Australia only

I don’t think I would have purchased this book if it was clear the steps outlined only work as indicated if you live in Australia. Will be much harder to implement in the US.

29 people found this helpful

Sure It's An Aussie Book But--

Most of The Barefoot Investor is sound advice. Yes, tax laws, investing particulars, home buying is somewhat different, but the majority of the theory is applicable anywhere. Plant. Grow. Harvest.
Making a date night with your partner weekly then monthly to specifically talk about financial issues and what dreams y'all have. Eradicating debt. Not being afraid of the stock market (which was a huuuuge one for me. Pape points out how, despite recessions/depressions/wars, things just bounce back. Period.). Buying your own home, but if you're renting, that's okay--just start saving as much of the difference between what you'd be paying in mortgage and taxes and rent as you possibly can. Determining your retirement number/age based on your savings (without spazzing about being older and nowhere near there).
I'm a finance idiot, so this is where I'm coming from as I write this review. I know Audible has a plethora of money-savvy people, so Pape's info might not be extraordinarily mind-blowing. But hey: Anything that makes me stop hyperventilating when I consider my financial situation? Well, that's definitely worth the barely 6+ hours listening time...!

106 people found this helpful

Bloody marvelous!

I’ve spent the last few years since having kids organising my family’s finances and investing so I thought I had it pretty much down. There was a lot in the book that did affirm that I was on the right track, but it also gave more than just an opportunity to pat myself on the back; hints and tips for improving what I’m currently doing and a real (and achievable) way to plan for the future. Lastly, think your finances are boring? Try saying that after the audio book! Author and narrator, Scott Pape’s natural enthusiasm will get you started and EXCITED about sorting your money out. Recommend to everyone!

30 people found this helpful

Great financial advice ... for Aussies

As an American, I was skeptical over how much of this book would actually apply to me. However, even though there were differences (like between a superfund and 401(k) / IRA) there were still a lot of good tidbits ... and some great ones.
I highly recommend the book, even if you're not Australian. You just may have to do some work how it exactly applies to you.

48 people found this helpful

Extremely well thought out and presented.

It is very well put together, so easy to follow and explains very complicated and confusing financial scenarios in a concise and manner. Time tested principles are presented in such an easy to understand way that even I could understand. Worth every cent of your money and every second of your time.

18 people found this helpful

Australian Version of Dave Ramsey

Good and sound advice. Not quite as in depth as Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University but still very good nonetheless.

27 people found this helpful

Love It!

I'm a middle class working woman who while not in debt (except the mortgages) I definitely don't have a plan and I've avoided looking at my finances like the plague because it was too confusing and boring.
This book clears up much of my confusion and gives me the confidence I need to move forward into the fall of my life without fear.
Thanks Scott!
Now I'm going to listen again!

14 people found this helpful

Not recommended if you aren't Australian

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I used my only trial credit on this book, I was disappointed to learn this is mostly for Australians. I mean sure a couple of those things work on Americans, but it's still difficult. You could replace "ING Orange" with "Ally", "Super" with IRA/401k. But many things don't match properly. Credit cards rewards, for example, seem much more worth it in America for example.This book should clearly say it's for Australians. I've read the sample and seen the ad video, but it clearly didn't say for Australians.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Disagreed with a few things. This is a book more about happiness and motivation versus actual math. If you get excited to open a spreadsheet or do your budgets this book pushes against that.For example, this book recommends against credit cards. I have 14 credit cards, and never ever paid a single interest fee. Credit cards provide greater fraud protection, many benefits, and I make over 1000$ in rewards per year. They aren't for everyone, but this book just says to cut them off.Another example, this book tells you to pay off the debt with least amount first. This is great for motivation, but it's not the best choice mathematically. Yes if you have trouble getting motivated to pay the debt, the advice is great. But if you are looking to pay the least amount of fees, it's best to pay off the highest interest balances first.

Which character – as performed by Scott Pape – was your favorite?

No specific favorite ones, but I disliked the women simply because it was weird hearing a man saying "during my maternity leave" etc...

6 people found this helpful

Honest and easy to understand

Thanks Scott. I have already implemented ur teachings. I tried to negotiate my mortgage rate but the bank refused to budge. I have more than 80% equity. But hey, thanks to you advice on cash back mortgage brokers, I have ditched my bank. I'm now on my way to getting $1000 or more back each year and paying less on my mortgage! Trailing commisions are awesome...especially when they are paid to me instead of the typical mortagage broker!

13 people found this helpful

Narration by Scott = thumbs up from me.

What made the experience of listening to The Barefoot Investor the most enjoyable?

I listened to it twice. Once to hear the guy and and a second time to check if i missed something and to take notes. Scott provides practical advice that i could test pretty easily i.e. super comparisons and personal insurances. currently doing my own due diligence but The Barefoot gets recommendations from me.

What does Scott Pape bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having Scott narrate the book made it feel a little personal.

Any additional comments?

only downside is that you don't get to view the pdfs referred to in the book but then the info is quite detailed so one can still implement if they so choose.

5 people found this helpful