We’re Waging a War!

Dear Scott,

My hubby and I have read your book and are on a ‘Barefoot warpath’. However, we have one big problem. Our mortgage is far beyond 60% of our combined incomes.  It’s actually more like 85%! And we earn decent money -- I am on $95,000 and he is on $115,000. We have two young children, aged eleven and five, who want things all the time. Can you recommend a saving strategy without simply saying “you bought a house that was too expensive”? We know this. Also, we live in Perth, so it has lost value. It is not finished yet either, and we are now having to do the renovations ourselves. What can we do?

Jan

Hi Jan

You may be on the warpath, but the enemy has you surrounded.

I get that you’re looking for reassurance, but you’re asking me to recommend a savings strategy when 85 per cent of your combined income is going towards your (unfinished) home and you have two school-aged kids who ‘want things all the time’. I’m good, but I’m not that good!

I can only guess that you bought the home when you were on a higher household income, because there’s no way a bank could-a, should-a, would-a lent you that money on your current income. I actually can’t work out how you’re keeping afloat (perhaps you have a lump sum you’re living off that you haven’t disclosed). Either way, unless you can increase your income dramatically and quickly, you’ll eventually lose your home.

That’s the only way I can see you could lose the battle while still standing a chance of (eventually) winning the war. Right now, you need some good soldiers on your side, and there are none better than Financial Counsellors Australia. Call them on 1800 007 007 and have them represent you with your bank’s hardship department.

Scott

Should I Buy Baby Bunting Shares?

Hi Barefoot,

I remember you saying in a column once that people should invest in companies they understand. Well, my partner and I are pregnant and have been spending a lot of time, and money, at Baby Bunting. So it got me thinking. I have been looking at the share price and it is down quite a bit. It hit a high of $3.20 last year, then dropped below $2, but recently it has been going up again. It seems like a good investment, but is now the right time to buy?

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Over the past few years I too have dropped a large chunk of change at Australia’s largest baby goods chain, Baby Bunting. But I won’t be investing in them.

Right now Baby Bunting enjoys wonderful gross margins of 34.5 per cent (something I grumble to my wife about as we shop for strollers). However, they’ve got a stinky nappy that will soon need to be changed.

In the US, Amazon has a killer membership called ‘Amazon Moms’. For $99 a year, mums get 20 per cent off nappies (the high-frequency purchase), ultra-low prices on everything else (to add to your virtual cart when you’re getting the nappies), free two-day shipping, plus access to Amazon FreeTime, which is an all-in-one streaming service with “thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps and games”.

When they roll this out in Australia they will crush the competition. After all, when you’ve got a newborn, there are two things in short supply: money and time. Amazon solves both.

Avoid.

Scott

Last weekend I made a terrible mistake.

My wife left me alone for three hours, and in that time I generated a full-scale social media storm.

And it all started when I posted a picture of my undies on Facebook.

Let me explain:

In my book I wrote about ‘how to live like a multi-millionaire right now’. Basically it involves spending your money consciously on things that will make you feel like a million bucks.

One way to do this is by splashing out and buying really comfy undies. After all, some people justify spending $8,000 on a 14-hour business class flight … why not fly business class in your undies every day?

(With such hard-hitting advice, is it any wonder my book has sold 300,000 copies?!)

Anyway, what I didn’t envisage at the time of writing was that enterprising underwear manufacturers would start sending me samples of their product in the post.

So a few weeks ago I went to my country town post office, where the Australian Post lady handed me a big box:

“Looks like more undies”, I said matter-of-factly, like it was completely normal.

She smiled nervously and avoided eye contact.

Just for kicks, I took a pic of the box — which had the underwear brand on the box — and uploaded it to my 107,911 followers on Facebook with the caption: “I think I’m the only finance guy who gets sent undies in the post. Second time this week.”

On my way home from the post office I rang my wife and told her about the undies.

Mrs Barefoot: “Hang on. Are you telling me that women are sending you their underwear in the mail?”

Barefoot: “No, honey. Underwear companies are sending them to me.”

Mrs Barefoot: “Oh! Well that makes sense. Of course, if they’d actually seen you in your underwear … they wouldn’t bother sending you any … ”

Barefoot: Frowning.

Mrs Barefoot: “… I mean, it’s clearly ridiculous that you would be an undies influencer … ”

Barefoot: “You can stop now.”

Mrs Barefoot: “I’m joking! But you’re an idiot for posting that picture. It looks like you’re being paid to promote their product.”

When I checked my Facebook feed … I realised she was right.

All hell had broken loose.

The first reply to my undies post was less than encouraging:

“Why are you posting this crap? Stick to finance or firetruck* off” (*the substitute word we use in front of our four-year-old).

And the comments went downhill from there. As I sat nervously on my verandah patting my trusty old sheepdog, people from the corners of the interwebs jumped in to bite me on the backside. It was like trying to placate an angry mob ready to burn me at the stake.

In my underwear.

(This incident is now referred to at Barefoot HQ as #undiesgate.)

The Rise of the Influencer

In the olden days, advertisers would buy ads in glossy magazines to try and influence readers.

Today, glossy mags have all but been replaced by social media (especially Instagram, with its 700 million users). Advertisers now pay social media influencers to create the ads, by posting a promoted pic with their product in shot.

It’s actually big business for social media starlets (generally those who are ridiculously good looking … or post pictures of ridiculously good-looking food). According to Bloomberg, brands will pay up to $US250 a post if you have 10,000 fans, $1,000 a post if you have 100,000 fans, and all the way up to $US300,000 for a single post if you’re a Kardashian.

Contrast this to my Instagram account, which has a total of three posts: a picture I took in 2012 of a busker playing the bagpipes while dressed as a duck, and, for reasons I don’t quite understand, two identical headshots of my 55-year-old editor, Wally.

Again, when it comes to social media I’m kind of clueless. However, #undiesgate aside, I know a thing or two about building a business, and I’m proud of being fiercely independent.

To prove it, let me drop my dacks and show you an email I received last year from a marketing company representing an Aussie bank.

The $9,000 Post

Hello Scott,

XXX Bank have tasked us to identify some social influencers who could boost the video views of their brand-new online documentary “All I Need: Is the Australian Dream Getting You Into Unnecessary Debt?” (YouTube/Facebook versions). We have come across your social media channels and, given your strong influence as a thought-leader in the financial sector and of course Australia’s most trusted finance expert, we would love for you to participate.

This is a paid opportunity of $9,000 and we can also offer the opportunity for your content to be amplified on the XXX Bank’s pages. We would love it if you were able to:

1. Write and upload a blog discussing your own personal opinions on the content.

2. 1x social media post focused on original blog post – this post will have the blogpost linked into it.

3. 1x social media post (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram).

So I watched the doco, fully expecting it to be horrible, as most corporate videos tend to be.

Turns out, it was actually pretty good! (Who’d have thought a bank would tackle the issue of borrowing too much?)

So I wrote back to the PR firm, thanked them, and turned down their cashola.

Then I wrote about the doco and shared it with my audience anyway.

Now here’s the wedgie: the only reason a PR company would be willing to shell out nine thousand clams to me … is that I’ve built an audience who knows I wouldn’t take it.

Tread Your Own Path!

Help! Money Just Appears in My Account!

Scott,

My in-laws are our ‘financial alpacas’ -- they keep giving us money! I hate it but my husband loves it. I have asked them to stop, but they won’t, so it just keeps appearing in our account. I know they do it out of love, but the fact is we already earn loads ($200,000 a year)! I honestly believe they want nothing in return. How do I cope knowing I do not have to do anything in your book and we will be just fine? I feel so unproud of myself.

Gemma

Hi Gemma,

Well, I can finally retire. I have now officially had every question under the sun. (I‘ve been waiting for the ‘money just keeps appearing in my account’ question for years). Only joking. They sound like they’re generous people who are simply driven by giving (I can think of worse traits to have in in-laws). If I were in your shoes I’d sit down with them and reframe the situation; you don’t need the money, but plenty of people do. So, as a family, could you work together to help the truly needy people in your community? That would make the both of you feel proud.

Scott

The Tony Robbins Tax

Hi Barefoot,

I’m 26 and work in advertising and I earn $82,000 a year so I pay a lot of tax! Last year I went to a Tony Robbins seminar called Date With Destiny. It cost me $8,995 (and it was worth every cent!). Am I able to claim part of this expense as self education against my tax this year? It’s really helped me with my job …

Desi

Hi Desi,

You may have survived a fire walk over hot coals, but the ATO will not allow you to claim a motivational seminar as a work related expense -- no matter how much positive vibes you throw out into the universe. In order for you to claim a self education expense it has to relate specifically to your job at hand.

Scott

Where to Invest $5 million?

Scott,

My wife and family are in a very fortunate position after selling our business in February this year. We have no debt, own our house valued at $5,000,000, own a beach house valued at $1,700,000, super $1,700,000, and approximately $5,000,000 in cash. We have sourced some advice on how to invest the $5,000,000 to provide an income stream of hopefully around 5 to 6 per cent per annum (they have suggested buying a commercial property and some investment properties). We now have financial advisors all over us like wet dogs. What would you do?

Gary and Helen

Hi Guys,

Congratulations on your success!

To get rich you will have concentrated your risk, and focussed all your effort into one business. However to stay rich you need to do the exact opposite: spread your money across a large number of investments, and take very few risks.

Therefore I’d run away from all the wet shaggy dogs that are trying to gnaw on your juicy assets. They have dollar signs in their eyes. Also, stay away from anyone who is recommending you invest directly in commercial or residential property. Reason being, it’s simply not diversified enough, and if you lose a tenant, you lose your yield!

Look, you’ve earned the right not to have to worry about your money. So if I were you, I’d keep a hefty amount of in cash (for opportunities, and because a $5 million home sounds kind of expensive to maintain!), and invest the rest in a broad mix of shares (local and overseas), via ultra-low cost index funds. The income you generate from dividends should be enough for you to live off without having to draw down on your capital.

Finally, you say that you’ve got got $1.7 million in superannuation, however, the cap is actually $1.6 million per person, so you may have the ability to contribute more. If you can, you should.

Scott

Will Interest Rates Rise Eight Times in the Next Two Years?

Barefoot,

This week I nearly had a heart attack when I read in the newspaper that economist John Edwards says that interest rates may rise eight times (!) in the next two years. There is no way my family could support this on my husband’s wage (I am a stay-at-home mum), be able to service our mortgage ($550,000) and afford to put our two children through school in a few years time. Can you please tell me that this guy is joking?

Erica

Hi Erica,

Is he joking? Well, let’s see: he’s an economist. He’s middle aged. He’s wearing a sober suit, sensible glasses, and he’s not smiling. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t doing a stand up routine.

However I think he was taken out of context. Edwards is smart enough to know that no one can predict the future (least of all economists, who on the whole are no better than dart throwing monkeys). What he was trying to say was that interest rates would move higher (at some point) in the future.

Here’s the interesting thing: anyone under the age of 45 -- and that includes you and me Erica -- has never experienced a recession in their adult lives. We have no reference point for it. In fact, our only experience is that housing prices go through the roof, and interest rates fall through the floor. People think it’s normal. But it’s not … not even close.

The truth is we’re living through one of the greatest booms in modern history. Eventually it will end (though only the monkeys know when). The only advice I’ll give you is to start preparing for higher home loan rates immediately. The worst that could happen is that Edwards and I are wrong ... and you pay your home off quicker.

No jokes.

Scott

An Update on the First Home Saver Super Accounts

I’m a little ‘dusty’ as I write this.

You see, as a card-carrying DIK (Dad I Know), I don’t get many leave passes from my wife … so when I got an invitation to an EOFY (End of Financial Year) finance shindig, I couldn’t pass it up.

After all, the EOFY is the one time of the year it’s socially acceptable for bean-counters to get on the grog.

You can picture it, can’t you?

Sharon was in the storeroom dishing out Cabcharges like party pills. Craig had a shandy. And late in the night Dennis got loose and moved his superannuation investment option from ‘balanced’ to ‘high growth’.

Boom!

So today I’m a little like a bear with a sore head.

And when I’m hungover, my tonic of choice is to call Treasury and talk tax policy on behalf of a reader.

Paula’s Problem

I got this question from Paula last week:

Hi Scott,

I’ve been reading your newspaper column since I was in primary school (my dad got me into it)! Now I am studying nursing at university, working part time in aged care, and saving for a home. I am very interested in setting up a new ‘home super saver account’. However, I called up my super fund (HESTA) and they don’t seem to know much about it, and they actually said it won’t come in till next year. Can you please clear this up for me?

Paula

My first reaction was “hell, have I been doing it for that long”?

My second reaction was, on Paula’s behalf, to follow up on the progress of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (which, if you remember, I talked about in my column some time ago). What I found is that it looks about as well planned as my son’s finger-painting, currently stuck on our fridge:

“What do you think of my picture, Daddy?”

“Oh that is beautiful! It’s a …. truck … right?”

“No! It’s a picture of you and mummy riding a horse.”

“Oh, yes! So it is!”

A quick refresher for those of you in the back row:

The First Home Super Saver Scheme was announced by our Treasurer on Budget night as a $250 million air kiss to housing affordability. As ScoMo crowed on the night, by making voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total, “most first home savers will be able to accelerate their savings by at least 30 per cent”. For an average earning couple it’s worth an additional $12,000.

From ‘Yeah!’ to ‘Meh’

That was in May.

The First Home Super Saver Scheme is set to launch on 1 July but, like Paula mentioned, none of the super funds I spoke to had the foggiest. And after speaking to Canberra, I worked out why.

The Government has had a bit of legislative constipation — the scheme hasn’t yet been passed into law. A spokesperson for the Treasurer said they were adamant that it would be tabled in the Spring session of Parliament, and that it would be passed.

Fair enough. But, to my mind, there’s a lot of uncertainty around it.

So should you open one up?

Maybe … (and, of course, only if it actually makes it into law).

You could consider opening a First Home Super Saver if you’re planning on buying a home in the next few years, and you already have a decent deposit. After all, it could be worth $12 628 extra to an average earning couple, compared to saving in the bank. Not bad.

However, since the Government announced these accounts I’ve had a lot of well-meaning parents and grandparents — not to mention savvy young savers like Paula — write and ask about opening one up for the long term.

My advice?

Don’t touch it.

Quite apart from the fact that the Government is still in need of some legislative laxatives, what happens if the current mob is voted out and the new mob decides to ‘ghost’ the First Home Super Saver Scheme (like you did with that mummy’s boy you dated twice in 2004)?

Well, if the scheme were scrapped, it’s possible your savings could be locked up in your super till you retire.

So, Paula, all I can say right now is: watch this space.

Tread Your Own Path!

The overnight $60,000 pay rise

Can you imagine getting an immediate $60,000-a-year pay rise?

Well, that’s what happened this week to a bunch of young blokes that I work with.

Even better, the average 20-something who got the pay rise is pulling in a whopping $371,000 a year.

I’m talking about AFL footballers … who this week scored a six-year, $1.84 billion collective pay deal.

But now for the tackle: despite the serious dough they get, a lot of these players will end up kicking their finances out of bounds on the full.

It’s a worldwide phenomenon: American footy players (lycra and crash helmets) earn an average of $US1.9 million a year, but most of them are broke within three years of retirement. NBA basketball players earn an average of $5.15 million a year, but 60% of them are broke within five years of hanging up their boots, according to a fascinating ESPN documentary called Broke.

How does this happen?

Well, this week I sat down with a bloke who knows: North Melbourne coach Brad Scott.

A few things you should know about Brad: first, he’s whip smart; second, he cares deeply about his players; and third, he happens to be a Barefooter!

(Oh, and fourth, I’m helping his boys this year … with their finances, not with their footy. Obviously.)

When it comes to footy and finances, Brad has seen it all.

In fact, when he was first drafted in the nineties, he was paid an outrageous sign-on fee:

“I got seven and a half grand”, he tells me.

“… and $250 a game.”

(And, just like my sheepdog Betty, if he got rubbed out or injured … no pay.)

While you may scoff at the players’ pay rise (and pay packet), after 20 years of playing and coaching Brad knows why many of them end up broke.

Let’s start the siren.

Show Me the Money!

“Part of the problem is that everyone else thinks they’ve got it made”, says Brad.

And then he proceeds to throw cold water over the “$371,000 average wage” claim that’s bandied around in the media (and by yours truly at the start of this column).

“Look, of the 44 players on our list, only 14 are earning above the average wage, and the rest are below it … and that would be similar for all the clubs.”

And ‘below’ is actually … really low:

The minimum wage for a rookie is $71,500, and for a second-year player it’s $100,000.

Sure, good money for doing something you’d do for free … but you’re hardly turning up to training in a Porsche 911.

And herein lies the problem:

“When you’re a young AFL footballer … you get a lot of female attention.”

“And the players … well, they’re not going to downplay the image. Really, it’s not in their interests to say … ‘hey I umm, actually don’t earn that much money’.”

And it’s not just the girls. Often when the players go home they shout their mates, and their families, who all believe they’re loaded.

I know what you’re thinking at this point: “Yeah, but that’s just what they start on, they’ll soon earn the big bucks.”

And you’re right.

Brad tells me that when some young players get a sizeable contract that can mean their salary is double or triple their first pay. And that’s when the real problems begin.

He’s My Private Banker

When your income triples, so do the opportunities to spend it.

There’s no shortage of banks — with private bankers in tow — wanting to lend these players huge sums of dough, to fulfil their Instagram images.

“The average AFL player career is just three years”, says Brad soberly.

“So, yes, technically they can service the debt while they’re playing … but what happens when they stop?”

A financial shirt front. “I’ve seen it too many times”, says Brad. “Plenty of guys I’ve played with end their career with a negative net worth position.”

That’s why Brad tells his players there’s only one thing he’s really impressed by: “It’s not what you earn, it’s what you save.”

Boofhead’s Bar and Grill

The final trap for many players … the world over … is that they tend to invest badly.

“They often invest in exotic investments”, says Brad.

Generally, it’s not their idea either.

The one thing I’ve learnt from dealing with professional sportspeople over my career is that there’s always a ‘bunch of blokes’ waiting around to hip-and-shoulder them into something complex, confusing, and high risk: restaurants, bars, property developments, you name it.

And best of all?

These high-tax-paying players can be so negatively geared, they’ll be positively screwed!

The Good Coach

The AFL and the clubs understand the problems players face, and that’s why they’re investing a lot into player development. Every club employs staff whose sole role is looking after player welfare. Plus, each player is mandated to have at least one weekday off per week to focus on professional development, either study or work placement.

Before the final siren sounds, the last word must go to Brad:

“The reason I’m passionate about financial education is that I’ve seen too many players who struggle after retirement, when they should be a step ahead. The reality is that a lot of players don’t succeed in the AFL — but they can all succeed in life.”

Tread Your Own Path!

Sinking Not Swimming

Scott,

My stepdaughter is a single mum in her early forties, with two kids. She earns $60,000 working three days a week, and has never owned property. She has $10,000 saved. She wants her bank to second-mortgage my house for a deposit for her in country Victoria on a house worth $350,000. I have $102,000 in credit card debt and (at most) $100,000 equity in my house. I am struggling with my own debt but I feel sorry for her and would like to help. I am widowed from my second husband. What should I do?

Linda

Linda,

It’s beautiful that you are wanting to help out your stepdaughter ... but with $102,000 in credit card debt you are clearly not in any financial shape to help anyone. It’s like someone who can’t swim diving into the sea to rescue a drowning person. Who’s going to rescue you?

Scott

I Got This!

Hi Scott,

I want to thank you. Reading your book helped me take financial control. I am a single mum of three. But in seven months I have paid down $10,400 in debt, saved $2,000 in ‘Mojo’, put aside $1,000 for Xmas, registered my car, and purchased a new fridge and drier -- all without having to use my credit card. In 12 months I will be DEBT FREE. Thank you! I am sleeping easy at night for the first time in years and can now make a better future for my kids.

Aruna

Hey Aruna,

I can feel your excitement dripping off the page. You’re in control, you’re winning, you’re unstoppable!

You may think your kids aren’t paying attention … but I promise you they are. Well done!

Scott

After the Fire

Hi Scott,

I was in a pretty horrific accident six years ago -- most of my body was burnt after being in a car accident that was on fire. I will get $900,000 from my insurance company, though I will need to put aside some of it for my future burn surgeries.

I am going through the process of building a house with my partner. Our house and land will come to $490,000, and we will be eligible for the $15,000 First Home Buyers Grant. We both have jobs (I work casual 12 to 24 hours a week as I can’t work more than that). We own both our cars. He still lives at home and I rent with my brother. We have no debts or loans and we each have over $12,000 in our saving accounts. Honestly I am freaking out, because I am 25 and have no idea about finances or what to do with my life. The insurance settlement goes through in just under a month. What should I do?

Danielle

Hi Danielle

I’m so sorry for what happened to you. It must have been horrendous.I know it’s a lot of money, but you don’t need to freak out. You could (and probably should) lock most of it away in a term deposit for 12 months while you take stock of things. There’s absolutely no need to feel pressure. None. If you rush, you could make impulsive, emotional decisions.

Then, when you’re ready, here’s what I’d suggest you think about:

First, talk to your medical team and get an accurate understanding of your future medical costs, and when you’ll need to pay them. Overestimate. Then, if it’s in the next 10 years, keep that money in a high-interest online savings account.

Second, if you can see yourself living in the house for at least the next 10 years, go buy it (if you have enough left over after your medical costs, that is). However, I’d like you to buy it outright, and in your name only. Go and see a solicitor and have them draw up a cohabitation agreement between you and your boyfriend. He can pay you rent and you can split living costs -- which will help, given you can’t work full time.

Three, I’d keep $10,000 in a (separate) high-interest online savings account as Mojo money.

Finally, I’d invest the rest in a low-cost share fund.Good luck!

Scott

Help! My In-Laws Are Outlaws

Hi Scott,

Right now I feel completely helpless. At 21 I purchased my home and have been renting it out for the past six years. I have always been a good saver. I met my partner a few years ago and we have been planning our wedding. However I recently found out he has taken out a $50,000 personal loan on behalf of his parents as they have been struggling. They make the repayments, but the debt keeps getting bigger. Their current lifestyle exceeds their pension payments by 150%! They have a $2 million home that they have promised they will sell and repay the debt, but they’ve been talking about it for years! How can I help his parents and him make better choices and live debt free?

Emma

Hi Emma,

You’re entering into a family that’s built on denial.

You won’t change his parents’ bad behaviour. But you can try and stop your fiancé enabling it.

The big risk is that you’ll end up ‘breastfeeding’ these Baby Boomers forever.

So here’s how I suggest you should handle it:

First, both make the repayments on their debt -- but only till the end of the year. This will give his parents enough time to sell the house and repay the debt.

Second, sit down with your parents-in-law and tell them that you can’t afford it, because you’re saving for your wedding and setting up your own family. But also tell them that you -- the loving but firm daughter-in-law -- want to help them out of this temporary tight spot.

Okay, so the thought of doing that probably makes your blood boil, right?

Well, here’s the truth: you and your fiancé are already effectively paying for the debt anyway. This way you get to cover yourself in glory, amp up the emotional pressure, and shine a light on their stupidity.

Third, I’d give them a copy of my book, which will show them how they can live a comfortable lifestyle with just $250,000 combined in super.

Finally, if your fiancé wants to keep living in denial with his parents, let him. Just don’t marry him.

Scott

What I learned from reading 385 job applications

Okay, so I’m kind of weird.

This year I’ve employed six people.

It’s not supposed to be this way; just ask the Daily Telegraph:

“The chance jobseekers with little or no experience have of finding work has plummeted, with startling figures revealing entry-level positions are ‘virtually non-existent’. Graduate jobs represent a mere 4 per cent of the entire new job market, falling 20 per cent in the past five years.”

Uh-huh.

When I talk to people (especially graduates) they bitch about how tough it is to get a foot in the door:

“It’s impossible to get a job without experience!” — “I can’t even get an interview!” — “How do I stand out?”

Yet, amid all the complaining, there are enterprising people quietly landing jobs … like the six I’ve hired this year.

And they didn’t have relevant qualifications, or fancy résumés, or stellar interview skills.

So what made them stand out? And how can you do the same thing?

Today I’m going to answer those questions, using one of my recent hires as a case study.

First, let me set the scene:

I had 385 applications for a producer role at Barefoot.

But I didn’t ask for résumés. Reason being, most people lie in résumés (and If I want to be lied to I can read Donald’s tweets).

And I didn’t ask for qualifications, or experience, because they don’t necessarily mean they can do the job.

And I didn’t even talk to them. Some people are excellent at talking about a job (you’ve been in meetings with these people), while others excel at interviewing for a job (because they’ve done a lot of interviews!). But, again, it doesn’t mean they can do the job.

As a boss I have an itch I need scratching, and all I care about is how good you are at scratching it (and not in a weird way).

That’s why at Barefoot we’re famous for long online surveys where we get candidates to do the actual task we’re hiring for. And, not surprisingly, a lot of people give up. (That’s part of the plan.)

Now, a confession: I don’t read through an entire application to work out what’s special about you.

No-one else does either. Recruiters spend an average of six seconds on each résumé, according to Time magazine. (Admittedly that sounds like a bulldust statistic. Personally, I spend about 18 seconds.)

Instead, I use a favourite tactic of many business owners: I put in a ‘hidden question’ that I go straight to, so I can do an initial cull. Then I read the ones I haven’t culled.

Now this may seem a hard-nosed way of doing things. Game of Thrones almost.

But I think it’s the most egalitarian way of employing people: I don’t care if you’re male, female or androgynous, how old you are, or where you’re from. All I care about is how good you are.

It doesn’t suit everyone. I once had a senior journalist contact me to apply for a role. We’d worked together years back, and he was a legend in his own lunchbox. Here’s how our phone conversation went.

Journalist: “I see you have a job going … I think I’d be perfect for it.”

Barefoot: “Sure! Just fill out the survey on the website.”

Journalist: “Really?! I mean, I have 20 years’ experience, so I am clearly very qualified.”

Barefoot: “You’re right. No need to do the survey.”

Journalist: “Great! So when would you like to meetup to discuss the role?”

Barefoot: “Never.”

As a postscript to this story, a few months later he did the survey … and his answers sucked.

He’s now working for a competitor of mine, bless his cotton socks!

How to Stand Out From the Crowd

So let’s talk about the person who actually got the position. How did she stand out?

Firstly, she got my ‘secret question’ spot on. She realised there was a question behind the question — so rather than giving a short answer, she explained her reasoning in detail, showing me she knew her stuff.

Second, she joined the Barefoot Blueprint to see if she’d be a good fit — and figured out what I needed to hire someone for. That showed initiative.

Third, she linked me to her profile on the freelancing site Upwork, where she’d done a few jobs in her spare time — which told me she didn’t mind hustling for extra work, she could manage her time, and she could get things done.

None of these things took her long to do, but they paid off in a big way.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, Barefoot, but I want to work for Company X, where they have a hiring process with real résumés and real interviews. So your advice doesn’t apply to ME.”

I thought you’d say that. So let me tell you how you can use this strategy no matter what job you’re going for.

Barefoot’s Advice to Jobseekers

My ‘secret question’ technique is ruthlessly efficient: it forces you to show how you can do the job at hand.

And that’s the secret to any job application.

All any employer wants to know is this: “Can you do the job, or not?”

So get to the point.

Ask yourself: what are they actually asking for? What do they truly need done? What’s the real job here?

And then make sure your answer (or your résumé, or interview) addresses that.

What you want to say is: “Here’s the job. Here’s why I can do it better than anyone else. Here’s evidence of how I’ve done it in the past.” Show them, don’t tell them.

Here’s you: “But Barefoot, I don’t have any experience.”

Here’s me: “Well, go and get some. Freelance on the side. Volunteer. Heck — offer to do the job for free for two weeks to prove you can do it.”

Yes, it takes a bit more elbow grease than submitting the same résumé to 56 applications on Seek.

But if you do this, you’ll be irresistible to any employer … and you’ll be too busy getting job offers to complain about how few jobs there are.

Tread Your Own Path

Something I Said I’d Never Do

Hi Scott,

I am 28 and and earning $70,000 a year. I am also $10,000 in debt because I did something I said I would never do: took out a personal loan. I have been desperately trying to pay it off, but it seems with every fortnight’s pay something comes up -- my car needed servicing, my bed broke, and now I have to buy an expensive bridesmaid’s dress. I feel overwhelmed, like I am never going to get out of debt.

Gemma

Hi Gemma,

You haven’t actually asked me a question, so I can only assume you are wanting me to:

a) Listen empathetically as you vent about your first world problems, while I gently stroke your hair and whisper “it’ll be okay, honey”.

Or,

b) Give you a kick up the backside.

I’m going with option B.Y

ou say you’re “desperately” trying to get out of debt, but I’m calling your bulldust.

Make a freaking decision!You’re either totally committed to getting out of debt, or you’re not. It’s this indecision that’s causing your overwhelm.

Once you’ve made the decision that you absolutely, positively will get out of debt, the rest is a cakewalk:

If your bed breaks (not a bad problem to have in your 20s by the way!), all you do is lay the mattress on the floor until you can afford to buy a new one. Simple!

If you’re asked to be a bridesmaid, you tell the bride that you can’t afford it. Or tell her that it’s such an honour that you’ve decided to work overtime for the next 12 weeks to pay for it (and make your additional extra debt repayments).

Here’s the thing that no one tells you about getting out of debt: it’ll build a confidence in you that will change the course of your life. Just ask Chris.

Scott

I Got This!

Hi Scott,

I spent my twenties telling myself I could never afford to own a home, so I just spent my money. Then I started reading your stuff. When I saw that even singles on the minimum wage could make a go of it, I kicked myself in the backside. I got a better job where I could put in heaps of overtime, I sold my car, and I set about paying off my personal loans (plural, because I was still paying for the car before it too!). I stopped using drugs (all of them, massive effort) and I saved.

I found a sense of self-worth, pride and confidence. I met an amazing woman, and we bought a house together. We have a small mortgage on a beautiful home, and no other debt. We own shares (something else I thought was beyond my reach) and we have cash in the bank.

We will pay our home off just after my 45th birthday -- I am 33 now. We got married two months ago, we have been on holidays together (I never had money to travel before) and now I am moving into a new career over a period of a couple of years because it is time to spend my days doing something I enjoy rather than something that pays me enough to survive. And all this in just under five years, with so much time left to achieve more. Thanks mate, you changed my life.

Chris

Hi Chris,

I didn’t do anything.  That’s what happens when you give up your excuses, and fully commit. Well done!

Thank-you for reading.

Scott

I won $250,000 on a Gameshow

Hi!

Recently, I was lucky enough to win $250,000 on a gameshow! Since winning, I have paid off a loan I owed my dad and and put the rest into our mortgage -- the house is valued at $320,000. I have just bought a new car and paid for it out of my home loan. The balance is now $95,000. We intend to start a family inside the next 12 months and are scouting for investment properties (we earn $110,000 combined). I am very excited but also confused about whether buying another property is wise at this point in our lives.

Mike

Hi Mike

Congratulations for winning Family Feud and killing Channel Ten (just kidding). If I were in your shoes, and planning a family within 12 months, I’d focus on three things:  First, boost your pre-tax super contributions to 15 per cent of your gross income.  Second, save up three months of living expenses in a Mojo account. Third, take a baseball bat to your mortgage. If you can be debt free by the time your first kid goes to school, you’ll have dramatically less Family Feuds.

Scott

Pregnant and Dumped

Scott,

My husband left me two months ago. I am 24 weeks pregnant with our third child. Since having our first child five years ago, I have been on maternity leave, doing home duties and working one day a week, as it was agreed I would stay home while he worked. Now he is gone and I have all the bills to pay. He is not paying child support as yet, so I am reliant on my Centrelink payments and one day of work. I am a smart woman who just wants a financially secure future for myself and my children. Maybe it is just ‘baby brain’ but I honestly do not know where to start.

Kate

Kate,

I can’t imagine the stress you’re under. Given you’re in the final trimester, you need to focus on just a couple of things: close off your joint bank accounts and credit cards, and apply for a Child Support assessment with the Department of Human Services to see how much your ex-husband needs to pay you. Then, seek legal advice immediately.

Scott

I Got This!

Hi Scott,

I have suffered with chronic alcoholism and drug addiction my whole life. Father not present, nor any real family. Mum (the main provider) died suddenly when I was in my mid-twenties. Never really holding down a job, I faced being homeless. Very scary times.

But I took control. I cleaned the family home and rented it out. This gave me space to go to rehab. I was there for 18 months and re-learnt everything -- how to live, how to look after myself, how to be accountable -- and I have been 100% sober now for five years. I also went to TAFE, and secured a role in sales at a contact centre. I have held that job for three years now and have been promoted to managing a team of sales reps.

Earning around $80,000, I have some money to invest, so I have got onto your newsletter and am learning more each day. I now have $40,000 in my ‘Grow’ account and an investment portfolio worth $27,000. I am proud to say I have just built my brand-new home, and am renting out a room to subsidise costs. I have also been overseas six times in the last two years. I took control of a very scary situation at a very uncertain time in my life. I am now living the life of my dreams -- a far, far cry from the person I was when my mum died.

Bill

Hi Bill,

You’re a shining example of how anyone can tread their own path. Your mother would be proud. You got this!

Scott

Am I Going to Lose Everything?

Hi Scott,

About 18 months ago I put a $15,000 deposit on an off-the-plan apartment. The idea was to sell my home for the same amount as the apartment and move in. But I have not sold my home and it is now worth less than the apartment. I have been caught by the development finishing six months early, combined with a flat housing market in Perth.

I asked for an extension and got 30 days from settlement, but after that I get penalised. So can I legally get out of this deal, or can they just bankrupt me? I only have my house, my car and a very little super, as I had a stroke in 2002 and used my super then. I also get easily bamboozled due to the stroke.

I work two days a week and am on a disability pension, earning approximately $44,000 per annum. I am 71 (and single), so my ability to get a loan or pay one off are minimal. Please help me -- I cannot see any way out except one, and that would leave a big mess for my children. I would not do that.

Jenny

Hi Jenny

You’re definitely in the dung ... I just don’t know how deep you are.Now, some people believe they can walk away from an off-the-plan development and only lose their deposit.

Yet that’s not always the case.

Ultimately it depends on what’s in the contract you signed, and how desperate the developer is … and given Perth apartment prices are cratering at the moment, I’d wager they’re as desperate as I was at my high-school formal.

The worst-case scenario is that your developer swallows your deposit, hits you with financial penalties for not settling, and then sues you for the losses of on-selling your apartment (when they eventually find a buyer).

But that’s all in the future, maybe.

Let’s you and I just deal with the next 30 days.

It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to settle in the next month, and it’s also highly unlikely you’ll get bridging finance. So here’s my advice: see a lawyer immediately.

Let me be crystal clear, Jenny. Put down the newspaper. Pick up the telephone. Call a lawyer.

Have them review your contract, then ask their advice on mounting a case for being released from the contract due to your impaired judgement.

What are you doing still reading, Jenny?

Get on the phone. Now!

Scott