scott, My mum passed away two years ago, and it seems like my 80-year-old dad is being swooped on by several single women 20 years his junior. He lives alone in a lakeside community several hours away from us (my two brothers and me).
Cashing in on the Coronavirus
Hi Scott, I’ve been watching (from afar!) the spread of the coronavirus, and I am worried that people are underestimating the long-term financial repercussions if it is not contained soon (and I don’t trust the Chinese government’s figures).
A weird way to spend $40 that’s guaranteed to make you happy
This wasn’t going well. “You want to do what?
We Lost Our House, But We’ve Got This
Hi Scott, Your latest column came just as we were getting a grip on losing our house in the NSW fires. Thanks for sharing your fire story ‒ it helps to remember others have been through this too.