The Cost of Independence No One Talks About - Episode 172
11 April 2026

The Cost of Independence No One Talks About - Episode 172

Financially Intentional

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In today's episode, I sit down with Jack Howard from Ally to talk about the real cost of being single and why so many people still feel stress and shame around money. We talk about Ally’s study on singledom, why many women are choosing peace and freedom even when money feels harder on one income, and why being single does not mean you should avoid working on your finances. We also get into how money stories, fear, and past experiences can shape the way we spend, save, and talk about money in relationships. Jack shares how Ally’s free Money Roots program helps people understand their habits, values, and emotions around money so they can start making better choices without shame.

About our guest:

Jack Howard is the Head of Money Wellness at Ally, where she leads program strategy and execution for Money Roots, a free financial wellness program that helps people uncover how their money mindset impacts their spending, saving and investing decisions. Recognized as a change-maker and advocate for financial social inclusion, Jack has been featured in prominent media outlets such as CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Essence Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. Most recently she served as a Money Wellness coach on Side Hustlers, a reality series on the Roku Channel.

Jack earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Communications Management from Syracuse University. She has a Financial Health and Wellness Graduate Certificate from Texas Tech University and holds a designation as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC). Jack serves on the national board of directors for the American Bankers Association Foundation, Society for Financial Education and Professional Development and the Boys and Girls Club of SE Michigan.

    Learn more about Ally hereLearn more about Ally Money Roots hereThe Cost of Singledom: New Ally Bank Survey Reveals Singles Embracing Financial Independence

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