The Barefoot Investor

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...!

97 of 104 people found this review helpful

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.

6 of 6 people found this review 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!

27 of 30 people found this review 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.

44 of 51 people found this review 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.

17 of 20 people found this review 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!

12 of 14 people found this review 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.

24 of 29 people found this review helpful

Entertaining and informative with 2 caveats

I found the information in this book to be rather basic, but that is not a bad thing. I think this book was written for non-financial people to learn how to manage money. It does this well.

I have two caveats (or complaints that you should know before reading/listening)

One - This is 100% geared toward the Australian market. He goes on and on talking about the Australian Superfund (which is his basic wealth-building strategy) also the Australian pension fund and health plan. So if you are Australian this book would be very relevant. If you live elsewhere in the world you will need to figure out comparable options in your location.

Two - As a long time listener to Dave Ramsey, he uses a lot of Dave Ramsey strategies and sayings. Like he says multiple times “We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.”
If you're a Dave Ramsey fan you'll hear a lot of Dave coming through.

Overall, it was worth listening to but if you live outside of Australia then there may be better options.

3 of 3 people found this review 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!

13 of 16 people found this review 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 of 6 people found this review helpful