Make Me Smart The rise of the "solo economy"
Nov 11, 2025
Peter McGraw, a behavioral economist and host of the podcast 'Solo,' dives into the fascinating rise of the solo economy and its cultural implications. He explores Singles Day, a massive $150 billion retail holiday in China, and discusses why it hasn’t gained traction in the U.S. McGraw highlights the 'singles tax,' detailing how singles often face financial disadvantages, especially in housing. He emphasizes the need for better marketing towards singles and offers practical financial advice tailored for a solo lifestyle.
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Solo As A Mindset
- Peter McGraw prefers the term "solo" because it describes a mindset of being whole, not half waiting for someone else.
- The solo identity opens possibilities beyond relationship status and reframes singlehood as a positive lifestyle choice.
Singles Day's Massive Scale
- Singles Day generates roughly $150 billion in sales and outspends Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Asia.
- Its scale shows how powerful targeted cultural retail events can become when backed by big platforms like Alibaba.
Singles Rise Across Cultures
- Collectivist societies like China still show rising singlehood due to policies and expanded opportunities for women.
- Different cultural forces (e.g., one-child policy, women's economic power) converge to increase solo populations globally.
