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!
Search Articles
The Trouble Began When My Sister and Her Husband Were Murdered …
My sister and brother-in-law were murdered in 2013. I have spent seven years and a lot of money fighting for their orphaned kids — my nephews and niece. I bought your book and am slowly getting myself out of debt. I have also been fighting the federal government and will be hopefully getting $750,000 for the kids. I want them to make the most out of the money in 10 years. So should I buy them a property? Shares? What should I do?
You Kicked Me in the Guts, Barefoot
I was really disappointed by your comments last week to Melanie.
While I agree that framing the husband’s gambling expenditure as “what else could that money be used for” was a good idea, the way you said it felt like a kick in the guts to women:
My thoughts on ethical investing
You want to hear something crazy?
The most popular investing question I’m asked has nothing to do with making money.
True dinks.
The investing question my readers have asked me continuously for the past 16 years is:
“What ethical investing funds do you recommend?”
The Name of Your Book Is Wrong!
I came to Australia four years ago with hopes of a better life for my family. We knew no one and had just $8,000 dollars -- that was a stressful time. Then I stumbled across your audio-book.
My eye-watering returns
When I look at my bank balance these days, I have the same reaction as getting a COVID test up the schnozz:
Eye-watering pain.
See, as a lifelong saver, it pains me to see the amount of interest I’m earning on my so-called ‘high interest online savings accounts’
Hitting the Jackpot
My hubby spends all his ‘Splurge’ account on TattsLotto. And not just here and there — his account statements are littered with TattsLotto purchases.
Fear and Loathing in Lockdown
We need your help! We implemented the Barefoot strategy a few years ago and since then have paid off all our debt, amassed a healthy Mojo and will soon tick over $100,000 in shares. The problem is -- is this really it!?
A Magical Mystery Tour
I’m a Kids Superhero Magician - taxable income about $80K a year … or I WAS until Covid GRRR. After reading your last column about that smart single mum with cancer who set her life insurance in place, I followed your advice and have been looking at raising my life and TPD through my living super insurance - but the premium was $5600 a MONTH! Is there a good life insurance place that you would recommend? Any advice around this topic?
Barefoot’s Lovely Aunty shares a shocking story
I’ve been doing a kitchen renovation. My builder, who I’ve known for many years, emailed me his invoice. What I didn’t know is that a scammer had intercepted the builder’s email and changed the bank details. I transferred the money, and kissed goodbye to my $11,000! The bank has not refunded me. Something good has to come from this, can you please share this with your readers?
Barefoot Budget Will Send Us Broke?
I was reading about this week’s budget and there was an article saying that you thought the Treasurer was going to send us all broke. I assume it was referring to all the spending and government debt, but thought I’d go straight to the horse’s mouth and check.
Apple cash
There’s been a few times in my life that I’ve looked at a product and thought to myself, ‘this is the future’.
I got that feeling when Steve Jobs first pulled out the iPhone (okay, and when I first tasted Wizz Fizz).
A Mother with a Message
A year ago I was a fit and healthy 42-year-old single mum with two boys aged 10 and seven. Your book has helped me get on top of my finances, and every year I re-read it (well, listen to it on my commute)
Barefoot Sales Spiel
I live in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. The other day, a real estate agent came to my door quoting you saying that house prices are sure to drop in the coming months and now is the time to sell. I instinctively don’t trust salespeople, but is there any truth that you suggested this?
The Fortunate Son
I like reading your column, but last week’s hit me so very hard. I am currently having the exact experience with my 18-year-old son, who has lost some money through trading. He does not want any advice from his parents, yet still hopes to be a ‘trader’.
What’s the deal with zero interest credit cards?
When you’re doing my job, you just never know who’s going to walk through the door.
One day a woman in her sixties sat down in front of me ... and totally blew me away.
“Let’s start with your debts”, I said, pulling out a piece of paper.
“Well, I have a credit card”, she said.
My ‘Fake Rich’ Life
I started reading your book when I was lying by a five-star pool in Dubai, which I had booked on my credit card. I was living a ‘fake rich’ life, holding down a high-paid job but living week to week.
They’re Coming Out of the Woodwork
I’ve just read your article entitled “The Horses”. My wife was tricked into buying an almost identical funeral insurance policy from Insuranceline. We estimate we have paid $35,000 in premiums since 2007, with a payout cover of just $6,000 each.
An Unusual Request
I have an unusual request. Before reading your book, my husband Derek’s after-work hours were taken up largely by games on his phone and Netflix. Now he reads investing books every evening.