The Pink Tax: Dismantling a Financial System Designed to Keep Women Broke

by Janine Rogan

Unleash your inner financial feminist and smash the patriarchy, one dollar at a time

Women don’t build wealth in the same way that men do - and it’s not because we shop too much. Younger generations are struggling to match the financial successes that generations before them experienced, and this is even more true for women, who continue to earn less for doing the same work as men. As a result of this wage gap, women have less to save, less to invest and, ultimately, accumulate less wealth over a lifetime.

In The Pink Tax , award-winning CPA, Janine Rogan, draws from multiple studies, researched statistics, and her own experiences to shine a spotlight on the gender wage gap and the state of female wealth. The pink tax extends far beyond the insulting costs of pink branded products and extends into the very fabric of our society. By dismantling the current systems at play, Janine explores how the financial inequities between men and women are perpetuated, and how those inequities negatively affect not only women but the entire economy.

From whether your lattes are really sabotaging your financial goals, to how supporting new mothers and improving childcare is for the benefit of all society, Rogan offers small- and large-scale solutions for both personal and societal change. Because it’s time. Time for women to flip the narrative on how we approach financial inequality and untangle the patriarchal systems that uphold our current financial system. The Pink Tax is a financially feminist approach to closing the gender wealth gap and reaching economic equality for women through smashing the pink tax, breaking down bias, and dismantling a financial system built by men, for men.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Money, Self Help, Personal Development, Feminism, Economics

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2023

Reviews

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t quite what I was expecting (a dense, heavy-on-the-research proof of gender disparity) but it was an accessible, not-overly intimidating call to action with an assertive yet compassionate approach. I really appreciated the inclusion of Canadian statistics/examples - so many of books are US-oriented or only give Canada/other countries a token mention.

[Kirsten Audiobook Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I've met Janine. She's lovely!

I truly enjoyed this book! Not only does Janine talk about sexism in the workplace, etc. She gives solutions! Resources! I was expecting a lot of statistics and jargon I might not fully get or be interested in, but that's not what this book is. Yes, there are tons of statistics, and it was often alarming hearing all the issues that still exist. And some that are actually getting worse! But it's written in such a way that it feels I'm talking to a friend who is looking out for my best interest. Informative, entertaining, eye-opening, and it left me feeling pumped to really tackle my family's financial situation! A battle cry for feminists everywhere. Thank you Janine!

[Mon · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLDR: read it if you wanna get fired up about inequity by reading a bunch of stats from all over the world, NOT if you need financial advice. Exception being if you have never managed your own money.

Because I learned about Janine from seeing an ad for her investing course, I was expecting WAY more advice on how to actually invest and less on the extreme basics of personal finance. Oops my bad!

While I can get onboard with the high level message of women needing to stand up and own finances and f*** systemic inequality, I came away feeling that I hardly learned anything new, but had a good refresher.

I found myself thinking that I could have written this book. It was heavy on American data about inequity but written for a Canadian audience, which was disappointing and self serving to the intentionally leftist and feminist message.

This creates a slippery slope of one-sided cherry-picked knowledge in my opinion as if the book’s Thesis was defined, then data gathered to support it (not the other way around), which provides consent to being very pushy/ loosely enables more sales of the book in America. Could have focused just on Canada, Canadian stats, and dove into Canada and the political aspects with a lot more nuance and power instead of providing the popular news rhetoric perspective data in order to consent to anger. But that would have required a lot more research to make it a balanced book with powerful advice…

Don’t get me wrong I am all for the message and believe the inequality data and I love the call to act and strong drive of the author’s as well that she’s made it her life mission to do something about inequity, or I wouldn’t have bought the book. But it just seemed to be an immature work for the reason above and didn’t help to take me much further.

It makes me sad thinking that there is a real audience out there who doesn’t know the financial advice recommended in this book as far as how to manage your personal finances (use a TFSA, set up auto deposits, analyze your expenses periodically, have a budget, question financial advisors.)

I suspect that those women who really need to implement these principles would not have access, volition, or time to purchase and read a book like this… this information should really be taught in schools and so kudos to the author for creating this book but ultimately more of entry level popcorn and less of the hearty meal I desired.

[Chiara Pabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.75 rating.

Interesting - fast and easy to read. Depends on what you’re hoping to gain from this book. It is more of an informative book on feminism and finances. However, It provides limited finance recommendations and literacy if that is what you are hoping for (does touch the surface on this). Overall I liked it.

[Holly Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and the unique perspective to personal finance. I think we all know there is wealth and wage inequality but not many books suggest actionable steps on what we can do as individuals.

My favourite sections were Supporting New Mothers and Vote for your Daughters.

If you haven’t read this book yet, please do! Whether you are a mother or not, there is something for everyone.

[A Savatdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been following Janine on the social network formerly known as Twitter when I learned about the book's pre-order and had to know more about financial feminism from a local perspective. It is a good jumping off point for anyone interested in better understanding the gender wage gap. Period. It's not terrible in Canada, but as mentioned countless times, we can (and must) do better to support women around the world. The fact that there are still countries where women must ask their husband's permission to work outside the home says enough for me anyway. Overall I want to give 5 stars because she says everything that anyone with a working heart can agree with.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, light read! Love an Albertan author

[Trina Gust · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. A must read for anyone sick of gendered policies, societal expectations and the patriarchal systems set up to hold women back. We have come a long way but so much to be done. Love the term financial feminism spoken of throughout the book. As a fellow female Canadian CPA, love the voice and perspective brought forward in her book.

[Katrina Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book was just not meant for me. And the marketing/description is off mark. I thought I was getting an economical takedown of the patriarchy. Instead what I got was basic financial advice for people who have money.

[Shreya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited about the book and concept, but it was quite a disappointment.

The book focussed on American and Canandian systems, and I think that should have been in the title because it discussed credit card debt, education debt etc which are not applicable globally.

It did have some interesting paragraphs and chapter but most of it was repetitive, it was like a big facts book not dismantling anything. What I was disappointed even more in is after half of the book, all the financial advice could be applied to anyone regardless of gender and book really advertises pink tax and a book for women, women face different financial difficulty which was not addressed in the book in the way it had opportunity to. I would give it 0/5 stars tbh. I also studied business so that could be a influencing factor too, maybe for someone quite young and no business knowledge it could be good?

This book was a lot like Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I loved that book but I was also like 15 when I read it. I know if I read it today, I would not like it at all, and I think this book is the same way, if you have zero idea about the world then it could be something you like.

[Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great! The book doesn't just talk about the pink tax, it also talks about the importance of building wealth for women. Investing is one of the most money-smart things to do, and often women will count themselves out of investing because they believe they're "not good with numbers" or just leave it to their husbands. Financial investors treat women differently than men, and women they are also more likely to spend their savings on childcare.

I would say the insights are very refreshing, but the whole book reads more like a long ted talk due to its lack of straightforward organization. But all in all, it was a great book.

[As You Wish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good as far as personal finance books go. Nothing too revolutionary for me, but I appreciated the Canadian perspectives and putting the long view on--how short a relative time women have been "allowed" to own property, open their own bank accounts, etc, and how that has put women at a disadvantage for generations. Also I like that she included ways we can continue to advance gender equality so this book will be irrelevant by the time our own children are grown.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book, and admittedly I’m not the key audience but I do serve as a financial coach for women, including those who are striving to overcome poverty and financial hardship. I’ve also experienced my share of gender challenges in the workplace.

The concepts are important and the statistics continue to be disheartening. I really struggled with the black and white nature of the author’s perspective.

Read as part of a women’s financial coaching book club.

[Aldii - perfectioninbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó, aunque no es tan práctico o estratégico a invertir en sí, siento que invita a pensar la plata en otros aspectos, en las relaciones de pareja, en la maternidad, al volver al trabajo luego de ser madre, las desigualdades, en el trabajo, en la casa, los impactos financieros. Siento que fue otra arista distinta a la que he venido leyendo en los otros libros.

[Cy Siu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for women who don't really know where to start with finances and other things to consider. for those who are more on top of it all, it's more of a quick checklist reminder of what needs to be. It starts with insights and facts on the disparity of women vs men and then the messaging gets mumble jumbled into other parts. Easy quick read otherwise.

[Amanda Huiras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I already know a lot of the information and stories shared in this book? Yes. But, in the middle of the book I feel like the author shared a lot of helpful resources and ways to build wealth and create a healthy relationship with money. I put sticky notes throughout the book to go back to and it gave a lot of little steps for one to take to start that journey.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the Canadian focus but I could barely read it for the tone - victim mentality, negative and poorly written. It could have been so much better.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reasons women make less than men were interesting to learn about. But the selling of her course detracts from everything.

[Vitória Borgi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fui ler já imaginando algo pesado e massante, mas li - devorei - em 3 dias. No geral, a autora tem uma linguagem acessível e direta.

[Ashy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book informative and some useful suggestions and tips with practical resources. I can see myself reading this again.

[Avica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is great. It’s a good call to action. I was expecting more advice. However, it’s a wake up call encouraging women to take control! And I love that.

[Shreya Thalanki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall concept of this book was great; men and women should be treated equally in both financial and personal aspects. The author focused on scenarios in Canada and USA which I was not able to relate in depth. Also, I felt like she was kind of repeating the same lines again and again? That was just increasing the number of pages in book, nothing much.

[Supraja Srinivasan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I was pretty underwhelmed. The tone was overly conversational and colloquial for my taste; I understand that the author is trying to make the content relatable and palatable to more people so that the goal of spreading financial literacy is met, but there could have been better ways to go about that. With this tone it just sounded like some amateur blog. Asides like “hello, property taxes” and “hi, can you tell I live in Alberta?” were particularly grating — not only because of the informal tone but also because they assumed cultural context I didn’t share. What does this even mean, is Alberta famous for something? Am I supposed to know this?

A pet peeve of mine is when people keep using "leave" (as in "time off") in plural and I mentally cringe, or correct them, depending on who says it. So I was specifically irritated by the repeated use of phrases like “how many leaves you can take” and the likes of it. I mean, I for one wouldn't take financial advice from someone who doesn't even know that leave is an uncountable noun. In my eyes, this tiny but recurring error chipped away at the credibility of the already-questionable financial advice this book claims to offer.

Content-wise, it was okayish - plenty of statistics but nothing particularly revelatory. And there was a lotttt of repetition of the same statistics about the wage gap, etc., and if the intent was to emphasize, that wasn't met. It just sounded incoherent to circle back to the same points repeatedly. Once a point is made, restating it multiple times doesn’t make it more convincing. It felt like very generic financial advice for those who are already privileged enough to have money, and not as much about how to break out of the cycle of patriarchy in finance (I know it can't be that simple that one book just presents a straitjacket solution to centuries of patriarchy, but the marketing of the book was just misleading).

Another drawback for me was how US- and Canada-centric the book was. I don't blame the author for this one though, she can only write about what she knows well, and I'd have criticized the book for being too generic or too unrealistic for certain economies had she tried to preach to all countries, but I personally found a lot of things irrelevant as I am from neither of these countries.

In the end, while the book may serve as a decent introduction to gendered financial disparities (being aware of it, not much on how to overcome it) for some readers, it didn’t offer the depth, tone, or universality I was hoping for.

[Sarah Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that Canadian examples/details were featured, however I found if you were someone who has already done some research into this topic, very little new information was presented within this book. The history aspects thought out the novel were nice additions.