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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The Prick Needed to Be Told
Dear Scott,
I just read your response to the daughter whose father was using money to control her mum – and I wanted to say thank you. You called it what it was: coercive control.
My Son is a Disaster
Scott,
My adult son is a financial disaster. He owes money to lenders I’ve never even heard of – Credit24, Fair Go, Pepper – and over the years I’ve paid off loans that weren’t mine just to keep him afloat.
This might be the most controversial thing I’ve ever published.
This might be the most controversial thing I’ve ever published.
Some will say what you’re about to read is irresponsible.
Others will call it downright evil.
I’ll let you be the judge.
What Would You Say to Your Sister?
Hey Scott,
Your column about low-income single parents buying a home with the help of the Government’s 2.5% deposit got me talking with me and my single mum friends. It got us thinking …
Don’t Make Me Google
Hi Scott,
I was recently contacted by an investment company called Caprion Group, which operates in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Caprion’s account manager is encouraging me to invest $20,000, claiming they only risk 1% per trade and that most trades are profitable. I’m unsure whether this is legitimate or wise.
Old Dog, Bad Tricks
Hi Scott,
My dear mum turned 70 last year and is in a concerning situation. Dad has always been frugal, but I have just found out he has put Mum in a really tight spot.
my worst investment yet
My four-year-old is perched in the back of the ute throwing hay to our hungry livestock.
“I am the sheep Santa!” he announces with delight.
Thanks for NOTHING, Barefoot
Hey Scott,
I just read your column about Maura, the single mum who bought a home with a 2.5% deposit and now can’t afford it. Maura, listen to Scott – and you might end up like me: with ‘nothing’ (and grateful for it).
Jim Chalmers Gets an A+ For His New Super Tax
Hi Scott,
With the newly re-elected government, there’s been lots of talk about the new tax on superannuation accounts over $3 million, specifically that it’s unindexed and that you pay it from unrealised capital gains.
The trouble with Trump
Less than fifty days ago, my inbox was chock-a-block with emails like this one:
Street Fighters Need a Home
Dear Barefoot,
Eight years ago, my husband and I were drowning in debt: we had over $80,000 on credit cards alone. We were hiding our car from the repo guy, had a final notice on our home, and owed money to everyone, including family. Our plan back then was to stuff the bills in a drawer and hope they’d disappear (spoiler: they didn’t).
Our Son is Dead, Apple is Compounding Our Grief
Hi Scott,
Our 26-year-old son James died of an accidental drug overdose last September. We don’t know his iPhone passcode or Apple ID, and no one, not the police, Telstra, or Apple, can help us access his iCloud.
Should I Switch to Vanguard Super?
Hi Scott,
A while back you wrote about Vanguard Super’s upcoming entry onto the Australian scene. I was hoping you could share your thoughts on their performance so far.
Here’s what happens next to house prices
So the election is done and dusted.
Albo has been given the rose by Australia. He is our most eligible political bachelor. And, if the Internet is true (and I’m sure it is), I saw a picture of Dutton working at McDonald’s.
Help! I’m Terrified I’m Going to Lose My Home
Hi Scott,
I've been following you for years, but right now I’ve hit a wall. I bought my first home in August 2024, but by December I was already in financial hardship – and I’ve been stuck there ever since.
Hello 5% Deposits!
Dear Scott,
Albo’s back, and so is his housing policy. So why would anyone want a 5 per cent deposit? That just means borrowing 95 per cent! Who benefits?
The $30,000 Pussy
Barefoot,
Our cat got bitten by a snake. $30,000 later she’s alive and well and having a great life. Pets, to some, are their family. They’re not replaceable. The 30 grand I spent wasn’t just for a cat’s life …
Why Warren Buffett inspired me to sell my shares
“Warren Buffett announces plans to retire this year in shock to shareholders,” read the ABC headline.
Barefoot Bubbles
My son Odin absolutely loves Barefoot Kids – he’s followed every single step over the past year.
Mouldy, Desperate Parents
Hi Scott,
We’ve spent the last seven years stuck in a financial and emotional loop, paralysed by fear of making the wrong decision for our family. Here’s our situation: we have five young kids, two of whom have special needs.