When it comes to financial advice, Australians over 60 have seen it all. From the property booms of the '80s and '90s to the tech bubble and the more recent cryptocurrency craze, there's always a new investment opportunity around the corner. But sometimes, the best investment is the one that's been shining down on us all along – quite literally.

Scott Pape, better known as the Barefoot Investor, is a household name when it comes to personal finance in Australia. He's the man who's helped countless Aussies get their finances in order with his no-nonsense approach to money management. However, even the experts have their moments of regret, and Pape has recently shared one of his own, calling it one of his most 'embarrassing confessions'.


The investment he overlooked? Solar power. That's right, the man who has guided so many to financial freedom admits he could have been reaping a 30 per cent return on his money had he embraced the power of the sun sooner. Pape's revelation came after he installed solar panels on his 'shearing shed' and saw immediate benefits, which led him to reflect on why he hadn't made the switch earlier.


In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, Pape likened his hesitation to the same excuses people give for not investing in the share market. He found the process of getting solar quotes boring and a bit complicated, and he was wary of 'cowboys' and con artists in the solar industry. Add to that the busy life of a father of four, and it's easy to see how the decision got pushed aside.

But Pape's self-proclaimed 'pathetic excuses' were not only unconvincing, they were also costing him money. It wasn't until he tasked his 11-year-old son with reading Finn Peacock's 'The Good Solar Guide: Seven Steps to Tiny Bills for Australian Homeowners' that the wheels were set in motion. Using solarquotes.com.au, Pape found local installers, sifted through reviews, and received quotes that promised a solid return on investment.

The process was simpler than he anticipated. The companies he contacted visited his home, assessed his needs, and provided quotes quickly and efficiently. Both proposed similar systems at comparable prices, and the numbers were clear: solar power was a sound investment.

Pape's story is a valuable lesson for all of us, especially those of us who have been around long enough to know that sometimes the best opportunities are the ones we initially overlook. It's a reminder that it's never too late to reconsider our options and make changes that can have a lasting positive impact on our finances and the environment.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's take a page out of the Barefoot Investor's book and consider the potential of solar power. Not only can it reduce our electricity bills, but it can also provide a return on investment that many other financial ventures might not match. And with the advancements in solar technology and government incentives, there's never been a better time to explore this option.
Have you made the switch to solar, or are you considering it? What's holding you back, if anything? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – you might just inspire someone to make a change that could brighten up their financial future. Hello sunshine, indeed!