The Single Tax: Why Single Women Pay the Highest Price

In this week’s solo episode, Denise Love Hewett breaks down the “single tax," the financial penalty and structural inequities that come with living life unmarried in America. With nearly half the U.S. population single and 45% of women projected to choose singledom by 2030, this issue is bigger than ever.

Denise explores:

• The hidden lifetime cost of being single (up to $1M more than married counterparts)

• How the tax code, health insurance, estate planning, and Social Security all favor marriage

• The disproportionate burden on women and women of color

• The role of culture, policy, and history in shaping these inequities

• Why single women, despite being the happiest demographic, still pay the highest price

This isn’t just about dating, it’s about economic justice, gender equity, and the future of work and wealth. Take a listen, share your thoughts, and let’s start the conversation about building policies that reflect our changing demographics.

Follow Denise: @deniselovehewett | @toomuchwithdlh