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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I Have Tears in My Eyes
Six years ago we were in deep trouble. I hadn’t worked for years as I’d been looking after our young daughter, who had cancer. We’d been living on one income and had car loans, credit cards, store credit, unpaid phone bills, erratic repayment history, and a mortgage.
Why I Quit Drinking
It’s been almost a year since I decided to stop drinking. It all started when we headed off in the RV on our ‘lap around the map’ adventure.
From Homeless to Hero
I’m a single woman in my fifties. Not long ago I was homeless and in debt. Then I came across your book, read that apparently “I’ve Got This”, and was determined to get myself out of the hole I had dug for myself.
Am I Funding the Invasion of Ukraine?
Wally, my long-suffering editor, knows he has a hot question when it’s written in ALL CAPS. Here’s one that landed last week: “AM I FUNDING THE INVASION OF UKRAINE?”
Bill Now, Pay Later?
As I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed drinking my morning coffee, I spotted an ad for Deferit. There are lots of ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes these days, but this is the first I’ve spotted for paying bills and splitting them into instalments.
I’m Dying to Leave
My sister was unfortunately diagnosed with a terminal illness three years ago – added to that, she now wants out of her marriage.
Out of the Cesspool
Two years ago, my wife and I had five credit cards topping $70,000 and seemingly no way out. After following the Barefoot Steps we have not only paid this cesspool completely off, we now have $100,000 in the bank.
Tarzan Feeds Six People
My 58-year-old husband is the sole breadwinner, and we have six adults at home. We have a beautiful new house built on the site of our old home and a mortgage of about $350,000, which is currently interest only and consequently never seems to reduce.
Here’s How Much You Should Have in Super Right Now
“You look different in real life than you do on the cover of your book”, said the waitress.
“You’ve lost a lot of weight.”
It’s true, over the past few months I’ve dropped roughly 13 kilos.
Getting Out of Here
With borders now open and people enjoying the luxury of travel again, what do you think is the best option for money access overseas?
Thirty Years of Marriage Ended in One Minute
My husband of 30 years left me in February this year with a one-minute phone call.
Bullying the Banks
With more equity in the house this year, I built up the courage to contact our bank, CBA, and request a better deal. With little hassle they dropped their rate by 0.15%.
Financial Planner Please!
Can the National Debt Helpline assist people who have no debt but need to work out what to do with their dwindling resources in retirement?
Barefoot, How Do I Get a Book Deal?
I have written a book that aims to help people through the process of getting fired, because I think there is a lack of material out there on this topic and I have unique knowledge on it. I’ve been fired myself, and I’ve fired countless others in my career … so I have experience on both sides.
We’re Hitting The Open Road
We want to leave our comfortable life and travel for the next four years. My hubby wants to sell the house and invest that money into an index fund. He says it will be safer than leaving our property with tenants and will be one less worry and cost while we are gone.
I Tried CommBank’s New App
A mate of mine is a fireman … so his kids get to ride in his fire engine and even get to blast the siren.I’m a finance guy, so my kids get to … beta-test the new Commonwealth Bank app for kids.
You Prick, Barefoot
So for the last 10 years all I have heard is ‘Barefoot this, Barefoot that’.
After Midnight We’re Going to Let it All Hang Out
I have owned a small coffee shop for eight years, but since Covid started I just haven’t been able to catch up. I’ve been taking on credit cards to keep suppliers off my back, and also for wages.
Your biggest financial worry right now
My long-suffering editor, Wally, loves to joke that you can tell the financial pulse of the nation from a glimpse at my inbox. After all … thousands of people of all ages, from all across the country, write to me about what’s stressing them out.
Help! The Tax Man is Beating Up My Kid
I have a very hardworking 13-year-old who has amassed quite a bit of money: she has saved up $200,000!