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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Patronising, Condescending and Out of Touch
Reading Jim Chalmers’ last week set my teeth grinding, but what really made my blood boil and shoot flames from my ears was his answer to Emma about rent rises.
What Drugs Are They Smok’n?
I struggle to relate to the questions you get. A couple earning $160,000 a year can’t save 20% for a deposit, or a single mum edging up to $100,000 a year is struggling financially.
Admit It: You Were WRONG, Barefoot
Late 2020, hubby and I were renting a granny flat in Sydney for $520 a week. He saw on the news that house prices were set to rise as much as 30% and said we needed to buy our first home ASAP.
Albo should have known better
Last week I got the Treasurer to answer readers’ questions, and the verdict was swift and brutal:
Old Jimbo may have been Barefoot for the day, but readers thought the bloke had bunions!
Jim Chalmers goes Barefoot for a day
Today I’m doing something that I’ve never done before in nearly 20 years of writing this column …
I’m letting someone else answer my readers’ questions:
And that someone else is Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Have You Changed Your Mind on HECS?
My hubby has $85,000 in HECS debt, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the HECS-HELP debt saga.
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.