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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The Millionaire Orphan
When I was 18 my parents passed away, but I was in the privileged position to inherit nearly $1 million. For years I did not want to think about it and felt guilty it was now mine. So I split it across term deposits and online savers and, aside from paying for uni, left it there.
Barefooters Dig Deep
I work at Foodbank NSW & ACT, and I just want to say a huge THANK YOU on behalf of our team for the shout-out in your last column! Yesterday alone we received over $135,000 in donations, which we believe is mainly due to your call out. These donations will go a long way in helping us to continue distributing crisis hampers to those affected by the floods across the state. Thank you again!
Five podcasts that are on my playlist
“For the last week, I’ve been following a new morning routine. I wake up, meditate, then light a candle and do some affirmations …”, gushed a friend of mine. “It’s been a total gamechanger.”
Hit Me Baby One More Time?
My four siblings and I have inherited close to $100,000 between us. I am the executor, and am unsure how best to manage the funds.
My Wife is Sending Selfies to Russians
I am hoping you can solve a disagreement between my wife and myself. I have just read your answer to Lilly, who got herself tangled up with Skyway Investment in Russia. My wife has invested $1,000 with them too.
The Friendliest Store In Town
Last week’s column about the Small Business Debt Helpline was the best one you have ever done! I will be sure to pass this information on to anyone out here in the Kilkivan district who needs it.
Forty grand down the drain
If you’ve been watching the floods, you’ve probably thought to yourself: “That’s no good … but at least they’ve got insurance, right?” Maybe.
Teenage Terms and Conditions
Recently my 13-year-old son received a letter from the ANZ bank with a new debit card and the promise of a PIN to follow. The problem is, his mum and I knew nothing about it!
It’s a Scamski!
My wife is 57 and has invested thousands of dollars into an ‘education investment program’. It is a multi-level marketing program called SkyWay Investment Group (SWIG).
A Super Idea?
I have just seen a news item on a proposed policy which could see victims of domestic violence allowed to withdraw up to $10,000 from their super.
How to help out a mate
“It’s over ... it has to be.” I just can’t do this anymore. I’ve carried the stress for far too long.” On the other end of the line was Steve, the owner of a struggling retail shop.
Hyperinflation Coming?
I am one of those 20-something Reddit users who makes some ‘tendies’ off GameStop. Most of my meagre net worth is in a high-interest savings account and an ETF as I save for a home deposit.
Show Me the Money
We have three boys, aged 6, 3 and 0, and I would love to introduce your ‘Jam Jars’ with them. But, once we buy the jars (and polish off the jam), where are all these ‘coins’ coming from in a world of plastic banking? When was the last time you had a wallet full of coins?
My secret side hustle revealed
Just in case this ever leaks, I need to make a confession: This year I’ve been doing some ‘side hustle’ work as a garbo.
The HSBC Chicken
Your book arrived out of the blue on my doorstep one day. Reading it, it was painful to realise how bad I was at managing money. So I took action. Just last week I paid off my third and final credit card! For my job as a set designer I needed to make a papier-mâché roast chicken, so I used all my old HSBC bank statements. As I glued each painful piece into the shape of a chicken, the weight of 24 years of debt fell away, and before my eyes the HSBC Chicken was born! Thank you so much — you have helped me turn my life around.
Should I Tell My Boyfriend to Shut Up?
My husband and I are so close to having a 20% deposit for our family home. However, with the prices of houses being so ridiculously high right now, he wants to wait and meanwhile put our house deposit into shares in the hope that we will have more than enough money in a couple of years. Should I listen to my husband or tell him to shut up?
Barefoot Endorsement, Please
A reputable friend has suggested I invest in a CFX project (cryptocurrency foreign exchange). From what I understand it is kind of like multilevel marketing and a type of cryptocurrency. I have looked into it and it sounds good. However, I am hesitant to pay out my hard-earned cash without some endorsement from someone like you. I am planning a baby as a single woman at 45 and I bought my first home only a year ago, so I am looking at ways to increase my income and secure my future. Thoughts?
You are in a lot of trouble
After hours of crying, our baby finally dropped off to sleep in his mother’s arms ...
… and then her phone rang.
The noise startled our son, and he began wailing.
“ANSWER IT!” she thundered at me.