💰 How to beat the “singles tax”

⚖️ Scarlett Johansson says work-life balance doesn’t exist.

🚀 Entrepreneurship is no longer Plan B. It’s Plan A.*

🫨 Did you know there are 13 different types of toxic bosses?

🍷 May we present the ultimate answer to, "What are your plans on June 20?" (Hint: some really cool conversations and wine are involved.) Use code GIRLBOSS for 15% off tickets.*

👠 We love seeing equal pay in Hollywood!

1440

Be the One Who Always Knows What's Going On

The secret to staying informed isn't spending hours consuming news—it's spending five minutes on the right kind of news.

1440 is the free daily newsletter that gives you exactly that. Real human editors (a.k.a. no bots) scan 100+ sources every morning and deliver one clean, unbiased briefing covering politics, business, science, and culture—pretty much everything you actually need to know, nothing you don't. 

Read it while your coffee brews. On your morning commute. Or in those peaceful, undisturbed five minutes in bed before the chaos of the day kicks in.

How to Beat the “Singles Tax” and Still Build Wealth

The dilemma: “I’m turning 30 soon and freaking out. My rent is expensive, groceries somehow cost a million dollars, and it feels like all my coupled-up friends are splitting bills and hitting big life milestones while I’m doing everything on one income. I know being single isn’t a failure, but lately it feels like I’m being financially punished for it. Is it actually possible to build wealth on my own?”

The expert: Renée Sylvestre-Williams, journalist and author of The Single Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners.

Society was built for the couple unit, leaving solo earners to face what is called the “singles tax,” which is a financial penalty resulting from a world that prioritizes couples, whether they’re married or just partnered up, and yes, it does suck. 

From having to save more for retirement and covering 100% of hard costs like rent and internet to missing out on the tax advantages some couples receive, going it alone is a lot, but it’s not impossible to save, thrive, and build your own personal empire. 

Here’s how to stop staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. and start taking control.

📊 Data over drama 

First, take a cold, hard look at your finances. Getting a full picture of your finances is the best way to start. Information has no emotion. You might not love the numbers, but they are just data points, not a judgment on your life. Take stock of where you are without shame.

Build your personal “board of directors.” When you live solo, you don't have a partner to handle the mental or physical labor because you're doing it all. If you have the means, outsource that labor. I suggest a personal support team of experts: a bookkeeper, an accountant, a lawyer, a financial planner, a business mentor, and an insurance broker. Think of them as your personal C-suite. These are the people who can help you get your financial life in shape while you work, multiply those income streams, and start that business idea. 

💪 Flex your friendship muscle 

Money isn’t just about the cash or credit. Community is a necessary part of money management. Maintaining a core group of friends is like a muscle: you have to work it out regularly. These relationships are your emotional and financial safety net, whether you’re pooling resources to buy a co-living space or just sharing the cost of a bulk grocery run. Also, the bigger your network, the more opportunities! 

🛡️ Play a strong defense 

Financial wellness isn't just about market gains; it's about handling the unexpected. As a sole earner, disability and critical illness insurance are non-negotiable, especially if you're self-employed. They can help replace income if you’re sick and unable to work.

And yes, it sounds heavy, but make a will, please. Everyone has something they love that they want to pass on to the right person, even if it’s just to decide who gets your pet. Or you can use it to be petty, whatever works. 

Want to master your solo finances?

Got a work problem you need help with? Drop it here, and the answer to your question could be featured in an upcoming newsletter. 📬

👗 Bad timing for our wallets: Hailey Bieber is the face of Mango’s summer campaign, and no surprise, we want everything. How darling are these ruffled denim shorts? And this minimalist mini dress is sooo Hailey’s style.

💌 Calling all brides! The Knot is celebrating its 30th anniversary with 40% off wedding paper sitewide with code THEKNOT40. Think invitations, save-the-dates, day-of programs, thank-you cards, and so much more—all completely customizable.*

🎶 Let’s go, girls: a new Shania Twain song just dropped!

💎 Content Marketing Manager Kamela recently ordered these dainty earrings from Electric Picks, and she’s so in love with the pop of sparkle they give any outfit. Bonus: every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee.

🫧 Another cutie collab we’re loving? Gen Z skincare brand Bubble and American Eagle! We’re gonna need these adorable floral and striped PJs ASAP.

🦉 Product Writer, Duolingo

🧳 Director, Quality Assurance, Away

📱 Senior Social Media Manager, Artisan Council

Get ahead (and save time) by automating your job applications.