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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Tiny House, Big Dreams
In light of the current housing crisis, my partner and I are looking into buying a ‘tiny house’ to live in. We believe this will allow us to live without the stress of a huge mortgage or crazy high rent.
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul
I've written some pretty damn good questions to you before and you've never answered them. Hopefully, I'm not wasting my time with this one.
The Stress Test
If you’re stressed about your money right now, you’re not alone. Australians’ mental health is actually in worse shape now than during the Covid lockdowns, according to a new study by KPMG and Smiling Mind.
We Retired on the Amount You Suggested …
I read your ‘How much you really need for your retirement?’ column a few weeks ago, and I cut the article out and pinned it on my office wall at home.
Chilled to the Bone
I felt chilled to the bone when I read about that poor family who lost their house deposit to scammers. Is there anything we can do for them?
Chasing a Ghost
Just before Covid hit, I paid a $3,000 deposit for a new fence. Then Covid hit, and everything stopped.
The email came through with the subject line ‘REGRET’
Scott, My partner and I are both professionals in our early thirties. We bought a house last year and we hate it. We are struggling to adapt to a slower pace of life in the suburbs and have learnt we don’t need as much space as we thought we did.
Why ING Sucks
Fiona is a young high school maths teacher who has a lot on her mind. She’s knee deep in planning her wedding, so her head is full with nuptial numbers
Rich Kid, Poor Kid … Worried Mum
We have twin girls and we recently went all in on the Barefoot pocket money strategy.
A Scammer Stole Our Family Home!
My husband and I have seven kids, aged from one to 13. Five weeks ago we finally took the plunge and bought a big family home!
Dude, I’m HEXED!
Looks like I’m one of three million (presumably young) Australians pooping their pants about the recent announcement of a HECS index increase to 3.9%.
So about last week ...
Wow-wee! Last week’s column – on how much you need to retire – triggered an avalanche of reader responses. “That’s WAY TOO LOW!”
Help me, help them
I’m a teacher, and I have an opportunity to put together a short finance course (10 lessons) for a Year 10 cohort at my school. I want to focus on how to set them up with really achievable, totally practical and easily applied approaches for future financial security.
Should I kick my friend out?
I’m in a difficult situation with my friend. She’s been renting my large family home from me for the last three years, paying $825 a week in rent.
You Have ZERO Credibility, Barefoot
Both my sons (age 13 and 15) have read your books and are practising the ‘Buckets’ strategy. They are slowly, slowly building their wealth to financial independence using earnings from weekend chores, part-time jobs and compound interest.
Lost in Space
I am a new investor swept up in a crazy world of shares and crypto (and insane house prices). I put $5,000 in the share market using the Spaceship app, and then the market crashed!
Help, My Daughter Is Blackmailing Me
My adult daughter, her partner and one-year-old son are renting in a regional area and cannot afford a home loan deposit. I have offered to have them live with me rent free for six months while they save.
How much do you REALLY need to retire?
Let me tell you about the worst speech I’ve ever given in my life. It happened five years ago when a friend asked if I’d speak about retirement at a lunch for his men’s group.
Scammers Got the Lot
My daughter recently clicked on a text message from scammers saying they were from ANZ. She entered her login details and gave the scammers full access to her account.
I’M FREAKING OUT!
I’m sitting here watching my portfolio plummet. The stock market is down 4.75%, and my portfolio is down 5%. IN ONE DAY. I have only been investing for a couple of years and I am freaking out. What should I do?