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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Buy a House, or Get Screwed?
Hi Scott,
A few years ago, my husband and I lost a lot of money in a housing downturn. We’ve since saved over $400,000 and are ready to buy again, but the market is crazy.
Rejection therapy
You would think that, being a well-known person, I’d have an easy time hitting people up for money.
I’m Teaching My Kids to Gamble
Hi Scott,
Have you ever been to one of those arcades for kids where you tap your card, play giant-sized games and then get points in exchange for a very ordinary plastic prize at the end?
Romantic Comedy Gone Wrong
Dear Scott,
A financial advisory group keeps hounding me with promises of paying off my mortgage faster, using my tax, and retiring early. I’ve hung up on them multiple times, but I finally caved and booked a meeting. Is there any merit in what they’re selling, or is this just another costly sales pitch in disguise?
Is AI a Giant Con?
Hey Scott,
I read an article by a leading researcher named Ed Zitron who debunks the hype around AI. He points out that, while companies like OpenAI claim their technology is revolutionary, they’re burning billions in losses.
My thoughts on the election
In the holidays, I spent $60 in fuel and tolls driving my thirsty ute across Melbourne …
… to save $30 on a camping dunny.
True story.
Our First Marital Spat
Hey Barefoot!
My husband and I have had our first marital spat. Ironically, over whether to insure my engagement ring.
The Dim Sim of Australian Politics
Hi Scott,
I’m 32, a teacher, and renting with my boyfriend (also a teacher). We’re working hard and saving where we can, but the idea of owning a home in Melbourne still feels out of reach. We don’t have rich parents or guarantors – my mum also rents, and my partner’s parents are still paying off their home.
What I’m doing with my money
It’s 5am.
I’m at the farm, sitting here at the kitchen table, staring at my screen … and watching the US stock market get absolutely hammered. It has plummeted close to 5% since I went to bed last night, in response to Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.
Slim Dusty and the Nine-Year-Old
Dear Scott,
My name is Imogen. I’m nine years old and live in Melbourne. I was camping with my country cousins at Christmas when my uncle made me a deal: he’d give me $50 if I could learn and recite one of his favourite Slim Dusty songs.
Cup of Coffee Tax Cut?
I’m a mum of two toddlers and watched the Budget hoping for something meaningful. The tax cuts are fine, but $5 a week won’t stretch far with the way groceries and rent are going.
The one thing I won’t tell my son
My 11-year-old son was in his jim jams reading Harry Potter.
“Get out of bed – I want you to watch the Budget with me”, I urged.
“What’s the Budget?” he said with a yawn.
How Low Can My Shares Go?
Hi Scott,
I stupidly put $9,000 into shares before Trump, when prices were high, but now they’ve gone backwards! Yikes! I haven’t sold them (yet), but I’m just wondering how low can they go?
Should I Marry a Kind Loser?
Scott,
I have my own company that’s worth a bit of money, and I own my own home and car. I earn $250,000 a year. However, I’ve been dating a guy for about two years who doesn’t have anything.
My fight with the government
The teenager stood in front of me, holding my burrito, shaking her head.
“We don’t accept cash – use your card”, she instructed, in the same tone that I use when my parents ask whether it’s ‘safe’ to download the latest update on their phone.
I’ve Been Bawling My Eyes Out
Hi Scott,
I’m in the middle of this cyclone in Queensland. I have just found out I’ve been scammed after reading your ‘scam the scammer article’. I’ve been bawling my eyes out and I’m writing this with blurred vision.
Bridget Jones Scores $900
Hi Scott,
I love your columns and still use your buckets 10 years after reading your book. I’ve saved and paid off my debts, but your email today was perfect timing.
Markets Crashing
“Grab your dressing gowns … we’re going on a magical mystery farm field trip”, I announced to the kids.
The Poo Test
Thanks for the Swedish Death Cleaning column last week. I suspect this is going to be a repeat in your inbox but here goes anyway: have you heard the new approach to culling? It’s called the ‘poo test’.
The Uncomfortable Wife
I own my home, have five of my own children still at home, and recently married a second time. My new husband does not want to combine our money or have the same accounts, and he wants to keep everything separate.