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 Wildest Party I’ve Been to in Years …
You can’t take my two-year-old anywhere. However, a few Sundays ago I had no choice but to bring him along to a kids’ birthday party.
A Thank-You from Kate
Last week’s column on Kate – the young mum who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer – got one of the biggest responses I’ve ever received. We’ve got an amazing community: Barefooters wrote in offering their homes, the money in their Give jars, and lots of kind messages of support.
*&^%$^* the Labor Government
I’m writing on behalf of my mum, who is distressed about the upcoming changes to superannuation. She is a widower who has worked hard all her life, saving like crazy to ensure she had a secure retirement (believing it was her responsibility not to be a burden to society via the pension) and to leave a tidy nest egg for her kids.
A Heartfelt Letter to My Wife
Liz was about to start her first day at a new job, and I wanted to write something encouraging to her. So, I fired up ChatGPT – the artificial intelligence app that is so hot right now – and gave it the following instructions:
Small House, No Worries
Coming on the back of the abusive emails you’ve been copping lately, I just wanted to say thanks! Following your advice led us to save for over 10 years for a deposit to purchase our modest two-bedroom house, in which our family of four lives, sleeps, studies and works.
How to Get a 30-Year Home Loan Fixed at 2%
I’m an Australian expat living in the United States. In the US the vast majority of people have either 15-year or 30-year fixed-interest-rate mortgages, with most of these loans having very few restrictions or prepayment penalties.
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.