The Barefoot Investor. Scott Pape
for The Barefoot Investor
The Barefoot Investor is the biggest finance cult in Australia.
— Mamamia
The Barefoot Investor has become the all-time number one bestseller in Australia, making it the first time an Australian author has held this spot in BookScan.
— Nielsen BookData
In this book you will read true accounts from a divorcee road train driver, a young widow and a returned defence officer — all of whom have ‘gone Barefoot’ and are massively better for the experience. They join thousands who are following the Barefoot strategies and are happier, more confident and, importantly, wealthier.
— Tim Fischer, Former Deputy Prime Minister
How many times do we say, ‘I wish I'd known sooner’? Many Australians will have been saying that after putting in place the very sensible strategies that Scott outlines in The Barefoot Investor. It's the only book I've ever read that sets out a money strategy that will actually work.
— Fiona Guthrie, CEO, Financial Counselling Australia
Why is this the #1 book I recommend to anyone who wants to invest in financial freedom? Because it is much more than just another money book. Scott provides a framework, great ideas and compelling writing to bring to life practical strategies that will truly allow the reader to tread their own path — to achieve financial security, live a purposeful life and leave a lasting legacy.
— Arun Abey, co-author of How Much Is Enough?
Scott Pape has delivered on a promise often made but rarely kept: this is useful, inspiring and practical advice. His story about the apple tree is worth the entire cost of the book.
— Seth Godin, bestselling author
No funny stuff, just money stuff
The information in this book is general in nature and for educational purposes only. It should not replace individual, independent, personal financial advice, tailored to your specific needs.
Neither Scott Pape nor anyone associated with Barefoot Investor or the making of this book has received any kickbacks, commissions or fees — or even so much as an invite to a corporate box at the footy — for mentioning anything contained herein. We never have, and we never will.
We are fiercely independent.
The bottom line: you're reading the same information that I'd give to my mum, God love her.
Scott Pape is the Barefoot Investor.
Since 2002, he's reached millions of Australians through his email newsletter, national weekend newspaper columns, appearances on TV and radio and his bestselling books, The Barefoot Investor (2016) and The Barefoot Investor for Families (2018).
He has worked with the heads of government, schools across the country, AFL and NRL teams, bushfire survivors, and some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
In 2020, Scott was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for ‘service to the community and to financial education’.
Scott gave up his financial services license in 2020 to become a volunteer financial counsellor.
He lives in country Victoria with his wife, Liz, and their four children on their family farm and is often seen belting around in an old ute that doesn't need to be locked.
THE ONLY MONEY GUIDE YOU'LL EVER NEED
SCOTT PAPE
This edition first published in 2022 by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
42 McDougall St, Milton Qld 4064
Office also in Melbourne
First edition originally published in 2017
© Scott Pape and related entities 2022
Illustrations © Jeffrey D Phillips
The moral rights of the author have been asserted
ISBN: 978-0-730-397533
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (for example, a fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review), no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address above.
Cover design by Hyungtak Jun
Cover image by Isamu Sawa
The author and publisher would like to thank the following copyright holders, organisations and individuals for their permission to reproduce copyright material in this book: © ING Bank: p.18; © Australian Securities and Investments Commission: p.27; © Rob Hill / Getty Images Australia: p.51; © piranka / Getty Images: p.51; © Pacific Brands: p.55 & p.56; © champja / Getty Images: p.62; © Michael Tran Archive / Getty Images: p.82; © AAP Image/Dan Peled: p.144; © Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited: p.182; © Pacific International Music / Lyrics by Garry Koehler: p.250.
Disclaimer
The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice where appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.
The author is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the corporate entities mentioned in or involved in the distribution of this work, or any third party entities whose trademarks and logos may appear on this work.
For Liz.
Home is wherever I'm with you
Date: 12 February 2014
Location: Romsey Emergency Evacuations Centre
The counsellor leaned in, gently put her hand on mine, and said, ‘Honey, I know it will be difficult for you, but you're going to need to let people help you. You've got a young wife, a little baby … and you've just lost everything you own. I'm a financial counsellor. I help people