Bill Gates reveals how much of his $101B net worth his children will inherit: ‘It’s not a dynasty’

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and worth $101.2 billion, has revealed his decision to leave his three children a small fraction of his vast fortune. In a recent podcast, Gates explained his reasoning, stating that his children, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe, have received a great upbringing and education, but will inherit less than 1% of his wealth, which still amounts to over $1 billion. Gates emphasized the importance of his children achieving their own success and not being overshadowed by his wealth, asserting that the highest calling for his resources is to help the needy through the Gates Foundation.

This decision highlights a broader trend among technology billionaires who prefer philanthropy over creating dynastic wealth. Gates, who founded the Gates Foundation with his ex-wife Melinda in 2000, has been a proponent of giving back to society. Melinda, who divorced Gates in 2021, echoed this sentiment, stressing their efforts to keep their children grounded despite their unique family circumstances. The Gates' approach to inheritance reflects a philosophy that prioritizes personal achievement and societal contribution over financial legacy, impacting discussions on wealth distribution and philanthropy.

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and engaging overview of Bill Gates' approach to inheritance, highlighting his commitment to philanthropy and his desire for his children to forge their own paths. It is accurate and timely, tapping into ongoing discussions about wealth distribution and social responsibility among the wealthy. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including diverse viewpoints and further exploring the implications of Gates' decisions. The piece is accessible and likely to engage readers, although its impact may be limited without deeper exploration of controversial aspects. Overall, it serves as a solid entry point into broader conversations about wealth and philanthropy.

Accuracy

The article provides a reasonably accurate portrayal of Bill Gates' views on inheritance and his financial plans for his children. Key factual claims, such as Gates' net worth being $101.2 billion and his intention to leave less than 1% of his wealth to his children, align with information available from reputable sources. However, the article does not specify the exact percentage of inheritance, which could be a point for further clarification. Additionally, while it mentions Gates' philosophy on inheritance, direct quotes from his children about their reactions are absent, which might provide a fuller picture of the family dynamics.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Bill Gates' perspective, providing quotes and insights into his philosophy on wealth and inheritance. While it mentions Melinda Gates' viewpoint briefly, it does not delve deeply into her perspective or provide a balanced view of how both parents approach their children's upbringing post-divorce. The piece could benefit from including more diverse viewpoints, such as the children's perspectives or opinions from financial experts on the implications of such inheritance decisions.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses straightforward language, making it easy to understand Gates' views on inheritance. The logical flow from discussing his wealth to his children's upbringing and the Gates Foundation is coherent. However, it could benefit from a clearer distinction between Gates' personal views and general trends in wealth distribution among tech billionaires.

Source quality

The article cites Forbes for Bill Gates' net worth, which is a reliable source for financial data. However, it lacks diversity in sourcing, relying heavily on Gates' own statements from a podcast. Including additional authoritative sources, such as financial analysts or family law experts, could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides clear attributions to Bill Gates' statements, primarily from a podcast. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology for determining his net worth or the exact nature of the inheritance plans. It could improve by explaining how Gates' wealth is managed and how the inheritance decision aligns with broader philanthropic goals.