The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners

by Renée Sylvestre-Williams

When it comes to finances, single people can’t seem to get a whether that’s taxes, housing, retirement, or something as simple as a hotel room. With The Singles Tax, Renée Sylvestre-Williams uses her expertise as a financial journalist and a single person to explain how things got this way and what we can do to manage that tax, from personal finance strategies to pushing to change the tax code.


Each chapter provides thought-provoking insights and answers questions such Why can’t two people just live together and be considered an economic unit? Can people get married to take advantage of the few tax benefits for couples? Will that lead to rom-com shenanigans? Can single people ever retire? Why did housing get so expensive, and are solo earners doomed to roommates? Do they need a will? Sylvestre-Williams also shares stories, trials, and triumphs from other singles and advice from financial experts on how to navigate the systemic disadvantages of singledom.


Delivering friendly, battle-tested advice, The Singles Tax is the ultimate intersectional guide for single people who want to take control of their financial lives and build a secure financial future.

Genres: Nonfiction

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Calli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read non-fiction I take notes and this was one I took a ton of notes on, especially as a single person and an accountant who will always have room to learn more about finances. The Singles Tax had a lot of informational data, key takeaways, and quotes that inspired me to take more control of my own finances. Also, the author is Canadian and I really appreciated all the detail on Canadian tax rules, investing accounts, etc.

The sections I found the most value from were the housing, budgeting and retirement planning sections. Specific takeaways at the end of each chapter helped me find solutions and questions to ask myself as I look towards the future. I have always wondered whether I should just buy a huge house with my best friends, and I love that this was covered and included real world examples of people who have done it!!

I will note that I found some of the stats to be a bit scattered, as the author jumped from talking about Canada to x country or y country. I feel like the data may have hit harder if it was just directly marketed to one demographic (aka Canadians).

I loved how the book ended, talking about what we want our legacy to be and that our legacy doesn’t necessarily have to be having the most money left, it might be something else, related to your own personal values and goals in life.

Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.

This is a great book about a not-often-discussed topic: financial advice for single people. I found this incredibly useful. It includes advice for Canadians as well as Americans. #NetGalley #TheSinglesTax