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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Have I Been Doing It Wrong All This Time?
Years ago I set up the Barefoot Bucket system and found it hugely successful, despite the ups and downs of my income. I religiously put money into my ‘Splurge’ and ‘Smile’ buckets, but I wanted to check with you that I’m using the ‘Fire Extinguisher’ bucket for the right reason – I actually use it to put 20% of my income towards regular bills (insurance, utilities, rates, body corp fees, etc).
Should I Call Off My Wedding?
I’m blindsided but I am in love. I’ve just discovered my fiancé has $9,000 of debt he accrued overspending on Afterpay and Uber Eats over a two-year period.
I don’t want this to happen to you
The stock market is flirting with all-time-record highs …
… and that’s my cue to cock my leg and pee all over your portfolio.
You see, I still have PTSD from the GFC, when retirees would write to me in tears as they watched their super balance crater. They had no idea how much risk they were taking in their super fund ... until it was too late.
Cowabunga, Dude
Over three years ago you answered a question about my daughters following your ‘Jam Jars’ method. Well, I have a family update for you ... we are still going strong with the jars, and both girls have just saved over $100 for their own skateboards.
Unplug Social Media
I live in constant fear that my 13-year-old son is being exposed to bad things on his phone. Last semester one of his friends was dacked at school and someone took a photo, and it worked its way around the school.
The Guilty Golden Girl
I’m torn. My mum has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 66. She would like to set up a share portfolio for my four-month-old baby girl (her only grandchild). This is incredibly thoughtful.
Should We Forgive Our Prodigal Son?
My husband and I loaned our son and his partner, who have two small children, $30,000 as a deposit on a house. At the time we explained to them that we were not well off, that we were still paying off our own mortgage, that the money was to help them secure a home, and that they could eventually pay us back using their own house as collateral.
My wildest testimonial ever
The prisoner stared deep into my eye sockets, leant back in his chair, and slowly raised his hand.
“Can I share something?” he asked.
The no diet, no exercise plan
Imagine you have a friend who is morbidly obese.
They come to you and confess: “I can’t keep living like this, I’ve decided to take action.”
Then they explain their plan:
“There are two things I will not do: diet or exercise.
The Millionaire Mentor?
I’ve only just turned 18, but my question is actually for my 16-year-old brother. Recently, he has become increasingly interested in building his own business and learning how to be successful. A couple of weeks ago he found a ‘mentor’ who is apparently successful and is helping him start his own business.
For love, not money
I am a 58-year-old woman. I own an apartment in Sydney with about $1 million in equity and have $200,000 in super, though I have no savings. For the past 20 years I have run a reasonably successful small business. Two years ago I married a rich older Asian guy, eight years my senior.
An embarrassing confession
Let’s start off today with an embarrassing confession:
I’ve sat twiddling my thumbs for years when I could have earned a 30% return on my money. Seriously, the thought of it almost makes me want to hang up my footprints in shame.
What investment am I talking about?
Bank CEO is OUTRAGED
Another one of your predictions is coming true, with the Government planning on scrapping surcharge fees. I read in the paper today that the NAB CEO said he was horrified after he was slugged with a 10% surcharge for a coffee! Change is coming!
You’re Telling me NOT to Invest in the Stock Market?
I’m 50 years old and confused. You recently said: “Don’t save up a deposit in the share market; instead park that money in an online saver or term deposit”. But isn’t the point of investing in shares that you can have the financial freedom to do what you want, like buy a dream house?
Warren Buffett’s $5.4 BILLION Warning to investors
Why haven’t you written about your idol Warren Buffett selling BILLIONS of dollars worth of his Bank of America shares? Sounds like he knows something we don’t …
This is going to hurt
This week, I found myself standing in my underwear while a man took photos of me.
“Oh, this doesn’t look good” he said, getting right up in my grill. “Best we freeze this sunspot off,” said my doctor, walking back to his desk.
Blowing Smoke Up Your Backside
Your financial advice, as always, is second to none … but this short email is to confirm you also scored a bull’s-eye with your suggestion a few weeks ago to Bella to buy Allen Carr’s book to help her husband give up smoking.
Barefoot Book Week!
Book Week time again and Barefoot was the only person Hamish wanted to dress as! He has read Barefoot Kids and is now nearly finished your original Barefoot Investor book.
Guru Predicts Tesla Shares will Go Up 1,000 per cent
I’m wondering if you have changed your tune on investing in Tesla? Ark Invest guru Cathie Wood has just added to her stake in the company in anticipation of the robot taxi revolution.
Speaking Gigs
“Hands up if you want to come on a trip with Dad to the … GOLD COAST?” I yelled.
All hands shot up around the family dinner table (apart from Liz, whose arms were firmly folded).
“And what about if we went to … Hawaii? Who’d want to come along with good old Dad?” I roared.