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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Retire in Seven Years?
I just came across an article in Forbes describing how it would be possible to retire in seven years by investing half your income in closed-end funds (CEFs).
Where Are They Now?
My children are now 10, 7 and about to turn 5. We are still in our family home and my name is the only one on our mortgage.
Barefoot Calls a Single Mother in the Middle of the Night
I’m a 57-year-old single mum. I bought a property 3 years ago and work, as a nurse, almost every day to make ends meet.
If You Move I’ll Kill You
“If you make so much as a sound … I swear I’ll kill you”, she hisses.
The Scumbag Landlord
My wife and I are very lucky. We own two investment properties that basically pay for themselves. Trouble is, we live in another state and rent ourselves.
You’re a Puppet, Barefoot
I read last week’s column. You’re pushing Vanguard?! Oh you really are an elitist WEF puppet.
Mexican Wins the Lottery … Twice!
I know you may get millions of emails every day, but I hope your team can forward this one to you. I’m Mexican and I came to Australia in 2018 and became a permanent resident.
My Thoughts on the Kim Kardashian Fund
I am fascinated by Kim Kardashian. Did you know she started out as a wardrobe stylist for Paris Hilton? It’s true.
A Sticky Issue
My kids are beyond excited about your next book (you’re a big deal in our household). I asked my local bookstore but they didn’t know anything about it. Will it be released this year?
We're overdue for a stock market crash ...
We are well overdue for a stock market crash. They happen, after all, on average every 10 years, and the last one (discounting the Covid-induced flash-crash) was 14 years ago. And I still have PTSD from the GFC. People on the verge of retirement wrote to me in tears as they watched the value of their super dissolve in front of their eyes.
Happy Father’s Day
One of my earliest memories was tagging along with Dad as he volunteered for Meals on Wheels. “Perhaps that’s where I got my social conscience from”, I wondered. “Ha!” he laughed. “Huh?” I said.
The Cocaine Mumma
I’m a happily married mother in my mid-thirties, with two kids under four. We’ve been Barefooting for seven years, and I went to a financial advisor to sort all my insurances out so my family is financially safe in the event of something bad happening to me.
A letter from someone on the inside
Every so often an email comes through that punches me right in the guts. Here is a letter from someone on the ‘inside’.
Counting my blessings
I know you probably get a million emails but I am hoping this one gets to you. I was around 30 when I read your book (7 years ago now) and I took your advice and set up my insurances through my super.
Lost Treasure
I thought I'd take your advice and check out the Government's Moneysmart website to find my unclaimed millions.
Hiding My Savings from My Hubby
My hubby racked up debt under both of our names from a repeatedly failed business idea. I’ve told him it’s risky and not to do it anymore, but he just resents me for ‘not supporting him’.
Save my mum, please!
Help, Help, Help please. I need to save my mum from certain death! I know this sounds dramatic but the situation is dramatic.
I Don’t Pay My Best Employee
Today I want to introduce you to the best worker I’ve ever had.His name is Robbo, and he started working for me about six months ago.
I Was on FIRE and Now I Just Want Out!
I am 21 and got sucked in by the FIRE movement. I put $50,000 (my life savings!) into diversified high-growth index funds last year when values were reaching historic highs.
The Hard Road
Five years ago my brother died of cancer, then a month later my fiancé of six years left me