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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You Need to Know the Truth About Oprah Winfrey
I have been a fan of yours for a long time, but you lost me with your column last week. Great story about Chuck Feeney, the billionaire who gave away all his money, but to reference Bill Gates, and also Oprah Winfrey, shows that you are right in with the mainstream media.
The Simpsons is showing its age
The Simpsons is now 32 years old ... and it’s starting to show its age:
You know the opening credits where Homer hears the hometime whistle at the power plant?
I’m Rich! I’m Really Rich!
As a result of recently selling our (multi-generation) family business, my husband and I are now $34 million wealthier (after tax).
The hero (living in a rented apartment)
“In America, anyone can become president … and that’s the problem!”, quipped comedian George Carlin.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a little over the Punch and Judy show — watching two cranky old blokes beat each other up, with the last man standing becoming … the leader of the free world.
Are We Insane?
My partner and I have $30,000 saved up. I have come across a promising opportunity to buy a juice and coffee trailer with an exclusive trade permit in a popular hiking and tourist spot. Is it insane to relocate and spend the majority of our savings on a business instead of a home?
I Want A Credit Card Too!
I wish to make a complaint. I am currently working through the ‘Domino Your Debts’ section of your book, and I feel I am missing out.
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?