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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Chop Wood, Carry Water
We confiscated our 14-year-old son’s phone over a year ago because he was misusing it. It’s been a long year of self-harm and reminding him he is supported and loved.
Watch Your Back, Barefoot
I like you. And I like your advice. Which makes me want to give you some of my advice. Watch your step. You’re a finance guy, right? Let me run some numbers by you
I’ve never seen anything like it
In almost 20 years of writing this column, I’ve never seen anything like it.
Just this year, I’ve had the following people email me:
A veteran policeman who was scammed out of his life savings.
An experienced tech journalist who was swindled for ten grand.
And literally hundreds of readers who’ve lost amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1 million.
I Am Shocked, Devastated, Heartbroken, Numb
After becoming Barefoot about five years ago now, my husband and I got our finances in order, saved a nice little nest egg, and decided it was time to upsize our modest little home.
My Real Estate Agent is a Rogue
We had a terrible 2022, starting with listing our apartment for sale in May – right at the time interest rates went up in record succession.
My bedtime routine
Each night I tuck the kids into bed and read them a story.
Yet lately … I’ve been cheating.
Making Your Credit Cards Disappear
In your recent column (“Thanks for NOTHING, Barefoot”), I was, like you, shocked when Lisa blatantly decided to stop paying her credit card debt, which somehow seemed to magically make her debt disappear into the ether.
Are We Heading for Another Global Financial Crisis?
Are we heading for another Global Financial Crisis?
That’s the number one question I’m getting right now … and it makes perfect sense.
The Seven Stages of Grief
My fiancé and I purchased our house in December 2021 and had a fixed rate for two years at 2.59%.
Revenge of the Bong-Smoking Boyfriend
Before I read your book I made the mistake of getting a Latitude credit card for a TV. Now I’m a smidge away from paying it off, thanks to you!
Cards of Courage
My name is Amira and I’m 10. For Christmas Mum got me Barefoot Kids. Thanks for writing a cool book. Mum and I read it together.
Is My Money Safe?
With another bank failing in the US, it’s starting to feel like 2008/2009 once again. How safe are our banks, and our money in the banks?
Help! My Elderly Dad Is About to Lose His Home!
Some years ago my dad was approached by my sister and her ex-husband Larry (they were divorced) to go guarantor for a business loan. Larry promised he would repay the loan in three months, and my sister said that if anything happened she’d be there to help.
Harry Styles Goes Barefoot
Just writing to thank you for your latest book, which I bought for my nine-year-old granddaughter. She has now established her jars for spending, saving and giving. Two weeks ago she and a little friend had a bake sale in Collingwood, where they live.
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.