Bill Gates’ favorite author has a new book, and the billionaire says “it will teach you a lot” about food.

Specifically, how eliminating food waste and reducing global food insecurity could make food cheaper for everyone. Vaclav Smil’s “How to Feed the World,” which was published on Tuesday, “will transform the way you think about hunger, food, and what we eat (and don’t),” Gates wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Smil, a Czech-Canadian professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, has written more than 40 books on a range of topics like technological innovation, energy, public policy and population growth. Gates is a “devoted reader” of the academic’s entire catalogue, reading “nearly all” of Smil’s published works, he wrote in a blog post published Tuesday.

“The truth is, I’d read just about any topic he found interesting and wanted to dissect,” Gates wrote in 2017, adding: “I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next ‘Star Wars’ movie.”

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Ending world hunger is a central focus for the Gates Foundation, and Smil’s newest book turns “conventional wisdom on its head” by using data to reframe the problem, Gates noted in his recent blog post.

The world produces roughly 3,000 calories-worth of food per person per day, which is “more than enough to feed everyone,” Gates wrote. The problem is how food is distributed, with rampant inefficiencies in the supply chain resulting in massive amounts of food waste: Roughly one-third of food ends up unconsumed, according to the United Nations.

The inefficiencies also increase costs for producers and retailers, resulting in higher prices for shoppers around the world. Reducing food waste can take pressure off of the global food supply, making food more accessible and more affordable for everyone, according to Smil.

Other researchers agree. Roughly $600 billion worth of food is lost during or following its harvest annually, according to a 2022 report from consulting firm McKinsey. And food waste of all kinds leads to lost revenue for retailers and inflated consumer prices, found a 2024 Pacific Coast Collaborative report.

Smil’s book offers some potential solutions, including improvements to food storage, packing, supply chains and pricing models. One of Gates’ favorites, he wrote: CRISPR gene editing, which could theoretically develop more resilient crops that better withstand the effects of climate change.

“Like all of Vaclav’s best books, it challenges readers to think differently about a problem we thought we understood,” Gates wrote, adding: “We also need to ensure that food is more accessible and affordable, less wasted, and just as nutritious as it is abundant.”

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There’s a phrase that I hear parents say all the time: “I just want my kids to be happy.”

But as a child psychologist and a mother of three kids, I’ve seen how optimizing for happiness, instead of resilience, in childhood can do more harm than good.

Of course, I don’t want my kids to be unhappy. But when we make happiness the goal, we start to see our kids’ distressing feelings as problems to fix, rather than emotions to tolerate. And when we struggle to sit with our kids’ hard feelings, we unintentionally teach them that those feelings are bad, or even threatening.

Over time, they learn to avoid distress instead of managing it. Kids can’t learn to tolerate feelings that we don’t tolerate in them. The more we focus on making our kids happy, the fewer feelings they learn to cope with.

And that’s a recipe for anxiety, fragility and self-doubt, which pretty much leads to them becoming unhappy adults.

Happiness doesn’t come from avoiding hard feelings — it comes from learning how to tolerate them. The more we help our kids cope with distress, rather than trying to make it disappear, the less space those distressing feelings take up.

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In other words, building resilience in childhood makes room for happiness to emerge naturally, from a place of feeling at home with oneself, not from avoiding hard stuff at all costs.

The next time your child is upset, consider these tips to help them build resilience:

• Regulate yourself. One of the biggest reasons we swoop in is because we feel uncomfortable. It’s almost as if we confuse our kid’s feelings with our own. Use this mantra: “I’m safe, this isn’t an emergency, I can cope with this.”
• Sit, don’t fix. Sitting with your kid’s feelings could mean saying, “Yes, it makes sense that you’re feeling that way,” or, “Ugh yes, I get that,” or, “I’d feel the same way.” It also be you nodding slowly, rubbing their back, and saying nothing.
• See your kid as capable. Reminding yourself that your kid can handle tough emotions means you’ll be less likely to provide a quick exit ramp. When you stay calm in your kid’s storm, you’re modeling resilience — and they’ll absorb it from you.

When we focus on keeping our kids happy, we inadvertently send the message that distressing feelings — frustration, sadness, anger, jealousy — are dangerous. Instead of sitting with these emotions and working through them, kids learn to avoid or fear them.

Fast-forward to adulthood, and these same kids are now adults who feel unprepared for life’s inevitable challenges. Worse, because their bodies are so unaccustomed to distress and so conditioned to chase happiness at all costs, they avoid challenges, shy away from new experiences, and struggle to bounce back from failure.

So, no, I don’t just want my kids to be happy. I want something deeper, something sturdier: I want my kids to feel at home with themselves, no matter what life throws their way. I want my kids to be resilient — which, ironically, is the foundation for true happiness.

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and the founder and CEO of Good Inside, parenting company and next-generation movement. Through her bestselling book, “Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be,” TED Talk and podcast, she has built a community of millions of parents who turn to her for practical, sturdy and compassionate advice.

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It’s becoming increasingly expensive to buy a new car.

In fact, a record number of new-car buyers — nearly 1 in 5 — are making payments of $1,000 or more, according to Edmunds. For a household earning the U.S. median income of $80,610, a $1,000 car payment would take up 15% of pre-tax income, before factoring in the cost of insurance, gas or maintenance.

It doesn’t help that the average price of a new auto is nearly $50,000. And prices could climb even higher. With the looming possibility of 25% tariffs on cars and components from Mexico and Canada, new car costs could rise by as much as 12%, or $5,790, according to one estimate.

With prices at near-record highs and potential tariffs looming, buying a new car has never been more expensive. But factors that you have more control over, like your credit score, loan terms and down payment, also impact your monthly payments. Here’s a look at how to make a new car fit your budget.

How much your monthly car payment costs often comes down to one key factor: your credit score.

While you can’t do much about car prices, you can influence your score, which plays a major role in what you’ll actually pay on a loan since lenders use it to determine your interest rate. The difference between good and bad credit can add thousands of dollars in borrowing costs.

Say you’re financing a new vehicle at the average price of $48,641 with a 15% down payment and a typical 60-month loan. Your monthly payments could range from $824 to $1,037, depending on your FICO credit score.

Here’s a look at how various credit scores affect monthly payments and interest rates, based on the loan terms above, according to FICO:

• 720-850: $824 (7.25% APR)
• 690-719: $847 (8.45% APR)
• 660-689: $883 (10.22% APR)
• 620-659: $927 (12.33% APR)
• 590-619: $1,019 (16.62% APR)
• 500-589: $1,037 (17.43% APR)

Over the life of the loan, someone with excellent credit would pay $8,071 in interest, while someone with poor credit could pay $20,886 — a difference of nearly $13,000.

You can often lower your monthly payments by extending the term, but remember that you’d be paying more on interest over the course of the loan. If you have the savings, you can also lower the monthly payments with a larger down payment.

Improving your credit score before applying for a loan is one way to lower your interest rate and potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

To do that, start by making sure you always make debt payments on time, since payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score.

Other strategies for improving your credit score include:

• Only using a small amount of your available credit — known as your credit utilization ratio
• Avoiding new credit inquiries before applying for a loan
• Checking your credit report for errors and disputing inaccuracies

Buying a used car is another way to reduce costs. Used vehicles not only have lower sticker prices but also typically come with lower insurance costs and less depreciation.

Before committing to a purchase, it’s smart to have an idea of what your estimated monthly payments will be based on loan terms and interest rates.

CNBC Make It’s loan calculator can help you see how financing costs add up. Keep in mind that you’ll need to manually input an estimated interest rate based on your credit score, as listed above.

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If you’re fortunate enough to have more money than you require, don’t wait until you die to give it to those in need.

That’s the philosophy of 83-year-old billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who gave away a total of $3.7 billion to nonprofits in 2024 — more than any other American, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

“I’ve never understood people who wait until they die to give away their wealth. Why deny yourself the satisfaction?” Bloomberg, an entrepreneur and former New York City mayor, wrote in an email to the Chronicle. Acts of generosity — like donating money or volunteering — can indeed improve your mental health, boosting happiness and reducing stress, found a 2018 study from the University of California, Berkeley.

For the second year in a row, Bloomberg topped the magazine’s Philanthropy 50 list, which tracks the country’s largest individual donors. The 50 people on this year’s list — and, in some cases, their spouses — handed out a combined $16.2 billion last year, according to the magazine’s estimates.

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Bloomberg accounted for nearly one-quarter of that total. His giving placed him ahead of other billionaires like Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell.

Bloomberg, whose net worth is estimated at $104.7 billion by Forbes, typically donates money through his Bloomberg Philanthropies organization. It focuses on five areas, according to its website: the arts, education, the environment, government innovation and public health. Last year, Bloomberg Philanthropies gave $1 billion to Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg’s alma mater, to cover the full tuition for medical students whose families earn under $300,000.

Some critics point to the potential downsides and conflicts of interest in a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals dictating which global issues receive the most funding, and how that money is spent.

In Bloomberg’s case, his giving is intended to create more opportunities for others, he wrote in his email: “I’ve been very lucky, and I’m determined to do what I can to open doors for others and to leave a better world for my children and grandchildren.”

Bloomberg’s stance echoes that of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has spent much of his time since 2000 trying to address global issues like climate change, poverty and global health through the Gates Foundation.

Gates, once the world’s richest person, has said that his ultimate goal is to give away enough of his fortune in his lifetime to knock himself off of the lists of the world’s wealthiest people entirely.

“I’ll be proud when I fall off altogether,” he told CNN last year. Gates and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates have collectively donated $34 billion over the past 25 years, the Chronicle estimated — a figure only surpassed by Buffett, who’s reportedly donated $49.4 billion over the same timespan.

The trio of billionaires — Bloomberg, Gates and Buffett — are all signatories to the Giving Pledge, which Buffett and Gates created in 2010. The pledge serves as a commitment to give away the bulk of one’s wealth in their lifetime.

Buffett has tasked his children with disbursing his remaining wealth after he dies, he said last year. Bloomberg, along with his other donations, has promised to leave the eponymous tech and media company he co-founded to Bloomberg Philanthropies “when he dies, if not sooner,” a spokesperson told the Financial Times in 2023.

In his pledge letter, Bloomberg wrote that “the reality of great wealth is that you can’t spend it and you can’t take it with you.”

He later added: “If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing — by far — is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children. Long term, they will benefit more from your philanthropy than from your will.”

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Kids who communicate well, handle emotions effectively and build healthy relationships aren’t just naturally skilled at social interactions. They’ve learned these skills from their parents or trusted adults.

I’ve worked with thousands of kids and families, often helping them navigate tough moments. People skills — like empathy, communication, boundary-setting and conflict resolution — are crucial during life’s biggest challenges. They also shape how kids handle everyday stress, friendships and family dynamics. 

Here are six things that parents who raise kids with strong people skills do on a regular basis:

Rather than shielding their kids and avoiding difficult topics like illness, death or big life changes, these parents build trusting relationships by approaching tough conversations with openness, honesty and compassion.

They use simple, clear language and invite questions, teaching children that it’s okay to talk about uncomfortable topics and to seek support. 

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Parents who create a home environment where kids feel safe expressing their thoughts and emotions raise children who have an easier time communicating and advocating for themselves. 

These parents are comfortable naming and showing their own emotions in front of their kids, including joy and playfulness in difficult times. 

When their children feel frustrated, sad or overwhelmed, they don’t dismiss those emotions or say things like, “Don’t cry,” “It’s not a big deal,” or “You’re okay.” Instead, they validate their child’s experience:

• “It’s okay to cry. I’m here with you.”
• “I see you’re feeling upset.”
• “Your feelings make sense.”

This teaches kids that all feelings are okay, helps them learn and practice coping strategies to regulate their emotions, and allows them to feel safe expressing themselves. 

When conflicts or challenges arise, these parents don’t force quick apologies. Instead, they guide their children to consider the other person’s feelings, asking questions like:

• “How do you think your friend feels about what just happened?”
• “Does your sibling seem okay right now?”
• “What do you think would help them feel better?”

This helps kids develop perspective-taking skills, gives them a better understanding of what’s within their control, and shows them how both their actions and external factors impact others — ultimately making their apologies more meaningful and their relationships stronger.

Rather than immediately stepping in to fix conflicts or ease discomfort, these parents empower their kids to navigate challenges themselves. Instead of dictating solutions, they ask:

• “What do you think we could try to make this better?”
• “Would you like some ideas, or do you want to try something first?”

They help their children recognize when they need to set a boundary, teaching them to express limits clearly and respectfully:

• “I don’t like that. Please stop.”
• “I need some space right now.”
• “I’m not comfortable with that.”

By combining problem-solving with boundary-setting, parents help their kids develop the confidence to advocate for themselves and work through social challenges. They also recognize that not every situation has a clear solution or a quick fix — and in those moments, they focus on providing support. 

Instead of pushing their kids into new interactions and hoping they’ll figure it out, these parents set kids up for success by preparing them ahead of time and giving them opportunities to practice.

They help their kids feel more confident by:

• Talking about what to expect before a new event, like a medical procedure or birthday party: “We’re going to the doctor for a check-up. They’ll measure how you’re growing, listen to your heart and lungs, and look inside your ears, nose, and mouth.”
• Role-playing tricky interactions, such as advocating for their needs. “Let’s practice what you might say if someone keeps asking why you can’t eat the cupcake.”
• Teaching them how to set boundaries in social situations: “If someone is pressuring you to do something that feels unsafe or unkind, what can you say?”

Play isn’t just about having fun. The parents I’ve seen raise socially and emotionally skilled kids aren’t afraid to be silly, but they also understand that play is a child’s natural way of processing emotions, working through challenges, and building relationships. They:

• Engage in play to help kids work through tricky situations or feelings: “Whoa! Lets get those mad feelings out in a safe way. Can you pretend to be a bear or imagine blowing out birthday candles!?”
• Prioritize unstructured play time for kids to feel connected and build their own creativity, cooperation and confidence: “You have my undivided attention right now. What would you like to play? I want you to be in charge of the game.” 
• Use playful moments to prepare for new experiences and teach boundaries, empathy and communication: “Teddy needs a check up! Can you play doctor with him?”

By valuing play, these parents establish connection and trust while helping their kids develop social and emotional skills that are critical for their growth and development — and will serve them for a lifetime. 

Kelsey Mora is Certified Child Life Specialist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who provides custom support, guidance, and resources to parents, families, and communities impacted by medical conditions, trauma, grief, and everyday life stress. She is a private practice owner, mom of two, the creator and author of The Method Workbooks, and the Chief Clinical Officer of the nonprofit organization Pickles Group.

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