The Singles Tax: Revisited with Renée Sylvestre-Williams

What does it actually cost to be single in North America — and why does that cost fall hardest on women? In this episode, Denise sits down with Renée Sylvestre-Williams, Toronto-based journalist, finance writer, and author of The Singles Tax — a groundbreaking look at the financial, legal, and social penalties that single people pay just for living outside the coupled-up norm. We go deep on why this isn't just about money. It's about a system that was designed for a demographic that is rapidly becoming the minority — and hasn't caught up. From the gender pay gap and unpaid caregiving to the housing crisis, tax policy, and the over 1,000 legal benefits tied to marriage in the US alone, this conversation names what so many people are quietly experiencing but rarely see reflected back at them. In this episode: Why the singles tax hits women — and women of color — hardest The real reason the pink tax is about more than razors How housing became financialized and why "just get a roommate" is a policy failure dressed up as advice Why 46% of the US population being single means the system is overdue for a redesign The invisible social tax: who shows up for single people's milestones? How to build financial peace when the structure isn't built for you If you've ever felt like the system wasn't designed for your life — you're right. And this conversation is the one you didn't know you needed. You can find Renee at @reneesylvestrewilliams and https://budgette.substack.com/ You can follow this podcast @toomuchwithdlh and Denise @deniselovehewett Renée Sylvestre-Williams is a Toronto-based writer and journalist who has worked in the finance, business, and investing space for over 15 years, and has been published by some of North America’s top publications, including The Walrus, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star. She is the creator of The Budgette, a newsletter about money for single people.