Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe could personally earn up to $4.6 billion over the next decade if the electric automaker hits specific profit and share price targets laid out in a new compensation package recently approved by his company’s board of directors.

The potential payout, which is earning comparisons to Elon Musk’s Tesla pay plan, likely never would have been possible had the 42-year-old Rivian founder — and his father — not made a “financially highly irrational” decision. In 2009, they took out a pair of second mortgages to secure the money needed to get the company off the ground.

Scaringe has said that he formed Rivian, initially named Mainstream Motors, the day after he earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 2009. He dreamed of starting an automotive business since childhood, when he helped a neighbor restore classic cars, and researched lower-emission combustion ignition engines as part of his PhD program at MIT’s Sloan Automative Lab. 

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His first business project: building a hybrid sports car. But he lacked enough funding to launch a capital-intensive business: A car company can require “billions of dollars … thousands of engineers [and] a manufacturing plant that would take years to build,” Scaringe said in an October 2024 interview at his undergraduate alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Scaringe had no employees at the time, and hadn’t yet designed or built any of his proposed vehicle’s underlying infrastructure or technology — so investors weren’t eager to supply funding, he said.

“It’s this incredibly high-risk proposition. So, because of that, my dad and I actually financed the beginning [of Rivian]. I had a house that I refinanced [and] my dad had a house that he refinanced,” said Scaringe, adding: “His love for me and belief in me led him to do something that was financially highly irrational…If it were not for that, it would have been impossible to get going.” Both refinancings were second mortgages, The New York Times reported in July 2019.

Scaringe initially bought his own home in high school with money he’d saved from two summer jobs — working in a restaurant and also as an apprentice machinist — and then earned extra income renting the home, he told the “How I Built This” podcast in a September 2022 episode.

The Rivian founder hasn’t publicly disclosed how much money he secured from the two refinancings, but the funds were enough — along with some investments from “friends and family” — to begin hiring Rivian’s first engineers and start building a prototype vehicle, he said on “How I Built This.”

The company also rented a warehouse from Scaringe’s dad, an engineer and founder of Rockledge, Florida-based Mainstream Engineering Corporation, which makes a range of HVAC and refrigeration products.

Scaringe hired roughly 15 engineers and designed a four-seat, sports coupe that he hoped to eventually sell to prospective customers for around $25,000, he told the Orlando Sentinel in May 2010. After two years of development, he shelved the prototype, aiming instead to build something that could have a bigger impact on the auto industry, he told “How I Built This.”

“The thought of going out and building what Tesla had already done [with the electric Tesla Roadster] … just felt like that wasn’t a problem that the world needed [to be] worked on,” Scaringe said.

Scaringe went back to the drawing board, which he called one of the “most perplexing and challenging times” of his life. He was drawn to the challenge of building all-electric pickups and SUVs, he said — popular vehicle categories that produce more emissions than smaller cars when powered by gas engines.

In 2012, Rivian raised more than $1 million in funding, led by Saudi Arabian auto distributor Abdul Latif Jameel. Scaringe met the chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, a fellow MIT alum, through the school’s alumni network and successfully pitched him on his vision for Rivian, he told “How I Built This.” Rivian ultimately raised $10.5 billion in funding from the likes of Amazon and Ford before going public in 2021, the same year the company’s electric trucks and SUVs finally hit the market.

Today, Rivian has a market value of more than $20 billion, with Scaringe owning a stake of about 1.4% in the company, according to Forbes. If Rivian hits all of the profit and share price targets in Scaringe’s pay package over the next decade, its market value could increase by roughly $153 billion and Scaringe would accrue a larger stake in his business, the company said in a Nov. 7 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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“My child won’t tell me anything about their day!” It’s a common concern I hear from parents in my psychotherapy office. They’re hoping to gain a glimpse into their child’s world. But asking “How was school today?” usually leads to a one-word answer.

As a therapist and the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do,” I encourage parents to ask questions that are thoughtful and spark meaningful conversations. When kids reflect on their experiences, they practice skills like emotional awareness, problem-solving, and empathy, and develop a growth mindset.

Here are seven questions that lead to productive conversations while also helping kids grow mentally stronger:

This question encourages kids to scan their brains for positives. For children who dislike school or tend to focus on what went wrong, answering this question helps them build optimism and gratitude — which are both protective factors for mental health.

Frame the question with your own experience, saying, “The best part of my day was going for a walk during my lunch break. What about you?” Your child might share a highlight, like, “I played kickball at recess.”

This one normalizes errors and celebrates healthy risk-taking. Talking openly about mistakes reduces shame and helps kids see them as opportunities for growth.

Ask with a tone of curiosity, not judgment: “Did anything happen today that you’d do differently next time?” This might prompt them to say, “I forgot my library book so I’m going to pack it tonight so I don’t forget.”

It works because it turns their attention to others and cultivates empathy. You will also gain insight into your child’s relationships and what they value.

Make the question more specific by asking, for example, “Did you see anyone try really hard at something today?” Your child may talk about a friend who was brave or might give themselves a pat on the back and say, “My friend forgot her snack so I shared mine.”

This question helps kids identify feelings like frustration and disappointment without dwelling on those experiences. It naturally opens the door to problem-solving and planning.

You can ask in a fun way, such as, “If you had a magic wand to change one thing about today, what would it be?” This can lead to creative ideas, like, “I wish there was more time for my art project so maybe I’ll bring it home to finish it.” 

You can empower kids to engage in prosocial behavior with questions like this. When you ask regularly, kids begin to look for opportunities to be helpful and acts of kindness become second nature.  

Ask about small acts of contribution: “How were you a helper today?” They might remember something simple, like, “I helped the teacher pass out papers.”

It emphasizes curiosity over academic performance. Showing interest in the learning process itself fuels lifelong learning.

Encourage kids to talk about what they learned aside from just their subjects. They may share a fun fact, like, “I learned that my teacher knows how to play the violin.” Show interest and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

This nudges kids to look outside their comfort zone and encourages them to be courageous. They don’t have to be good at something in order to try something new — it’s a learning experience. 

If your child hesitates to try new things, encourage an experiment by asking, “Is there a club or activity you’re curious about just trying once?” They may be more likely to explore if they know they don’t have to stick with it forever.

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and instructor at Northeastern University. She is the author of several books including “13 Things Strong Kids Do: Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave” and ”13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.” Her TEDx talk “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong” is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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Sebastian Marquez, 28, and his wife, Julia Marquez, 26, have never held jobs that pay over six figures, yet their combined net worth is just over $1 million.

That’s largely due to cryptocurrency investments in bitcoin and ethereum worth about $400,000 in U.S. dollars as of Sept. 30, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. The couple is based in Strathroy, Ontario.

However, “looking back at it, I most likely wouldn’t have made that investment,” Sebastian says, citing the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. “I was very worried about that investment to begin with.”

In 2019, Sebastian, who made money in his early 20s from flipping houses and working retail at Walmart, says he invested around 10% of his net worth — around $25,000 — in crypto.

Since then, bitcoin’s value in Canadian dollars has grown by around 2,000% and ethereum’s has grown by around 2,500%. But it could have just as easily gone the other way, he says.

“It was a gamble that we had taken at the time, and it’s definitely paid off, fortunately,” he says. Today, the couple, who combined their finances in 2020, prefer to put about 15% of their monthly income into investments with more predictable returns like index funds, Sebastian says.

Sebastian’s more cautious outlook mirrors expert advice. Investors should think twice before taking out significant stakes in cryptocurrencies, says Patrick Huey, certified financial planner and owner of Victory Independent Planning in Portland, Oregon.

That’s for a number of reasons, Huey says: Cryptocurrencies are less reliable than stocks because there’s no underlying asset involved, they don’t generate dividends, their value “fluctuates wildly” and they’re rarely used for their original purpose as a digital currency.

In the U.S., 42% of Gen Z investors aged 18 to 27 said they owned some amount of crypto, according to a 2025 report by market research firm YouGov that surveyed 13,000 investors who said they were likely to invest in the next year. Only 11% of Gen Z investors reported owning an exchange-traded fund and just 26% said they own stock.

It’s fine to “dabble” in investments like crypto and meme stocks, but you should keep it to less than 5% of your investment portfolio due to their uncertain nature, says Jaime Bosse, a certified financial planner and senior advisor at CGN Advisors in Manhattan, Kansas.

As for Sebastian and Julia, the couple has no plans to buy more crypto but will hold onto what they already own for the “foreseeable future,” Sebastian says.

“One thing that I wish I could have done a little sooner was definitely invest in index funds,” Sebastian says. “However, with that being said, I’m very happy with where things have ended up.”

All amounts are in U.S. dollars, converted from Canadian Dollars at the OANDA exchange rate of 1 CAD to 0.71824 USD on Sept. 30, 2025.

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Trust is the foundation of emotional intimacy and long-term connection in romantic relationships.

When you trust your partner, you believe that they will follow through on their commitments. But it’s also shaped by your past experiences and emotional patterns. For example, if you experienced betrayal in a previous relationship, you might find it harder to believe others can be counted on, even when they can.

As a Harvard-trained psychologist specializing in relationships, I’ve seen how trust influences the way couples communicate. Couples who truly trust each other never use eight phrases that quietly cause long-term damage.

Constantly asking for reassurance may be a sign of insecurity. Even if your partner answers “yes,” it might not feel genuine, especially if you had to ask.

If you trust your partner cares about you, share with them that you’re feeling vulnerable and want connection. 

Instead, they say:

• “I’m feeling a little vulnerable. Can I get a hug?”
• “It’s important to me that we express how we feel. How are you feeling about us lately?”

It can be tempting to do a “check-up” when you feel suspicious. But snooping signals a lack of trust. In healthy relationships, privacy is respected. You both have the right to your own space and communication.

Instead, they say:

• “I’m sensing something’s off. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
• “I noticed you got some late-night texts. Everything okay?”

We’re always growing and changing. It’s a part of life. In relationships rooted in trust, change is seen as an opportunity to evolve together over time.

Instead, they say:

• “I didn’t know that about you.”
• “Even after all this time, I’m still learning about you. I love that.”

Commitment is important. But if dysfunction lasts over time, your partner may leave (or vice versa!). You want to trust that your partner will stay because they choose to, not because you’ve guilt-tripped, manipulated, or begged them to do so. 

Instead, they say:

• “I trust that we can get through this tough time.”
• “If you ever feel this relationship isn’t right, it will be hard for me. But I’ll get through it.”

Couples who trust each other are willing to talk about anything, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be. They trust that their partner be respectful and stay connected even if they disagree. 

Instead, they say:

• “I know I can tell you anything.”
• “Thank you for loving me, even when it’s hard.”

Couples who trust one another give each other space. This means they don’t need constant check-ins to feel secure. They know that their partner is okay and even thriving when they are physically apart.

Instead, they say:

• “Have fun tonight!”
• “Shoot me a text when you’re heading home.”

Relationships go through highs and lows. Saying “I’m done” in the heat of an argument can cause long-term damage. Couples who trust each other don’t make empty threats, and they know that one tough moment doesn’t mean the relationship is over.

Instead, they say:

• “We’ll figure this out.”
• “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got your back.” 

Expecting your partner to read your mind isn’t fair. Communication is key to any successful relationship. If you trust your partner, you stay engaged and talk to them respectfully.

Instead, they say:

• “Here’s why I’m upset.”
• “I need a moment to cool off, but I’ll come back when I’m ready to talk.”

Dr. Cortney S. Warren, PhD, is a board-certified psychologist and author of the new book “Letting Go of Your Ex.” She specializes in romantic relationships, addictive behavior, and honesty. She received her clinical training at Harvard Medical School after earning her doctorate in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University. Follow her on Instagram @DrCortneyWarren or Twitter @DrCortneyWarren.

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In 2020, Anita Kinoshita, 28 years old at the time, started looking into buying a house.

Kinoshita was living in California and making around $70,000 a year as a software engineer for the Department of Defense.

As a first-generation American from a farming family in Mexico, Kinoshita believed the best way to finally achieve the American dream her family had for her was to own property.

“I had my first big girl job and thought the next responsible thing to do would be to buy a house,” Kinoshita tells CNBC Make It. “I didn’t necessarily want to buy a house. In fact, I was trying to figure out how to finesse the purchase.”

Initially, Kinoshita was seeking a property with the intent to sublet some of the bedrooms and lower her share of the expenses. She had about $20,000 saved for a down payment.

“My vision for the future was to be able to have a family and spend as much time with them and not necessarily have an office job. [But] I still went forward with what made sense for this American Dream path,” she says.

“I was 28 at the time, so I still kind of cared what my community defined as successful, and homeownership was part of that. At the time, I thought it was the responsible thing to do.”

Kinoshita wanted to learn as much as she could about the home-buying journey she was embarking on. She enrolled in a nine-week course that teaches people how to manage their money, offered by Financial Peace University.

During the retirement module of the online class, Kinoshita used a retirement calculator that helped her realize that if she started contributing a bit more to her 401(k), she could retire around age 55 and buy a house at the same time.

“All of a sudden, the vision I had for the future and the freedom and lifestyle I wanted became possible in my mind for the first time,” she says.

For two years, Kinoshita looked at least a dozen places and put in a total of four offers. She got accepted for one, but then the sellers backed out. She was also approved for a single-family home, but there was a mismatch in the appraisal, so she walked away from the deal.

“I ended up backing out because the only way to be competitive during that time was to invest less and save more for the down payment, and I wasn’t willing to do that,” she says.

“Ultimately, I felt like it wasn’t the time for me at the moment, and I was not willing to invest less either. I wasn’t satisfied with my career and felt like I was living my dad’s dream and not really mine.”

Kinoshita switched her focus. Instead of saving for a down payment, she set a goal of having $500,000 invested in her retirement accounts. By April 2022, she had invested $200,000 and reached COAST FIRE — a strategy where you save and invest enough to eventually stop contributing to your retirement accounts and let the compound growth continue rising so you’re on track to have a traditional retirement. She decided to quit her job.

Kinoshita isn’t alone in choosing to wait to buy a house. The median age of a first-time home buyer has gone up in recent years, from 35 in 2023 to 38 in 2024 alone, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.

After quitting her full-time job, Kinoshita started working part-time, creating curriculum for California State University, Monterey Bay and making financial literacy content online. Both of these positions made her more money than when she was working as a software engineer.

Kinoshita, now 34, is going to wait until she reaches early COAST FIRE, which, when you have enough invested, lets you stop contributing by the age you decide, versus the traditional retirement age of 67.

Her projected retirement age is now 45, and she expects to have $1.5 million invested by then.

“I value my time and freedom a little bit more than I value home ownership. In retrospect, I think if I had bought the house, I would have felt trapped in my career,” she says.

Kinoshita and her husband recently moved to the California neighborhood where they would one day like to own a home. They pay $4,000 a month in rent and live in a single-family home in a gated community, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.

When the couple is ready to buy, she estimates they will have about $300,000 saved to put toward the home. But they still don’t know when they will start getting serious about buying.

“I’m not in a rush. I don’t want to use it as a financial tool in any way. I’m looking at it more as a luxury and less as an asset these days,” she says. “I would rather have my money working for me in the stock market than in real estate.”

Kinoshita says her definition of a dream home has also changed.

“I don’t want too many bedrooms. I think what I care more about these days is the charming architecture. I don’t want it to be overwhelming in terms of square footage. I want it to be in a really beautiful neighborhood where I feel safe. I want to look outside and see nature,” she says.

“I don’t see a reason to settle for something else, so for us it’s a as long as it takes kind of thing.”

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