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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There’s an email that’s just come in … you need to read it.
“There’s an email that’s just come in … you need to read it”, said Wally, my long-suffering editor. Wally has been working with me for nearly 20 years, so I knew it was important … and possibly grim. The subject line was: “Terrified.”
The Financial Dominatrix
Your column gave me an idea for a novel! Do you remember the question you answered yonks ago from the lady who said: “I’m a financial dominatrix.
*&*# you, Barefoot!
So … it seems that many readers are worried about the state of my mental health. Like Raffy, who wrote:
A Question For Missus Barefoot
Since 2017, I’ve followed Barefoot to a ‘T’ and managed to purchase a home at the ripe old age of 25. And then in walked the man of my dreams and – BOOM! – love struck!
You Have Been Warned
Over the last few months, in the face of rising interest rates and inflation, I've noticed a pretty significant increase in anger from your readers.
Barefoot the Beetroot
I’m the librarian at Mornington Primary School. A Grade 5 student named Liam nominated Barefoot Kids for our book of the week.
A Super-Simple Way to Stop Rate Rises
If inflation is a society-wide problem, why is our only reaction to take money from a specific group (mortgage-holders) and give it to a specific industry (banking)?
You’re a Total Jerk
Your answer to last week’s question from the 90-year-old man, wanting to see whether he should implement your financial plan (‘Old Dog, New Tricks’) would have to be the most insensitive, egotistical slap-back I have ever read in your column.
Launching a Class Action Against the RBA
My inbox is still melting from last week’s column on interest rates! It seems that right now everyone wants to stomp on RBA Governor Philip Lowe’s spectacles.
Who You Gonna Call?
My partner and I are looking at combining our insurance now we are moving in together. He has always used an insurance broker, I never have.
Old Dog, New Tricks
I am now 90 years old and have just completed reading The Barefoot Investor. I wish I had done so much, much earlier!
New Vanguard Kids’ Account
Vanguard has recently released a new product, the Personal Investor Kids account. It starts with as little as $25 and offers a regular savings plan.
My Sister is a Leech
My older sister is 41 and still heavily dependent on my retired parents. She recently lost her job and has no savings, and also has mental health issues.
What’s Next for Property Prices?
The Reserve Bank (RBA) is in full arse-covering mode. They had one job to do: keep inflation (that is, prices) from rising out of control … and they failed.
The Christmas Miracle
I bought your new book for my nine-year-old son. It was Christmas night, and putting him to bed was proving challenging.
Help, My Dentist Wants My Super!
We have been blessed with seven kids, some of whom have unfortunately not been blessed with straight teeth. Blimey, $7,500 for braces is no walk in the park, especially when you start multiplying it by three, four or more!
You’re a Joke, Barefoot
You are a joke. Telling people to put their money into a savings account while the fake CPI numbers are off the charts with inflation!
The Princess and the Plague
My seven-year-old son was having a bad day. Not only was it the last weekend of the school holidays, but his little sister was hosting her fifth birthday party — a princess-themed party with dress-ups, sparkly shoes, and lots of fairy bread.
You Can’t Write, Barefoot!
You really need to employ an editor for your writing! Your articles read like you dictate them, without any thought to sentence structure or punctuation.
Merry Christmas
Your advice has literally saved my life. After 11 years of losing everything in a violent relationship that led to multiple hospitalisations, I am now on an upward trajectory and have a safe place to live.