The Barefoot Investor

The Only Money Guide You'll Ever Need

By: Scott Pape

Narrated by: Scott Pape

Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Fully revised and updated for the 2020-2021 financial year 

This is the only money guide you'll ever need. 

That's a bold claim, given there are already thousands of finance books on the shelves. 

So what makes this one different? 

Well, you won't be overwhelmed with a bunch of "tips" or a strict budget (that you won't follow). 

You'll get a step-by-step formula: open this account, then do this; call this person, and say this; invest money here and not there. All with a glass of wine in your hand. 

This book will show you how to create an entire financial plan that is so simple you can sketch it on the back of a serviette...and you'll be able to manage your money in 10 minutes a week. 

You'll also get the skinny on:  

• Saving up a six-figure house deposit in 20 months
• Doubling your income using the Trapeze Strategy
• Saving $78,173 on your mortgage and wiping out seven years of payments
• Finding a financial advisor who won't rip you off
• Handing your kids (or grandkids) $140,000 checks on their 21st birthdays
• Why you don't need $1 million to retire...with the Donald Bradman Retirement Strategy

Sound too good to be true? It's not. 

This book is full of stories from everyday Aussies—single people, young families, empty nesters, retirees—who have applied the simple steps in this book and achieved amazing, life-changing results. 

And you're next.   

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017, 2022 Scott Pape (P)2022 Audible Australia Pty Ltd

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...!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Brilliant, inspiring, and very, very practical

Scott is a brilliant writer and an inspiring narrator. Monday this week, a friend recommended "The Barefoot Investor". Before Monday, I had no idea money can - and needs to - be managed. I was just too busy working, and there was a constant low-grade worry about what's gonna happen if I lose my job. Today is Friday, I have finished listening to the book, and I know exactly what to do, step by step, to never worry about money again. Simply amazing.

Wrong country

It sure would have been nice to know this book pertains to only people in Australia. Pretty close to absolutely useless for me in the USA RIP OFF

Give me my time back!

Here's you after listening to this book: This book is specific for Aussies
Here's me: True, about half of the book is useless in other countries
Here's you: But the book is sold on Audible UK, for people in UK and Europe
Here's me: True
Here's you: The least he could do is addapt the part about SUPER and bank account taxes to other countries, the rest of it is good
Here's me: Yes, the least they could do is that. Some of the other ideas like monthly dates and the bucket and fire hose stuff are useful.
Here's you: But that's not enough for what they charge and how much time it wastes for people to listen about this useless stuff
Here's me: That's right, the 3 hours wasted listening to how Aussie banks screw Aussies are not coming back. You should know that before you start listening
Here's you: It feels disrespectful to my time, never mind the attempt at childish humor with the "here's you"/"here's me" lines
Here's me: you should ask for a refund. Maybe that will make them put a clear note in the description that 50% of the book is useless if you don't live and work in Austalia.
Here's you: Yes, I should ask for a refund! If only I could get the 3 hours of my life back, I could use them to listen to something else. They should pay for that too, shameless marketing!
Here's me: Yes, they should, but they won't, because the editor that made the description is as worse as the Australian bankers.

Good read for Aussie market

Strong advice that anyone can use but a large part is for Aussie market not UK

Definite Listen For Aussies

I live in the UK, so there's a fair amount of information that isn't relevant geographically BUT the strategies for savings and expenditure are relevant regardless of where you live and can be implemented if you're willing to take responsibility for your present, your future and, if you have or are planning to have family, the future of your children and teaching them great financial behaviours!!

I live in the UK but the principles in this book ring true, loud and clear.

I am in love with this book. The principles behind the advice can be applied anywhere in the world. Sure, there are a few things that you can’t do if you don’t live in Australia, but I fully intend to translate those bits into things I CAN do in the U.K., using these principles. The best finance book I’ve ever read. Scott is entertaining, candid, and straight forward to follow. 10/10. Read this book!

Specific to Australia, but recommended read anyway

I found this book through a friend's recommendation and didn't know what to expect, but the phrase 'barefoot date nights' stuck in my mind too, so I gave it a try.

This is a pretty fun read compared to other finance books.

Although Scott Pape focuses on Australian solutions, it's still a good read for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of money management. Maybe even better in hard copy though as the doodles help you grasp the concept.

I like the idea of Barefoot Date Nights, however, I couldn't follow the rules exactly. If you're listening from outside of Australia like me, you'll probably have to adjust his suggestions to your situation. Still, it can put you on track and that's what matters. Pape's performance is quite good too, he uses a really human tone and holds the attention throughout the whole guide. Worth reading.

Here's You: Australia-centric Advice.

Here's Me: You're insufferable.

The book shouldn't be available outside of Australia. The content for an Australian audience is sound but fairly basic. Advice in the book for a international market could be a great blog post but it's stretched out among the Australian content and packaged in an insufferable, patronising Here's You, Here's Me: format.
Don't bother if you're not in Australia.

Financial playbook for Australian feminists

Despite the review title this book is actually okay in parts. It does provide some decent information on how to overcome debt but the section on investments and property were lacking. It's clear his target audience are women with how he calls men "chauvinistic pigs" and bashes Trump despite it not being relevant at all. If you are not based in Australia you will find a lot of the information irrelevant also.

good ideas

seems like has good info for Australia, I listened from the UK so not so helpful as a lot of what's discussed is specific to Australia. good mantras to aim for though.

Definitely aimed at the Aussie market

Really enjoyable read/listen. Scott tells it like it is, and pulls few punches. The material is Aussicentric talking directly about Super (superannuation) however all of the structures & philosophy can easily be rolled out worldwide. A low tech approach to securing yourself and those you care about financially. And yes, your plan can be written on a napkin. Keep it simple stupid! I recommend having a listen.

Good but very specific to Australia

Lots to learn from this and the principles are sound, however many of the recommendations use terminology and loopholes which are native to Australia and don’t transfer easily to the UK. Still worth a read though. I have my first Barefoot Date night coming up tomorrow.