For 28 years, Michelle Singletary has been The Washington Post’s financial compass, guiding readers through recessions, pandemics, and policy shifts. Her syndicated “Color of Money” column reaches 82 markets, while her four books have sold 1.2 million copies worldwide.
“Show me the parent working two jobs who found a way to save $5,000, not the hedge fund manager’s stock picks.”
Pitch her with data-driven stories that reveal how systemic changes impact real people’s wallets. Recent successes include analyses of childcare tax credits and auto loan discrimination patterns.
We’ve followed Michelle Singletary’s work for decades, watching her evolve from a syndicated columnist to one of America’s most trusted voices in personal finance. Her unique blend of practical advice and policy analysis has guided millions through economic crises, making her essential reading for both households and policymakers.
Singletary’s journey began under the mentorship of her grandmother, “Big Mama,” whose Depression-era wisdom shaped her financial philosophy. After earning degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, she joined The Washington Post in 1997. Her “Color of Money” column became required reading during the 2008 financial crisis, with its emphasis on debt-free living and intentional spending.
This prescient analysis dissected how revived 25% tariffs on foreign vehicles would ripple through the economy. Singletary combined dealer interviews with Bureau of Labor Statistics data to show how a $30,000 car could balloon to $37,500 post-tariff. Her signature “financial first aid” section advised readers to:
“Fix that aging sedan rather than face tariff sticker shock. A $1,500 repair beats a $10,000 price hike.”
The article prompted 42,000 reader emails and became required reading at Federal Reserve community outreach sessions.
In this hour-long Q&A, Singletary fielded questions from retirees and young professionals alike. She introduced her “Financial Fire Drill” framework:
The segment’s call volume broke station records, underscoring her ability to translate complex economic trends into actionable steps.
Singletary’s viral segment blended humor with hard truths: “Scream into a pillow, then rebalance your portfolio.” She debunked 3 common myths:
MythReality Cash under mattress = safetyInflation erodes 7.2% annually Gold is recession-proof2013-2020 returns trailed S&P 500 Cancel all subscriptionsKeep mental health services
Singletary’s March 2025 tariff analysis exemplifies how to make Federal Reserve decisions relatable. Successful pitches might explore: - How interest rate hikes affect daycare costs - State tax rebate programs’ actual buying power - Pet food inflation as indicator of discretionary spending cuts
Her “Financial Fast” concept works because it offers structure. Pitch stories on: - Community tool libraries reducing DIY costs - “Budgeting buddies” accountability systems - Grocery bill hacks using unit-price calculators
While emphasizing individual agency, Singletary increasingly addresses structural barriers. Relevant angles: - Credit score alternatives for renters - Employer-sponsored emergency fund programs - State laws cashing out 529 plans for medical debt
The “Sincerely, Michelle” series redefined financial journalism’s role in racial equity conversations. Judges praised her use of personal narrative to explain systemic issues, setting a new industry standard for culturally responsive money coverage.
The Washington Post’s highest honor recognized her 23-year tenure transforming personal finance reporting from niche service journalism to front-page news. Meyer jurors specifically cited her COVID-19 coverage helping readers navigate stimulus programs.
