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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Super Strange at Hostplus
Scott I’m a 27-year-old with my super in Hostplus. I got an email from them talking about ‘unlisted assets’ which to be honest made no sense at all.
Starting in the Share Market … By Raiding My Super
Hi Scott, Now that we can take money out of our super, can I run a plan past you? I am thinking of taking out the maximum $20,000 from my super and using it to buy a mixed bag of shares, since the market has fallen so much.
Kindness Goes Viral
Hi Scott After watching the news this week I am feeling stressed about the whole virus thing (though not financial stress, thanks to you!).
There’s Always Someone Doing it Tougher
Hi Scott, I’m a flight attendant who has just been laid off. It’s a bit scary not knowing when or if I’ll get my job back, but thanks to you we’re okay for now — we have Mojo enough to last us for several months.
Are the Banks Going to Collapse?
Hi Scott,Do you think any of the banks could collapse? I've heard people saying we should remove our savings.
The Payday Lending Pandemic
Hi Scott As instructed I sent an email to the Honourable Mr Michael Sukkar about putting a muzzle on payday lenders. I’ve never told anyone this because it’s embarrassing, but I once fell victim to these predators when I was struggling financially.
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.