April 15th is Tax Day in the U.S and as the saying goes, nothing is more certain than death and taxes. Though we could add: nothing can get you caught up and pulled under faster than owing the IRS.

In a climate where Black households are experiencing historically high rates of job loss and Black women are pivoting into entrepreneurship more than any other group, staying on top of your taxes is a full-time job.

A 2023 study revealed that Black Americans are disproportionately audited. Black taxpayers receive IRS audit notices at least 2.9 times (and as many as 4.7 times) more often than non-Black taxpayers.

So whether you’ve transitioned from a full-time role into an independent contractor position, are working for InstaCart and Ubering on the weekends to make ends meet, or preparing to launch your own business, your money management process may need a reset.

Staying on top of your finances is more than just paying bills; it’s keeping receipts, tracking expenses, progress, and requires a little more motivation when experiencing hardship.

Organizing expenses and using a digital tracking system can make it easier to separate personal spending from business costs, identify deductions, and avoid scrambling when it is time to file. Even a simple folder on your phone or cloud drive can reduce stress and make the process feel more manageable.

Financial discipline is not just about surviving the season. It is about building enough structure to keep you motivated all year long.

Ahead, consider we've shared a few books, apps, podcasts, and beyond —to keep you going beyond Tax Day.​

Cashing Out, by Julien Saunders and Kiersten Saunders of “Rich & Regular” — A sharp, real-world guide to building wealth without buying into the nonstop grind. The Julien and Kiersten blend personal finance with a deeper look at burnout, workplace pressure, and how Black professionals can rethink success on their own terms. It’s especially relevant for readers who want financial freedom that protects both their money and their peace.

The 21 Day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary — Singletary was an OG financial guru before it became trendy. This book turns money management into a 21-day reset that helps readers break bad spending habits and get serious about financial discipline. Michelle Singletary brings the voice of a veteran personal finance journalist, making the advice feel practical, direct, and grounded in long-tested principles. It works well for anyone who wants a structured challenge to get their finances back on track.

Your Journey To Financial Freedom, Jamila Souffrant — Souffrant offers a clear, step-by-step path to financial independence that feels ambitious but still human. The book focuses on saving, investing, and building a life that supports freedom without forcing constant sacrifice. It speaks to readers who want a modern money plan that leaves room for both stability and joy.

You Deserve To Be Rich, by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of "Earn Your Leisure" — This book brings the energy of the duo’s popular “Earn Your Leisure” platform into a practical guide about wealth, ownership, and financial confidence. Bilal and Millings connect money strategy to bigger ideas like generational wealth, entrepreneurship, and breaking cycles that keep people from building real assets. It’s a strong fit for readers who want financial advice that feels culturally fluent, motivating, and direct.

*Honorable mention: Independent Contractor, Sole Proprietor, and LLC Taxes: Explained in 100 Pages or Less by Mike Piper. Look, it's basic and maybe even a little boring. But if you’ve recently been thrust into the seemingly complicated tax world of independent contractor, sole proprietor, and LLC life, this book is a no-frills guide.

• For inspiration: Aspire with Emma Grede — the host talks with business and leadership figures about career, well-being, psychology, and business strategy.
• For the ambitious: Brown Ambition — a podcast that focuses on building wealth through saving, investing, and smart career choices, with an emphasis on practical financial advice.
• For the multifaceted: Earn Your Leisure — between their book (shared above) and this podcast, you'll learn about business models, finance trends, and financial lessons from the entertainment, sports, and entrepreneurship worlds.

• Excel or Google Sheets — it’s a tried and true and free way to track budget, expenses, goals… customize it to your needs. Find a free template online and make it your own.
• WalletHub — this credit and budgeting app helps users improve credit, budget better, and track financial goals.
• RocketMoney — track your bills and all of those subscriptions you keep forgetting about here. Users can also use the concierge service to negotiate some bills down to a more manageable amount.

• Taylor Gilbert — This social worker took her experiences paying down a massive $159,000 in debt into a platform. Look for financial resources through her Social Work to Wealth blog. @socialworktowealth
• Dasha Kennedy — like her bio says, "Broke is where we start, not where we stay," known as @thebrokeblackgirl she shares accessible personal finance advice and has authored multiple books on personal finance.
• Rahkim Sabree — this personal finance guru and writer, focuses on financial healing, wealth-building, and how to have tough money conversations. @rahkimsabree