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, Audiobook, Canada

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great read, informative while being incredibly accessible and (finally!) an acknowledgement that single people get a different financial life. My only gripe is this book was tailored to North America, so there were a few sections that were not applicable or relevant to me as an Australian. With that said, would absolutely recommend if you’re from Canada or the US. Thank you to Netgalley & ECW Press for access!

[Milana M (acouplereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re a solo earner or partnered up, this is a great overview for us all. This nonfiction book about finances 💵 was accessible and informative.

As someone who has been a solo earner for a decade plus, I’ve always felt there was an imbalance for solo earners when it comes to living expenses, tax benefits, travel and more. It was very validating to see I wasn’t completely off base.

This book was quick and to the point, Canadian focused and gave actionable ways to manage your finances and where to seek advice.

And what a beautiful way to end the book, the concept of legacy and what that means to you. Thank you @ecwpress for this copy! I took both mental and physical notes, highly recommend, 5✨.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 - A great overview of some of the things that often go overlooked as you 'adult'. I liked how brief this was, and I found the writing simple to understand. Some of the humour just wasn't my style, but overall I think Sylvestre-Williams has talent for writing about complex topics for the masses. I really loved the Canadian focus of this book and overall I can't recommend this enough, whether you're single or not!

[Issam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't learn anything new here, mainly because I'm proactive with my finances, and you pick up on this stuff as you gain experience in your financial journey. However, I'm happy that the topic is Canadian-focused and getting visibility in the news, as it can feel overwhelming without a road map.

My only criticism is that it leans hard into anecdotes rather than data analysis in certain aspects, and narratively feels like social confirmation bias, even if the advice is logical. I'd treat this book as a light supplement (more of a "Things to be aware of" list) and rely more on another finance book that dives a bit more into specifics.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accessible information and some helpful tips
Full review soon
Thank you to ECW Press for the free review copy!

[Anne Cayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renée has a real knack for taking a complicated subject and making it approachable & easy to understand. The book looks at a bigger picture, not just day-to-day expenses, so it offers a really good overview of how all your small choices build up to something bigger. And Renée doesn't just prescribe how to spend your money, instead offering a ton of guidance on things to look for, options for support, and questions to ask (yourself and experts) so that you stay in control. Even as a coupled person, there was a lot in here that I found really helpful. I'll definitely be referencing the book in the future and would highly recommend it to everyone.

[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!!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Singles Tax by Renée Sylvestre-Williams because, after finding myself unexpectedly single at 40, I started noticing subtle financial friction in my life that had not been present before.

It was genuinely eye-opening and informative. The book clearly lays out how our financial systems—from taxes and housing policies to retirement savings—are historically and fundamentally structured to favor married couples.

What makes this book particularly valuable are the actionable, no-nonsense strategies she provides to navigate these hurdles. It isn't just a complaint; it's a practical guide for taking control of your financial security as a single person.

If you are single, or if you know someone who is, I highly recommend this book. It sheds light on a significant financial reality that often goes unacknowledged and provides the tools necessary to thrive independently.

[lindsay.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent personal finance book written by Canadian author Renée Sylvestre-Williams. The book's target is single earners but I think any adult will get something out of this book. It covers some topics I'd consider 'standard' in finance books (budgeting, insurance, retirement), but I really appreciated the more unique topics, including the history of Canada's housing rules and tax exemptions. The author made an effort to address both Canadian and American readers, which was also refreshing. Great book. Thanks to the publisher for the free copy to read and review.

[Camela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to gain knowledge on my daughter's life experience as a single person. There are a few tips to assist single people, but not as many as I thought there would be. Maybe it is due to the fact that my daughter is already aware of a great deal of the information laid out in the book, and most likely it is because single people really are at a disadvantage financially, so there aren't many tips out there.
I was happy to learn of a few companies and entities that are paving the way to make it less costly for single people to travel and to find more affordable housing.

[Andrea]

Much like fast food coupons that offer two for one, financial agencies are focused on people who are, or who are expected to be partnered up. This contrasts the fact that in 2021, 15% of Canadians aged 15 and up lived alone. It also contrasts similar statistics in other countries. I look forward to learning more about finances for a single person.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read some of this authors work when I was single, and this book seems to be a collection of it all. Very interesting, and definitely quite accurate. I think I was expecting more or something new to be presented. Still, as all finance books, if I get even one thing out of it I’m happy!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good advice in here, and easy to understand. Encouraging, not all doom and gloom.

[Sydney Stype · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as applicable to my life as I thought it would be but good advice overall

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have resource for your bookshelf! Finally a finance book that simply explains both Canadian and US options for all types of families.

[Morgan Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing I didnt already know. only aspect I liked is that its geared towards Canadians.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only this book was available to me in my 20s, it would have set a strong foundation for financial health for life. Love the no nonsense advice and the background from various first hand accounts and facts from around the world. I cannot wait for her next book. But I did subscribe to her Budgette newsletter - paid subscribers get access to her money series where real people break down how they spend their money. Please buy this for any young person in your life who is starting out. I sent a copy to my nieces.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I’m in a relationship and have had the privilege of a safety net (financial, emotional, physical, psychological etc) I do worry about what would happen if I was to become single.
This is the ideal boot camp for that fear. Although it is Canadian a lot of the information is transferable and usable in terms of budgeting, financing, saving for retirement and finding the best deals in terms of holidays and accommodation.

No crazy jargon, simple, communicative and lighthearted. Definitely recommend

[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

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review here.