I can’t believe this newsletter is six years old. If it was a kid, it would be going into Grade 1, my September baby.

A lot of the six years has been about doing the boring part in private so the public parts look easy. I know a lot of you are writers as well so you know what it’s like behind the scene. There’s the anxiety of thinking of and maintaining a content calendar; writing; editing then swearing when you hit publish, then re-reading and find that one mistake; keeping up with the news and the overall stress about marketing and promotion.

BUT, this post isn’t about me. I asked you several weeks ago what advice did you get about being single and there were some useful, interesting and strange pieces of advice. I’ve really enjoyed reading it. Here are some of them.

“My dad always told me when I live alone to keep a LARGE, dirty pair of men's work boots outside the front door. It helps to deter anyone that may think you live alone (especially as a single woman)!

I got my pair from him, but often see pairs that would work perfectly at the thrift store!” ~ Emily

“When I was 28 and starting a design business I was told by a client that I should put a “little grey in my hair”, so that people would take me more seriously. I didn’t take his advice, but I rode my expertise and experience for 30 years, building a creative agency that employed many people and giving me a safe and fully funded retirement at 58.” ~ Rita

“This isn't completely unhinged advice, but I've used it and it works. 

There's the old adage about wearing a wedding ring to fend off unwanted advances. 

In my case, when I've travelled in some countries, I've appropriated my sister's kids. Some cultures pity you and think that a solo, older woman without kids is genuinely odd and there must be more going on. It's awkward at times especially if you're in more rural areas.

So, my niece and nephew become my kids when I travel, when needed. (They're the right age and we're actually quite close.) I also create a deceased husband who was a high school social studies teacher (based on an old boyfriend). I keep the conversation short, but it fends off more inquiries.” ~ Susan

Someone told me: “‘You’re too old to be the face of the organization. Maybe you should step down.’ Doesn’t wisdom and experience matter anymore?” ~ Susan (This is a different Susan.)

“Do all the things on your own. You don't always need a plus one. Theatre, concerts, movies, restaurants, events, shopping... You'll find out you are your own best company. ❤️ (personally I find myself rather witty and entertaining 😂)” ~ Gail

“I think the most unhinged one I got was, ‘Maybe it’s time for you to lower your standards.’ No, thanks!” ~ From Compound Interest on Substack

“Only post mid-photos of yourself on your dating app profiles. An automatic superficiality filter lol.” ~ Steph

“ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT.” ~ Christine 

“Make my maiden name more masculine to get a job in my field. I am an engineer. My maiden name is Eastern European and one of those which has different endings depending on your gender.” ~ B

Let’s end with a book recommendation from Pat Dunn
Founder and Executive Director of Senior Women Living Together.

“This is not unhinged in any way, but I took the opportunity to let you know about a book I just read.  "The Astonishing Lives of Older Women" by Moira Welsh. Moira is an investigative journalist with the Toronto Star. Perhaps you know her or about her.  Perhaps you even know about the book. She has done an awesome job highlighting the gender pay gap and lots of other issues that affect single, senior women. I think you will start reading and not stop until the end.”

Moira and I share the same publisher and her book is on my to-read list. Also, if you want to read about Pat’s organization, here’s a three-part interview I did with Pat a couple of years ago.

Part 1: Single Women Living Together: Taking the future of housing into your own hands

Part 2: About being ‘like-minded’

Part 3: Is refusing to build housing treason?

I got my book report and am glad to say it’s going well! I also got a list of media I either did, wrote or was quoted in. Allyuh, (do I need to link this? I feel you should all know this word by now.) I did a lot.

And I’m still not done. I appeared on the University of Toronto’s Infrastructure Institute’s podcast, Good for Cities to talk about how the Singles Tax hurts people and a policy shift that takes single people into account not only supports us but everyone. (You’ll see why in This week’s readings.)

And for the fourth month, The Singles Tax is in the top 50 indie books borrowed by Canadians.

Book is being recommended by a teacher. What?!

I’m doing other things including thinking of book #2 or #3 depending on if you count this ebook that was created from my early Budgette work. Does it count as a book?

Thank you all of you, subscribers and followers, of which there are a surprising number of you.

This week’s readings:

For money advice, Gen Z is turning to AI and social media (Woodgate)

The swing of young families away from Toronto needs to stop (Globe and Mail)

The woman who teaches rich people to give their money away (The Cut)

How personal finance is changing for young people (msn.com)

I am available for paid talks. This is my time and expertise, stop asking me for free labour, please. I work full-time and attempt to have a social life as you can read here. I literally don’t have the time or energy. Any free time is dedicated to the newsletter and book.

I’m also open to sponsorships and partnership within strict criteria. One would be no crypto. Stop asking.