How would you retire if you were Bill Gates?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Bill Gates is walking off into the sunset... well, kind of.
Today marks his last day as a full-time worker at Microsoft, the software giant he co-founded more than 30 years ago. At 52, Gates isn't totally retiring. He'll still put in one day a week at the company and will remain Microsoft's chairman and its largest shareholder.
But, Gates plans to spend more time working on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It's the richest philanthropy in the world and is focused on global health and education.
Not too shabby for the Harvard dropout, who was the richest person in the world for years. Gates was worth more than $100 billion in 1999, although he's "only" worth about half of that now because of the drop in Microsoft's shares along with donations to his foundation.
Gates leaves behind an amazing legacy – he's been known as the company's genius programmer, its technology guru, its primary decision maker and its ruthless leader. He figured out how to turn software into a moneymaking industry, and in the process it's safe to say he has changed the world forever.
Consider this: there are more than 1 billion copies of Microsoft Windows operating on PCs around the world.
It's probably safe to say you won't find Bill Gates living a run-of-the-mill retirement at some old-age home in Florida, playing shuffle board and dining on early bird specials.
Here’s my question to you: If you were Bill Gates, how would you spend your retirement?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Anthony from Wildwood Crest, New Jersey
Go to the 60 neediest countries and spend a month or two there giving out a billion at a time. After 60 months, I return to the U.S. broke. Feeling bored and challenged, I develop technology that rids our need of oil entirely. I make trillions this time. Feeling bored and challenged again, I decide to run for the highest office beating out little bro, Jeb Bush.
Michelle writes:
I would buy an island where no one could find me so that when the next crappy Microsoft product hits the market, I would be off the radar.
Michael from New Orleans
If I were Bill Gates, I'd use my retirement years to find a hair stylist.
Zach writes:
Well, Jack, I would start by buying Delaware. After that, possibly on to Utah.
Kim from Dodge City, Kansas writes:
Look, Jack, I know it's been a long week walking across the hot coals of network news, so I understand the need for a fantasy question on Friday. The answer is easy: I'd split the money with you and we would spend the rest of our lives enjoying our families in the quiet splendor we so much deserve.
Ross from California writes:
Buy all the foreclosed homes from whoever owns them now and give them back to the original owners at 1 percent interest at current value. Or buy both houses of Congress back from the corporate lobbies.
Chris from Ottawa writes:
Be careful: with today's gas prices and inflation, $50 billion might not go as far as it used to.
Craig from Tampa, Florida writes:
I’d spend my money on booze and women. The rest I would spend frivolously.
J.T. from New York writes:
I'd buy CNN and make you read my answers whether they are funny or not.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Start spending some of that cash... maybe a billion per year?
I would buy an island where no one could find me so that when the next crappy Microsoft product hits the market, I would be off the radar.
I would move to a third world country where the u.s. dollar trades at something like 20 to one, and then help the people in that country improve their living conditions.
Jack:
I don't know as I don't have the money nor intelligence that Mr Gates has. However, I know I would not want those who have not had a chance to succeed as he has, have more of a chance. I would set up a scholarship for development and research students to bring the US closer to the ability to compete in the world of science and technology. A small gesture but one that would send a message to all those who think our future lies in the foreign sector. Maybe it would help restore faith and belief in the US again.
I would get as far away from Microsoft as I possibly could. Some day people will stop putting up with products that are released to market before they even work. And when that day comes, Bill Gates will be the one being chased with pitchforks and torches. That is, unless he manages to monopolize the pitchfork and torch markets too.
I would probably join the Peace Corps and see how the rest of the world really lives.........or maybe buy a small 3rd world country, move there and give them a chance at a new life.....I could give them good roads, schools, fresh water, some health care and create jobs....that way, I wouldn't have to listen to people complain about how much it costs to fill up their SUV.
My brother is an electronics engineer. And I suspect that Bill Gates and my brother would have the same kind of retirement, messing and playing around with conductors, software, and hardware. My brother partitioned his hard drive, crashed it and spent 3 months fixing it. The best time he ever had. These people are messers and wouldn't be happy sitting in a hammock, drinking a mai tai.
Hope Bill Gates, who has more money that he's ever going to need, spends some of his money helping third world countries' children, such as in Darfur, Myanmar, etc. that would be a wonderful legacy for him.
I know that millions do oppose my opinion, but I think the Gates' are fantabulous. They have progressively and positively altered humanity's development, they have put so much of their gains into helping to improve living conditions world wide. I think it's wonderful that Bill is able to manage and trust others with what he has built up to continue with his historical work, that's a smart move, Jack (most powerful people can't "let go".). Bill is not going into retirement, he and his companies will continue to solve world health care concerns. I have the highest respect for Bill and Melinda Gates (God willing they wil stay healthy) and I sincerely believe they will continue to improve the World. Accolades!
To the nearest island with a cabana boy to serve me.
Go to the neediest 60 countries and spend a month or two there giving out a billion at a time. After 60 months, I return to the United States broke. Feeling bored and challenged, I develop technology that rids our need of oil entirely. I make trillions this time. Feeling bored and challenged again, I decide to run for the highest office beating out little bro, Jeb Bush. Frankly, the world just couldn't take another one!
Wildwood Crest, NJ
Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, already have established a foundation that is spending millions of dollars around the world helping improve health care and reducing poverty. In retirement, he's going to devote more time to charity. He sets an example for all other rich people. Spend the money to help others instead of accumulating millions in the bank for selfish consumption.
Terry
North Carolina
To my multi-million dollar house to distribute some of that wealth to those in need–not those in need in foreign countries until all of those in need in America have been taken care of.
I know that millions do oppose my opinion, but I think the Gates’ are fantabulous. They have progressively and positively altered humanity’s development, they have put so much of their gains into helping to improve living conditions world wide. I think it’s wonderful that Bill is able to manage and trust others with what he has built up to continue with his historical work, that’s a smart move, Jack (most powerful people can’t “let go”.). Bill is not going into retirement, he and his companies will continue to solve world health care concerns. I have the highest respect for Bill and Melinda Gates (God willing they wil stay healthy) and I sincerely believe they will continue to improve the World. Accolades!
I would give myself the best treats that money can buy but most importantly, I would ensure that I leave the world a far much better place than it is right now on social issues such as poverty i.e donate magnanimously to charity especially on education for a better tomorrow.
Jack,
Call it a career change. He will take time for the wife and kids. He will donate money left and right. He mat even play a little 360. Then he will get bored. He will try to rewire and reproogram the whole house. At this point Melinda will throw him out on his keister and tell him to find a hobby.
He ill probably wind up back at microsoft doing something menial but fun.
If I were Bill Gates, my retirement would include visits to the poor areas of the world to see the best way to contribute my millions to help. I would also take an active part in volunteering in the Obama campaign!
Create an Island of my dream in the Pacific without Televisions , computers, newspapers, McCain or Obama. Stay away from all the madness and polution of civilized society as best as I can and hopefully outlive Metuselah or at least retain my sanity for all it is worth.
Your a day late and a dollar short there buddy. I would have retired a long time ago. Guess I'm just not greedy enough.
I will do nothing because my money is already set up for making more money.
can't, his DNA is not wired for retirement.
Peter, Dallas-TX
Forget all this "distribute my wealth" stuff. I'd build a floating island and expand the Panama Canal so that it could fit through. Then I'd go on a cruise for the rest of my life.
Well, he could kick back while counting his bucks and ponder why he found it necessary to advocate giving American workers the boot so he & his ilk could bring in cut rate Indian serfs. "Nuff said.
If I were Bill Gates, I would spend a lot of time thanking Steve Jobs for not selling Apple's software separate from its hardware.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
If I were Bill Gates, I'd use my retirement years to find a hair stylist.
Leave America, move to Quebec, go anywhere but here.
Tom C., in Florida
Just being able to retire and not to worry about food bills, Health Care cost, staying comfortably warm in the winter and cool the summer and having enough gas to travel to see friends is a dream in itself. But being able to retire the way Bill Gates can, is something that I cannot even dream about or even imagine. I think it is a big thing when I can give someone a warm coat in the winter that doesn't fit me anymore. But Bill Gates and his wife and people like Warren Buffett who not only give their money away to charity but also makes sure it is being used right with their hands on approach should be commended. They should be used as an example by the wealthy.
If I were in Bill Gates circumstance in life I would secure well-being for myself and my immediate loved ones. Then I would devote my assets to solving issues like ending poverty, starvation, pestilence and disease. I would encourage the nations of the world to work for the good of all the people within their boundaries and to strive for peace with their neighbors. I would strongly encourage those blessed with affluence to be generous in their support in helping the world be a better place for all of us to live. I would be the best example I could possibly be for my fellow humans by freely demonstrating my love for all the children of God. And I would encourage the rest of us who are struggling to meets their basic needs to do best that we can and never give up on hope.
I would start investing in the youth of America. Maybe open tech schools and satilite classrooms all around the USA so he doesn't feel the need to import techies. Then step up to the plate and help build housing to get rid of so man gettos or lousy over priced housing that low income families and retirees have to accept.
Then start building parks with swimming pools ball fields, tennis courts etc, around the country. There is so much to be done here with out going overseas.
Jack – If I were Bill Gates I wouldnt retire and he probably won't. With his fortune he could easily fund any worthy medical research like finding a cure for cancer. He will probably give back in some fashion worthy of his intelligence. Here's a guy that made billions off of software that never seems finished, never works and is totally unsecure. But we all bought it didnt we.
If I were Bill Gates, I'd buy one of the Hawaiian islands. The whole thing. Maybe everyone on Lanai could be talked into selling. Wow – what a daydream!
Soon and lavishly.
Geeez Jack
You ask that question when most of us can't even think about possibly ever retiring. If we can't retire poor, how can we imagine a wealthy retirement?
Thanks
I'd buy CNN and make you read my answers whether they are funny or not.
easy. Buy CNN and turn it into the Caferty Network (Wolf can sit in on weekends and your Carson-like 200 days off a year).
I would do exactly what he proposes to, show love for my neighbor.
I suggest Mr. Gates spend his retirement days living among the very Americans whom he and his misguided practice of hireing non-Americans have driven out of work.
Some where away from a computer, blackberry, pager or any other type of electrical device that involves the internet or a microprocessor..
I'd by a small country in Europe - maybe Belgium or Denmark (nothing fancy) and spend my time traipsing about the countryside and placating the locals with tax-free living and free unlimited healthcare and education in perpituity. He could do that and still have billions to spare.
Bill Gates has done a tremendous amount of good for this country, and particular himself. Individuals like Bill Gates don't retire......they just change career. I probably would see how long it would take, without denying myself and my family, to do more good for the world with the balance of my fortune. Their is a movie call 'Flawless" on DVD. View it, and in the end you will see the true meaning of life.
They are committed to the extent the National Democratic Party requires. If you have future Democratic ambitions,you do not have much choice. You have to support the nominee,whoever and whatever he is. This year is tragic! It is the only word I can think of to discirbe,the lack of discernement used in selecting the potential nominees,for both Parties,especially the Democratic Party. How Obama ever got the official nod,with no experience,and ultra radical friends,is beyond me. Do we not have any discretion? No guidelines for selecting potentials to be the next President of the United States of America? Could the DNC have disenfranchised more middle-class people than they have this election? It is difficult to see how! I'm voting McCain and sending the DNC and the media a strong repremand.
I'd BUY Italy and Australia then travel between the two all the while continuing to do the great work of the Gates Foundation.
Changing the world, helping others, which I'm sure is exactly what Bill Gates will do.
Bill Gates should spend his retirement trying to fix Vista!
Trying to get in to heaven's graces before I took my last breath!
who the heck is bill gates?
He and the Mrs. seem to be doing a pretty good job with the various charities. But, if he gets bored, he can come for a visit and help me restore the '37 Packard, or take a ride on old Route 66. Maybe a ride to Grand Canyon or through Monument Valley would de-stress him...Personally watching the hummingbirds reinact the "Battle of Britain" around the feeder works for me.....
If I was Bill Gates, upon retirement I would give half of my fortune to CJ in Atlanta, GA! Bill, are you listening?
If I were Bill Gates, I'd hop on a freight car and travel the country, in cognito, stopping along the way to work on farms, in soup kitchens, etc., then I'd return home to set up my run for President, a President for all the people and not just a President who panders to the rich.
I played duplicate contract bridge at the same tournament in Reno that Bill Gates attended. I know what Bill Gates will do. He will play more bridge.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
Well I would travel the world for a while and live in leisure. Then I would find Joe From St Louis and take care of him with nice check. Afterwards I would get Joe a job writing public opinion pieces on CNN. So he could really live good.
Joe From St Louis.
smoke pot – –
I would buy my own island and live in complete isolation from the rest of the world. That way I wouldn't have to put up with all the craziness that goes on in America on a daily basis. The only time I would come back to the US would be to shop for food and clothes and to visit family and friends. On second thought, I might just bring them to my island with me and then hire people to grow food and take care of Animals.
he should move to India.
after all, he's shipping all the Microsoft engineering jobs there or importing Indian workers to do them here SO he may as well live in the country he obviously likes best.
Jack,
The old definition of retirement–not working–is falling by the wayside. If I were Bill Gates my second act would be at the Gates Foundation, continuing to make wise investments in positive change.
I would do the same thing: serve others through a foundation. Being a humanitarian. There are four couples in this country who have a roll-up-your -sleeves ccommitment to humanity: Bill Gates and his wife, Paul Newman and Joann Woodward, Jimmy and Rosalyn carter , and Brad Pitt and his wife. People like these embody the American spirit of reaching out to others less fortunate. They inspire me. Retirement is not a period in one's life for selfish persuits, but for meaningful service to others. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to people like these and so does the world.
Just like he's retiring...to focus on helping others through a wonderful foundation he and his wife built.
If I were Bill Gates, I believe I would buy a country and designate myself the King. I would send for Angelina Jolie to be my Queen and would live happily ever after.
I'd buy all of the land around Augusta National Golf Course and not allow those people a way in until they made me a member. Then I'd allow women and more minorities to become members of this elitist society.
Let my hair grow long, dress like a bum, put my feet up, and fish,fish.fish.....Off of a million dollar yacht of course....
Jack,
Maybe Bill Gates can spend his retirement butting out of congressional meetings where he continues to request more H1B visas to place underpaid foreign workers in American jobs without offering the people of this country a fair wage to do that job. But I guess that thought process wouldn't make it so easy to retire at a young age.
I'd buy CNN and Comedy Central, periodically switch you and Wolf with
John Stewart and Stephen Colbert and poll the public frequently to see
if they recognize the difference.
Jack
If I were Billy I would buy an island in the south pacific, however if I were him I would be very careful because people like me would send a ship to this island filled with illegal immigrants, as I am sure he will need the help.
I think Bill is doing the right thing. Spending his time & money helping to solve the world's problems.
I have a list of things I would do if I won the lottery, but retiring as Bill Gates would be even better. Here is some of my list:
1. Begin to consolidate the charitable work being done to fight poverty and hunger across the US. There are many great things being done in cities across our country, but we need to fight this growing problem collectively as a nation.
2. Start a foundation to fight obesity in America. This is worse than smoking and our health care system is at the breaking point because of it. We need to change people's behaviors for the long term. Diets, pills and surgeries are not going to solve this problem.
3. Invest in promising research and development of alternative forms of energy. Educate people on how they can get around without driving their cars. Ties into #2.
4. Take a nice, long vacation around the world.
If I were Bill Gates I'd spend my retirement anywhere and anyway to my chosing without anyone elses opinion.
Jack,HAPPILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They say there are two leisure classes Jack. I'm from the other leisure class.
I'm retired. Enjoying the time, but missing the money. If I had the options he has, I think I would do what he is doing, sharing his success with those less fortunate. Not all rich follks are greedy pigs, but a good percentage feel superior to the rest of us and are self indulgent. By the way, I spent a 36 year career in public service, work at my church and help care for my grandchildren. Even without money you can serve others.
Jack I would be down in Margarita Ville having a cool one.and chasing to ladies. But as it is I am retired and can't afford enough gasoline to get me to the nearest community.
I would pack up and go to some Third World country where human values and humanity is more important to government than money and power.USA is not there anymore,i.e. the people are not there anymore,and that comes from the top down in every facet of American Life.
Outsourcing my recreation.
Share that wealth with the people around the world who are in need making a positive impact to the humanity. That is the most meaningful way to spend that money and one which will be most fulfilling.
– Nuwan from Houston, TX
If I were Bill Gates I would do whatever in the heck I wanted to do.
But, cannot imagine him totally retiring. Would hope he would
turn his attention to our country and its needs. Charity begins
at home.
After watching Michael Moore's movie and seeing Bill Gates along with a group of his rich elitist cronies discussing how good the war in Iraq would be for their business' I would suggest either Iraq or Afghanistan. He's just another example of how greedy and inconsiderate some of these wealthy people are at the expense of the expendable.
I'd probably buy a small country or a large island and form "...a more perfect union..."
I'd spend it like a drunken sailor Jack!!
I'd buy my own beautiful, remote tropical island and keep plenty of money to sustain myself to a very old age there in comfort. Then, I'd distribute the rest to the world's most needy people including the millions of Americans who are forced to live below the poverty level and, as a result, die much sooner than they should. I would really provide some "Change you can believe in."
Brownwood, Texas
Not sure what I would be doing, but I probably would NOT be typing this response at a computer.
But don't worry, Jack!! I'll hire someone to do the typing.
Interested???
Harry
Ky.
After watching how he was so elated about how the war in Iraq would boost business and profits as well as his campaign to import more cheap labour into the U.S. it would be most fitting to see him retire to Iraq right in the heart of Bagdad and not in the green zone. If not there than just have him climb down out of his ivory tower to get a taste of what some of his great business ideas do to the ordinary citizen.
It would be nice if he would open a little Mom & Pop
appliance repair shop specializing in repairing old
worthless computers!
i would buy an island,and make marijuana legal on it.
I would try to find someplace quiet.....like my own resort somewhere in New Zealand, far away from the madness going on in the United States.
I would travel, travel, travel, and enjoy the cuisine of all countries that I visited, bringing along an abundant supply of alka-seltzer and underwear.
EL PASO, TEXAS
Jack, I wouln't do much differently than I do now. I would probably buy more books instead of using the local library and I would travel more. Most of the money I would give to charities because even though we've never been rich we have a better life than most.
Well Jack I'm not against rich people or people becoming rich after all that is the American dream. However, I am against rich people becoming richer at the expense of their fellow countrymen.
Since Bill Gates has clearly fallen into the latter category by openly championing the importation of cheap labour into the U.S. as well as the economic benefits war has done for big business he has all the credentials to be the next Republican President!
Gates didn't get where he is by sitting around waiting for someone to hand him some money, so I wouldn't think he should sit here and give handouts to U.S. "needy". Too many are just too lazy to go after anything productive. He should use his intelligence and stature to push for things that are wrong in this country. Our "system" is broken and getting worse and needs the leadership of someone with intelligence to push for improvements through non-political channels. It's obvious our brain-dead politicians don't have a clue.
Not a bad deal for a college dropout.
Clearly he has made a mark on this world...and will continue to with the billions he'll earn over the course of his lifetime through his personal and phlantropic outreach.
A geek, through hard work–has pushed himself into the same spot light as Mellons, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts.
Not bad for a goofy guy with eyeglasses too large for his face–and a ego to large for himself.
I would travel, travel, travel, and enjoy the cuisine of all countries that I visited, bringing along an abundant supply of alka-seltzer and underwear.
He should put George W. Bush in charge of Microsoft so he could systmatically destroy the company like he has done with everything else he has been involved in and then at that point step back in and see if he could successfully bring it back to life.
I would run for president. Mr. Gates has the money and the brains.
Why not?
I'd distribute half of my wealth to poor Americans. I'd save the rest for gasoline for my cars.
Pamela from Germany
With his money I would dedicate my efforts to getting Bush and Chaney tried for Treason and turn this country around.
Politics...he has the money and the name recognition which are two of the biggest obstacles. That's just what I would do if I were in his position.
Open adult job training centers for jobless American citizens and send all the H1B visa employees home. After putting Americans back to work in America; I'll chip in for a nice double wide in Yeehaw Junction, Florida.
Dear Jack:
First of all I have to say thank God for Bill Gates. Anyone who can remember trying to use DOS should agree. (Wait, was that C: CD/(name) or C:CD/(name)CD then enter ? ..... how many spaces was that again?)
He should spend his retirement where his heart is. If his heart is to help the kids in inner cities in the USA, wonderful! He could start in Detroit! If his heart is to help those in need anywhere else in the world, great. What a fantastic opportunity for him and his wife to be able to do that.
I'd buy the shell station on the corner of Tropicana and boulder hwy here in Vegas . I'd give away gas , hot dog's and balloons. just to pissoff all the other station owners in town.
I would get a group together of the best and brightest engineers and technicians, and find a new way to power cars so that we don't have to use gas. Then build those new cars here in the places that we used to, bringing new jobs to this country and ending our addiction to oil. He would probably enjoy the challenge, and we would all benefit from it.
He'll run for office. And it really worries me since he supported Bush. .
Teri
Palm Coast, FL
I guess I would spend each day checking the Cafferty File blog and thinking of witty entries to post. Oh wait you said BILL Gates...that's different! The answer would be on wine women and song!
I'd spend time in Washington, representing a one man superlobby. Since I'd be filthy rich, I'd probably own half the government by year's end.
Who cares what he do. He's always pulling for India. India still treat their women like second class citizens. And, yet he focus more attention on them rather than uplifting his own country. May I say again, who cares what Bill Gates does with his time now that he's retired. He's tired!
Jack, Wouldn't it be a kick to be so wealthy that you could be responsible for bringing health and well-being to the lives of entire communities around the globe? If I can ever claim that winning Powerball ticket, that's my plan!
I think I'd buy Zimbabwe and put in a new CEO.
I would retire to a nice, luxurious place. Dubai has always been my prefered choice. I would buy Trump's new resort there. More importantly I would invest money to help people in developing countries and invest in alternate forms of energy, because that doesn't only just help the poor, that helps everyone. I would truly want to make a difference in the world. A legacy is not measured by what you had, but by what difference you made.
Jack thats an easy 1.......... I would live it up after all my hard work plain and simple. I would also continue to look after my product to make sure things are moving smoothly.
Are you serious Jack? We are talking retirement as if Bill Gates hasn't been living the good life since the launch of Windows 95. Being that I work for close to minimun wage, and I will probably be working until I am 90 years old, I would gladly retire into a position where I am the full-time CEO and Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, working my butt off 70 hours per week. My grandmother is retired, but I dare you to ask her how she spends it!
Obviously he should spend his retirement and vast wealth helping O.J. find the REAL killers of Ron and Nicole.
go to mexico and other countries to visit the jobs by illegal immigrants I fought for and used to hurt americans in losing their jobs
I would retire the way Bill retired. Make as much as possible by hook or by crook (breaching all anti-trust laws) and then retire to be the nice guy hoping to get a noble prize one day.
First of all, I would purchase the entire Universe. Then I would tell God to move over...he's sitting in Bill's chair.
If I had Bill Gate's money I would do just as he is doing-helping the less fortunate in the biggest ways imaginable. I applaud him for his service to humanity.
Spend time helping those less fortunate, like almost everyone else. Seriously do a lot for my favorite charity. And maybe make sure everyone had access to a computer, world wide
The same way I'm spending my retirement now. Doing what I want to do when I want to do it.
Seriously? I would leave my high stress job and my gigantic mansion and spend a year or two humbly traveling the world. I would look at the lives of ordinary people who have NO technology, and I would look at those whose lives had been transformed by technology, especially the computer.
I would think about my role in it as a man with a larger income than the GNP of many countries.
Gates is a brilliant guy. He's transformed the world and become the richest man in the world as a result of it. I think he needs time to travel, think and observe for a while. If he did, I'm sure he'd come up with a great idea for his future.
Live in an ecol-green home and have a spa center built on my property just for my use. I would also provide money to all the public schools in the nation to upgrade their education (reading, writing, science. and math) with good well paid teachers and state of the art equipment for classes. I would also put back in the schools gyms and make it mandatory that all children participate and upgrade their kitchens and lunch rooms. Then sit back in my special lounger and hope to see a better tomorrow for all our children.
I'd probably do what Gates is planning to do - pursue his passions with vigor. Here we have a guy who is enormously successful in solving problems and building great wealth. His commitment to doing good and giving back is more than a hobby. I can only imagine what that enormous intellect coupled with that enormous wealth can do to provide real solutions to world needs. Thank God his wealth is not going to fall into the hands of the government through inheritance taxes where it would be frittered away.
If I was BIll Gates and worth 100 BIllion I think I might be able to live with a bit of comfort. It would be hard but with a good budget in place, I think I could manage. My biggest concern would be my ability to pay for my medical insurance.
Jack, All i know is that I would not be sitting here at my desk at work answering your blogs!
I'd find a well-deserving techno-geekette in Montreal with whom to share the wealth.
I'd start a company that produces those vehicles which run on water or compressed air, and make another fantastic fortune.
Who cares????
I hope anyone coming up in back of him will have more business ethics and try to do a better job of employing local US talent instead of wanting to import it in from across the "pond".
kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi
Adopt a city like New Orleans and show FEMA how it's done.
Jack,
I would focus more attention on my philanthropic work, spend time with my family, travel the world, and make a $2,300 contribution to Hillary Clinton's campaign fund.
Rebuild, New Orleans !
Help the Farmers & People along the Mississippi!
Help the Firefighters in California!
Set up better schools and education faculties in poor areas in America, for the homegrown children!
Transfer all those off shore employment he placed in India, Asia, etc., and return them right back in the USA! Their desparately needed right here in America!
Dear Jack, please ignore my last two comments...the Third time is a charm (this one is good!!!)...Buster
First of all, I would purchase the entire Universe. With the remaining balance, I would make a few upgrades. You know, Universe 2.0. Lastly, I would tell God to move over…he’s sitting in Bill’s chair.
,
I would get a regular partime job.
I'd donate half my money to charity and use the other half to invest in Apple.
Boise, ID
I think he should become a news commentator and answer three question a day about important topics like why people have plastic surgery and what rich guys do in retirement.
I'd offer my services to John McCain to bring him up to speed in today's computer / internet world. However, I'd make it a 4 year training period and make sure I'd hang with him all that time.......like take up a spare rm. in the white house and try some of that Filipino's food that Bush raves about.
Jack,
As far away from Texas as possible.
If I were Bill Gates, I'd donate my money, to Katrina Victims, the U.S.O. and hire immigrants only when no Americans are available, to fill the position. He's forgotten where he made his $Billions.
I'd buy a small country like Canada, and set myself up as King.
Then I would appiont Jack the Czar of Wisdom, for My country.
then i would buy CNN an infuse money into it so they could Hire someone to fill in when the host cannot make the Show.
that would give Wolf some deserved time off.
then i would try to get some help for Mentaly il, that way Kim jong Il
could let his older brother run Korea.
If I were Bill Gates I would do the same thing that I do every day now. I would try to help my family, friends,neightbors, and anyone that I come in contact with to have a happier, more comfortable life. Bill Gates could do so much more than I, and I would suggest that he try to lead his life this way, as it is the only life to live that will give you self satisfaction. I get so much more out of my days now then I ever did before when I was out chasing that almight dollar, and I sleep a lot better at night for doing so.
I would have retired after the first billion. Then I would just write books about my experiences.
Topsail Island, NC. I'm here now, with the pelicans and dolphins. Don't want to go home tomorrow! Bill, there's room enough here for the both of us.
After having spent a lifetime turning human beings into fat,lifeless blobs who spend countless hours staring at a tiny screen instead of actually having a life,I would dedicate my time to ridding the world of these insidious machines and encourage people to experience and enjoy real life.
I'd buy a mountain in Habersham County, build a still, and run moonshine all over northeast Georgia.
I'd leave this country as fast as I could.
anyone with a conscience would do exactly what he's going to do. spend the rest of your life giving it away.
sure he was a very bright guy, in the right place at the right time, and he agressively pursued the opportunities presented to him.
but plenty of smart guys (and gals) never become fabulously successful. so you have to be humble, realize you didn't deserve it, and give it away.
I'd fix Vista and double my wealth.
Who cares?
Jack,
I think he should travel around to gas stations and offer people free tanks of gas. One way or another he has gotten a lot of our money and it's time to give back.
This may sound like the PC thing to say, but I'd try to help reverse the pattern of violence and poverty in urban America. Give the youth something better to do with their lives. Being fresh out of high school, I know how hard it is to find employment with the economy the way it is, and at the same time, how easy it is to find trouble. Most of the billions Gates has made has come from consumers so if it were me, most would go back to the consumers. Kind of a "thank you" note to the buyer.
It is far beyond my capacity to even begin to think what retiring with Bill Gates' wealth would be like. I am far too below the economic status of a Bill Gates to begin to consider the possibilites. I spend my waking hours trying to figure out how I'm going to keep from being homeless and on the streets when I'm finally forced into retirement.
I'd give this guy Ken in Michigan six million dollars.
If I were Bill I would use my $50B to help the Dems win the presendency. Then again he would benefit from McBush's tax cuts wouldn't he?
Rob
Savannah Ga.
Since he is so adamant about hiring people from other countries, whom he thinks are smarter than Americans, he should pack up and move there. He seems to forget that this country made him who he is today and should pay back to OUR citizens.
Any way I want.
I'd set up shop on Mars!
The "three P's": philanthropy, pursuing passions, and partying!!!!
I'd buy an island in the carribean just big enough for my mansion, a yacht basin and small airstrip. After a good rest, I would revive the old millionair tv show to give Rupert's millions away.
I would spend it well
Ahh, retirement for the wealthy. It's a hard job, but somebody has to do it. I'm sure Bill and Melinda will find a way to do it in style. I hope that Bill will find ways to help the less fortunate while he enjoys retirement. Who knows, maybe the next Bill Gates will receive a computer at his school from the foundation and a new generation of computers and software will be born.
Enter the federal Senate and construct laws which assist to control the soft market of Software and computer business.
1000 hours of work to design a program between three people, that is two months of craftsmanship, the end result can not logically be worth more than a billion dollars when the company goes public; what work is worth a million dollars an hour?
Jack,If I had Gates money I would retire ENY way I wanted.
I don’t know, but I’d be careful. With today’s gas prices and inflation rates, 50 billion might not go as far as you would think.
If I were Bill Gates, I would do pretty much what he is doing. I would try to educate the youth of this country to take responsibility and learn what it is to earn your keep. But I would NOT be bringing a bunch of Indian and Pakistani people here on visas to take jobs that Americans can and would do if they have the opportunity.
I don't care what he does as long as he stops telling Congress that we need more foreign workers. Our corporations have sent enough jobs overseas, we don't need to import people to take the remaining jobs.
Jack,
That Philanthropy you mentioned, is how he should spend his retirement. Oh, I'm sure he'll be able to find a few rare moments of R&R once in a while.
Always,
Deb
I'd buy that HUGE TV you guys have there in your studio so I can watch The Situation Room on CNN.
Find some place nice and quiet so that people would stop giving me money so that the Congress could stop having to get after me for impacting the ("set the value therein") currency.
How about running for office. He's already proven an ability to manage. He has a reputation for philanthropy. And he probably has the best rolodex in the country.
If I were Bill Gates and a true humanitarian, I would follow in the other Bill's footsteps ... that's Bill Clinton with one noteable exception. Before saying Good-Bye to MicroSoft, I would reverse every decision that included the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries. In today's economy, it's hard for Americans to find jobs, especially jobs that pay well. Isn't it bad enough that we have to Insource jobs with people from other countries via the H1B program? If Bill Gates could help in reversing this trend it would go a long way in changing his image of a ruthless businessman only interested in money. Instead he could potentially be viewed as a kind-hearted, humanitarian with a gift for all Americans ;-}.
Who really gives a damn?
Bill better learn to pace himself or someday we'll find him living under a highway overpass. A hundred billion just doesn't buy what it used to.
Jack, let Bill and Oprah retire to one of those islands they own. Oprah would probably end up like Marlon Brando in Apocalpse Now, however, after too many years of not being able to tell every woman in America what to read and how to think.
First thing I'd do is purchase the Sonics. Then build them a new arena. I'd also buy the Mariners and ship them off to Oklahoma City. After that I'd sell my home in Medina, leave the Seattle gridlock and buy an island in the South Pacific and live happily everafter.
How about the vice presidency for Gates?
I would like to say that I would do what Bill Gates is doing – work with his foundation. I would like especially to work to educate all children of the world. Unfortunately, I'm just not that altruistic.
Bill Gates is a modern-day hero. He has set a shining example for the young entrepreneur's of the world to be bold, believe in themselves, and take chances. The Paris Hiltons of the world could learn a lesson too- life isn't a game for everyone, and you should enjoy offering genuine help to other people as much as playing with money. I'm happy to hear he'll put even more of his focus into the Gates Foundation.
I would get a few friends, a dog and a van and drive around the country solving mysteries.
Huge. I want to see women in this country continue to have a choice about reproduction. I believe women should have equal pay for equal work and not told that they need more education (per J. McCain). I want to see a strong constitutional judge who does not bring an agenda to reduce the social and moral freedoms of this country.
Pretty much whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Kind of different from my real life where like most people I do whatever I have to, pretty much most of the time to eat, pay the bills and try to stay solvent.
First of all, I would like to say Bill Gates should receive novel prize because he turn software into a moneymaking industry and whole world is getting benefit out of it. He received novel prize for his humanitarian works before but never received one for his historical software industry. Shame on novel Committee ! He is so genius and one of the most talented person in the whole world. God bless him.
If I was Bill Gates, I would spend my 95% of my retirement money towards poor people around the globe. There are millions of children, women and elder peoples can't make their meals 2 times a day. They needs our help. Children can't go to school for poverty. I would love to spend my money for these people.
Houston, TX
Hidden and as far away from people as humanly possible.
Look Jack, I know it's been a long week walking across the hot coals of network news, so I understand the need for a fantasy question on Friday. The answer is easy– I'd split the money with you and we would spend the rest of our lives enjoying our families in the quiet splendor we so much deserve.
Buy ALL the foreclosed homes from whoever owns them now and give them back to the original owners at 1 percent interest at current value.
Or buy both houses of Congress back from the Corporate lobby.
Be careful. With today's gas prices and inflation, 50 Billion might not goes as far as it used to.
Well Jack, I would start by buying Delaware. After that, possibly on to Utah.....
I would definetly increase the amount of volunteer or good I could do around the world. I would create scholarships for US students, since no one can afford to be a Harvard drop out any longer. And I would live large. Travel, maybe buy my own island.
Jack,
If I were Bill Gates I would really concentrate on eduation and health issues beyond his foundation. I'd go on an inspirational tour to encourage young people that there is a future in something other than acting, music, or sports. I'd show them how I earned my way to the top, and inspire them to do the same. Today's youth know full well who Bill Gates is; I just don't think he realizes the impact he has and could have on them. Our young people need role models that they can aspire to, and he is a good one. I would also go on a tour around the world to see where else I could spread my money. It's just like Auntie Mame said; Money is like manuer, the more you spread it around the more things grow.
philnathropy, one someones beach, volunteering for Obama, help re build New Orleans with all my riches....
I wouldn't retire. Working is too much fun. I'm glad he's a philanthropist, though. Unfortunately, even though $100 billion is way too much money for one person, it's not all that much in the global economy. It won't even clear the National Debt.
Bill Gates has chosen the right way to spend his time. Having all the billions of dollars he does not need to spend his time after the age of 52 trying to make more. As we get older some of us make more mistakes. Some of us get wiser. Bill Gates was not only genius in developing software programs changing the people’s lives all over the world. But also he is continuing to be genius in deciding his own life’s priorities. If I was Bill Gates I would spend like him with some focus on educating myself first and then the people of the world and their leaders for better mental health, in attempts to bring more peace in the world. Physical health is important to live longer. But lots of people are killing themselves making their lives shorter. In an economically rich country in this world, more than 30,000 people die by suicide every year. This should tell us how important it is to look into the mental part of this life.
I would go to a needy country and use my money to set up organizations and help people find good paying jobs. A good country to start with would be the USA!! MGallo , NY
I would spend my money on hookers and cars.
Hi Jack- with that much money, I would spend my retirement taking travels through space.
Doing everything I could to get Barack Obama elected as President of the United States of America.
Explore new markets, say other planets in the Universe? Mars...here I come BillG
Well I would either donate it to a canidate like obama or mccain or etiher use the money for charity or make a new company for my children to take over
I'd spend my money helping all the children in the country.
Doing whatever it is that makes him happy.
Helping people.
If I were Bill Gates I would spend my "retirement" years traveling the 3rd world countries seeing what is really going on in this big world of ours.
I would spend it seeing that young Americans are educated to work at Microsoft instead of bringing in and educating foreign workers in order to drive wages down.
Jack,
Does a small island in the Caribbean come to mind?
Michael
I'd spend my retirement trying to figure out why I decided to make all PCs turn off by pressing START!
If I were Bill Gates, I would share my money with the poor of the world. I dream of having $1M to feed the hungry and plant new forests were old ones used to stand. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have so much money just waiting to help the world.
I would buy a Mega yacht and spend my time in the ocean fishing but thats just me
I watch CNN 24 hours a day! 😉
Oh well, how about a constant trip to outer space with my extended family tagging along.....
If I were Bill Gates I would spend my time pretending to be part of the best political team on television.
I would spend my time with family and close friends. Maybe somewhere on an island.
Bill Gates Retirement Plan,
Well as a PC Technician I strongly suggest he stay aboard so he can fix the Vista Operating System that is full of bugs and playing second fiddle to that of the work by Steve Jobs, and company.
Back to Work Mr. Gates, you left work undone.
Chris in Naples ,Florida.
I wouldn't spend it by undermining this country by trying to take away American jobs and filling those jobs with foreign workers.
DB
Personaly and honestly I would give half to the situation room team and then 1/4th would go to gambling while the last 1/4th went to my pocket!!!
Do something Good for the world and create opportunities for the poor to get better healthcare, go to school, and rise up out of the economic poverty they live in.
If I were Bill, I would start buying back all of those copies of Windows and incinerating them. That would do more to help the world than anything he could do with his charity foundation.
Well for starts,I would sent in my absentee ballot and get as far away from this election as possible,
Who said he is retiring, he is joining another foundation and he will do the same that he does for softwar industry. Perhaps he will change the whole concept of charity.
If I was him I would attempt to compete with Thomas Edison.. and work on inventing things.
I would use it to start paying back the $9.3 trillion dollars in national debt.
Well, I would start by campaigning for Barack Obama– so that those Microsoft shares don't drop any further due to the weakening dollar.
I'd spend my time apologizing to kids because my X-Box ruined their academic performances and consequently their chances to become rich Harvard dropouts like me.
Personally I believe Bill Gates should offer a hand out to people who really need help. I mean, we all talk about how people in his position should do positive things in society but sometimes some of us don't see the good. I am a young black man and I am sad to say that black people do not feel anything good is happening to their communites. Why doesn't Bill Gates help those who really need it. I have nothing against and without a shadow of a doubt the man has done a great deed for humanity. But some of us don't see it, and before he retires he should help us out,because I don't think nobody else will.
how about buying cnn & making jack the new wolf
I have to commend Mr. Gates for the way he is entering his retirement. A man with the kind of resources and power he commands has an obligation to give back to the world that has given him so much. The amount of money he has personally invested into his own foundation shows me where his heart his. If only the rest of the top one percent of the wealthy would do what he does, this world would be a better place.
If I had to guess on how Bill Gates would live his retirement I'd say how ever he wants...
I would buy half of Coca-Cola and start installing windows in Cokes. e-paper, news,etc – all in in an arm's reach.
Varna, Bulgaria
If I was Bill Gates I would continue, and possibly accelerate my philanthropic programs, as that is what can really change the world in a positive way.
I would also plan to spend more time with my friends and family and be more involved in my children's life.
But knowing "A" type personalities like Bill Gates, he'll probably stay away from work for about a month (if that), and be back at work 24/7.
Dan Fagundes (pronounced fah-gun-deez)
North Dartmouth, MA
i would build a house on the moon where i would develop new improved substitutes for energy
Jack, I would go straight to the moon!
As Bill Gates, I would spend my retirement monitoring the services given to the poor on a global level. The giving would end on the day of my demise and I would hope that our younger generations would learn that as a whole our world is not that big. We are all brothers and sisters in the grand scheme of things and our primary purpose is to leave the world a better place for our children.
I would use it to reinforce our boarder so that Lou Dobbs would stop complaining and we could start talking about the issues that actually affect my life!!
Anything I wanted.
I think that working at my philanthropic endeavors will prove to be so self-satisfying that i would never quit.
Bill Gates has changed the world like no one, I think he has even exceeded Einstein, to do what he has done is truly remarkable. Mr Gates should preach to Apple users how to be cool without using a Mac. I think what he is doing with is foundation is what he needs to do I don't think ill ever see another guy donating so much time and money to make a world a better place. Money is everything and fortunately he is using it at the right things. Oh by the way I am a Mac user.
this is a very very very difficult quesion i really really couldnot answer
salahudin from jeddah
If I were Bill Gates, I would retire a rich man and stay famous by making charitable donations. I would donate to more charities so that all of my taxes are deducted every year and still have enough money to buy gift for my children and grandchildren. Hell, Gates could probably make charities that gets rid of poverty.
So Bill Gates is finally retiring huh? Now maybe he will have time to actually finish at least one of the programs his company is responsible for.
I would do exactly what he is doing, but with one addition: Check into supporting the EmberKenya.org project, a three-year old project helping grandparents living in extreme poverty to raise their AIDS-orphaned grandchildren. This is a new model for alleviating poverty and so far it is working amazingly well. We need most what he can give. . . money!
Bill Gates should spend his retirement fixing VISTA so it
doesn't have so many bugs and doesnt' screw up so
many computers.
I would travel around the world spending the majority of my wealth enriching the lives of others seeing that I've come close to maxing out my own. There's nothing better than seeing the smile on someones face after you've saved their life, or helped them out in their time of need.
Enjoy my wealth fil up gas for my car
Why should we be concerned with Bill Gates' retirement when so many millions of his fellow Americans aren't sure that they'll be able to retire when the time comes?
Remember, Rome rotted from within.
Like the rest of the ultra-rich in this country, he should start giving back to the lower & middle class folks in America, who have created and maintained the best business environment in the world and allowed him to amass such a fortune.
I would make sure I stayed in AMERICA and took care of the POOR !!
I would go down to New Orleans and help Brad and Harry rebuild it, then I would go to Greensburg (the town that got destroyed by the tornado last year) and help rebuild it. Then maybe I would go to Florida and help the folks that still have not been able to rebuild down there after their five hurricanes in one year. Or maybe I would just invest in some really talented nerds who can create free energy!
Candy in FL
if i were bill gates would give the money to all of the workers in my company that weren't given any benefits.
If I were Bill Gates, I would make sure that I, my wife and family could live comfortably for the rest of our lives. I would then give the rest of my money away to religious organizations and social causes to fight disease;
help the needy, single moms, and orphans, as well as other good causes.
Tom
Roswell, GA
I would suggest he rebuild New Orleans to show the federal government just how private enterprize works. Oh, and he should use his own money to do it.
How would I retire if I were Bill Gates?
Any.Way I Wanted To!
If I were Bil Gates retiring, I would live in every city of the world for 6 months. I would engage in learning as many languages as I could, that would help on his philanthropic mission and in the understanding of human nature. I would engage in inspiring the urban entrepreneurs of the world to reconstruct and reorient the slums of the world, in order to eradicate poverty and above all sing a song to himself every day at sunset.
I would like to thank him for modern technology he played in the industrialisation of the world. He has done alot and his retirement is highly welcome by me personally and the youths of Sudan.
Gates is supposed to be awarded with Nobel Peace prize for Aids, technology, and economy.
I don't think Bill Gates would be happy doing nothing. It would be
nice if he'd use his skills to find the solution to oil dependence. If
he could build a company like microsoft, inventing a battery to replace gas fueled cars should be a piece of cake for him. He's too young to
retire, he needs a challenge.
I start by uninstalling crappy Vista off my desktop. Now that Bill is retired he does not need to keep appearance anymore. I suggest that he get Linux Ubuntu Hardy Heron. That the OS of the future and compiz look so good! And guess what he would save on the license and the price tag since it open source! Bill could also trow away is 5th Xbox 360 who just RROD and get a PS3 he can afford a real next gen console after all! I could also suggest that he get Firefox 3 but who am I kidding Bill was probably the first to download it last week just to take a look at what would IE look five years from now!
I’d take at least half of the Foundation’s billions and invest them in Wind and Solar power farms. That would help get the country and the world headed in the right direction.
I’d dedicate the income from these power farms to the Foundation, so that after my original billions were exhausted, the foundation could continue it’s work.
Beyond that, I’d do exactly what he is doing.
Bud Pratt, Punta Gorda, Florida
I would make OS like stander software that helps learing disabed kids.
I would use it to reinforce our border so that Lou Dobbs would stop complaining and we could start talking about the issues that actually affect my life!!
Before he got married, Bill Gates spent years and years dripping with money but never using it to help anyone except himself. The only donations he made at that time were just to further the interests of his company.
Then he got married and it all changed. If I was Bill Gates I would spend my retirement continuing to listen to my wife and father-in-law and trying hard to make up for all the years of greed and self-interest that defined my early career.
Alison Tsai from Kaohsiung, Taiwan
With all of his now free time, Bill should buy a Macbook, an iPod and an iPhone and check out what his competition has been producing. I bet he does not give them up after using them for a while.
How about taking some of your Billions and fixing your crappy bug-ridden software?
If I had that kind of money, I would follow in the footsteps of Andrew Carnegie who used his vast wealth to finance the construction of more than 2,500 libraries in the United States. Instead of building public libraries, though, I would concentrate on financing the expansion, rehabilitation and modernization of thousands of public elementary and secondary schools that need the most help.
I would give the government about 70% of my wealth to help with the national debt and perhaps persuade other wealthy Americans to do the same. Then I'd give 29% to set up college scholarships to help make college affordable. And then I'd live cozy and see the world with my remaining 1%.
Since I wouldn't like any complications ruining my retirement, I would first get a Mac... oh, wait.
He should buy a nice home in Hawaii and live happily for the rest of his days. All the things he wanted to do while he worked, now he can do it. Become a recluse.
That's easy, Jack. I'd trade in my PC for a Mac, trade my Zune for an iPod, and spend my golden years in blissful, Windows-free peace.