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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Investing in Nvidia
Given that artificial intelligence is going to change the world, up-end entire industries and render millions of people unemployed (hopefully not me!), I am thinking about investing a large part of my superannuation into Nvidia, the AI chip maker that is dominating the industry.
Revenge of the Dollarmite?
I recently found out that the bank signed up my 18-year-old son for an $8,000 credit card. He was so excited to be a grown-up, to have a job making enough to earn spending money, and to cross the line of being an adult by being given a credit card. I don’t for the life of me understand why the banks feel $8,000 is a good starting amount for someone who has never had to prove they can pay it back!
I’m Disappointed in You, Barefoot
You used to be informative. Now it’s very transparent that you are charging brands to advertise on their behalf. Not happy, Jan.
My Mother has a Lover
My mother has been sending large amounts of money to a holiday fling for the last 14 years. She has almost lost her home, she’s drawn on her super, and I fear she will be in dire straits soon if this continues. It happened like this: in 2010 she met a young Casanova in Egypt, and a holiday fling quickly became a business partnership.
The new (better) Bali
“Don’t lick the tray table!” I warned my three-year-old as we boarded the plane to Tokyo. His bottom lip dropped and he whined, “Are we there yet, Dad?” “No, we’re still on the runway, mate”, I sighed.
The Diamond Heist!
I’m a jeweller, and I much prefer the authenticity of a real diamond. Yes, natural diamonds cost more (though only a small percentage are ‘blood diamonds’).
You Are NOT Setting a Good Example to Your Children, Barefoot
You said you want to set an example to your kids by putting your phone, keys and wallet in a bowl at the front door.
How I Keep It Hot in the Bedroo
“Why am I so hot?” said Liz, bolting upright in bed the other night. “Perhaps it’s early menopause?” I giggled back into the darkness.
I’m off the Booze
I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time now. I work as a police officer and, as you could imagine, I have developed what might be called a bit of a habit of drinking. I never thought I had much of a problem, yet time went on. I read your response to a lady who wrote in asking about giving up drinking as a New Year’s resolution.
Barefoot Confession
I just have to get this off my chest. For the last five years I worked in a job where I only did about one hour’s worth of work each week (there was a six-week period each year where it was quite busy and I would do maybe two to four hours a day).
How to Earn 7.35% on Your Savings
I’m not your typical Barefoot reader. I’m a senior executive who reads the Australian Financial Review (AFR) and has a digital subscription to the Wall Street Journal. In other words, I’m well read!
Which app is screwing you?
Imagine if the maps app on your phone was ‘dodgy’. Without you knowing it, Google directed you to routes with toll roads … because they got a kickback from the toll road company. Outrageous, right?!
Bob Brown Isn’t Dead!
You think Bob Brown is dead? Shows how much you know about politics you flog!
Nervous Wife
My husband and I are both in our mid-forties and have a combined income of $210,000. We have paid off our mortgage, and we lease our cars through my husband’s work as part of a salary sacrifice program.
How your life changed in 2012
There were two weeks in July 2012 that completely changed your life forever. However, at the time you were blissfully unaware of what was going on. (We all were.)
This is the hardest thing I've ever written
What you’re about to read is very uncomfortable.
It’s possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever written, but it needs to be said, and you need to read it.
Wayne is a 50-something Barefoot Dad. His son Mackenzie (Mac) is 16 years old, and obsessed with footy, cricket and getting his L-plates. The trouble began when Mac befriended a girl on Snapchat who was friends with some of his friends.
The Anti-Budget Date Night
The first time my partner and I sat down to do a budget, we both felt so overwhelmed. Tonight we are reflecting on how much easier these conversations have become since I bought your book back in 2018.
Will the Budget Push Interest Rates Up?
I know you boycotted the Budget, but, being a ‘postcode povvo’ who is barely hanging on (after the rate rises, roughly 65% of our income goes to our mortgage!), I have to ask: do you think all the Budget spending will increase interest rates?
My Best Friend Thinks I’m Scum
I am so privileged. Thanks to following Barefoot from age 17, I bought my own home in Brisbane on a modest salary when I was 24, which I am now renting out while I live interstate.
My favourite podcasts (inside)
My 10-year-old son is thinking about launching his own podcast. “Is there any money in podcasting, Dad?” he asked.