Aussie daughter despairs about her mother’s very concerning spending habit – and why the Barefoot Investor says she’s powerless to stop it

By Makayla Muscat For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 08:00 BST, 21 July 2024 | Updated: 08:00 BST, 21 July 2024

The Barefoot Investor has told a woman there is nothing she can do to stop her mother from sending a concerning amount of money to a ‘fling’ she met overseas. 

Scott Pape, 46, received a letter from Linda saying she was worried about her mum as she continues to send large sums of money to a man she met in 2010.

‘She has almost lost her home, she’s drawn on her super, and I fear she will be in dire straits soon if this continues,’ she explained. 

‘She met a young Casanova in Egypt, and a holiday fling quickly became a business partnership.’ 

Linda said her mum has borrowed against her home to fund ‘ventures’ like a car manufacturing plant and a haute couture fashion house off-shore.

She is concerned because her mum is optimistic about these projects which she invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into despite receiving zero return. 

Linda said she desperately wanted to help her before it is too late. 

‘She is a teacher struggling to find a permanent position because she is past retirement age, is burdened with debts she can no longer afford, and has enough super to keep her until Christmas this year,’ she said.

Scott Pape received a letter last week from a woman named Linda, who is worried that her mum is retirement age and burdened with debts

Linda said her mum, who has no business experience, has been sending large amounts of money to a man in Egypt to fund ‘ventures’ since 2010

Mr Pape shared his advice in his column in the Herald Sun on Sunday, admitting there was little Linda could do. 

‘You can’t call the cops,’ Mr Pape said.

‘From the sounds of it, he’s not doing anything illegal (immoral perhaps, but not illegal). 

‘And you’ve tried talking sense to her, but clearly after 14 years that hasn’t worked.’

Instead he urged her to protect herself – emotionally and financially.

‘I’d suggest writing a letter to your mum explaining how much you love her and how concerned you are for her financially,’ Mr Pape suggested. 

‘Then detail the likely consequences of her actions. Paint her a picture of what her retirement will look like. 

‘Understand her debts will die with her: you won’t inherit them… but that also means you won’t inherit any dough from her either.’

:
Aussie daughter despairs about her mother’s very concerning spending habit – and why the Barefoot Investor says she’s powerless to stop it

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk