(NewsUSA) - Obscure lawsuits don’t just hurt corporations—they can hit consumers’ wallets and limit their choices.

Walk through almost any living room in America, and you’ll find a small miracle of engineering: a smart TV that streams your favorite shows, connects to Wi-Fi, syncs with your phone and updates itself overnight. What most people do not see is the battle behind the screen, where a troubling type of lawsuit can quietly push up the price of that TV or slow the release of new features by making it harder for companies to compete.

These cases often come from entities that are commonly known as patent trolls. Patent trolls don’t invent things or make products but exist solely to pursue lawsuits related to patents they buy. Patent troll litigation costs US firms an estimated $29 billion annually in direct legal expenses, and approximately $60 billion when accounting for lost firm value and diverted resources. Patent troll litigation surged 22% from 2023 to 2024 alone, making it a growing issue for American business.

The effect of this legal warfare doesn’t stop at the boardroom. It affects supply chains and, ultimately, the consumers buying the products. Think of it as a hidden tax on consumer technology. Money that could go to researching better features or making the products less expensive instead gets diverted to paying legal bills. A product that could have shipped this spring slips to the fall—or launches with fewer features. Over time, those delays and costs show up in higher prices and fewer choices at the store.

Patent trolls have been at work for decades. But now, in a new twist, patent trolls are being hired to file lawsuits against others in the industry. The aim isn’t to defend a real invention, but to make it harder for rivals by driving up legal costs, scaring off customers, delaying product launches, or pushing for monetary settlements. This puts more pressure on the price of everyday technology products.

Americans are noticing. A recent national poll shows many respondents see the connection between frivolous litigation and the prices they pay. According to the survey, 82% of those surveyed say they are concerned that patent abuse could lead to higher prices and supply chain disruptions for products made for U.S. consumers. Three in four Americans (73%) say they would be more likely to support companies that take a stand against patent trolls.

The same poll shows bipartisan concern about the effects of this kind of abuse in the US legal system. 90% agree that the U.S. must ensure a fair legal playing field so smaller companies can innovate and compete without fear of costly, frivolous lawsuits. And a clear majority said lawmakers should act to curb these kinds of lawsuits and strengthen transparency requirements around who is behind them.

State leaders are also taking notice and acting. In the past year, 15 governors from both parties have signed new laws aimed at curbing frivolous patent lawsuits, and more than thirty states nationwide have taken steps to discourage abuse by patent trolls.

Analysts say growing public attention to this issue reflects a broader concern about affordability and competition in the tech sector. Industry observers note that when companies use litigation as a competitive strategy, prices can rise, product improvements can take longer to reach the market, and smaller innovators—the firms that often drive new breakthroughs—can lose ground. Those effects can extend beyond technology companies, influencing local job growth, supply-chain stability, and U.S. competitiveness in global markets.

While the technology inside consumer electronics continues to advance, many Americans wonder if that innovation will remain affordable. Lawmakers and industry experts are weighing how best to ensure the legal system’s protections for genuine inventors, while discouraging tactics that use the courts to impede progress. They note that when litigation is used to block competition rather than defend ideas, it can lead to higher prices, fewer options and slower progress in the products consumers rely on every day.

(NewsUSA) - The federal government’s release of America’s AI Action Plan marks the most consequential artificial intelligence policy development of the current administration to date, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

“The AI Action Plan reinforces and accelerates the Administration’s existing strategy of pursuing American AI dominance,” said Ylli Bajraktari, CEO of SCSP, in a recent newsletter.

The AI Action Plan not only builds on previous efforts to accelerate innovation and dismantle regulatory barriers, but also asserts American leadership across AI.

The plan includes three pillars:

-Accelerate AI Innovation. A key feature of the government’s new policy of accelerating AI innovation is the removal of red tape and regulations that can impede it. The AI Action Plan emphasizes deregulation as a way to promote America’s AI dominance and foster innovation. The Plan encourages agencies with AI funding to consider the regulatory environments different states and ensure that federal funds are not trapped in restrictive policies. “The Plan also outlines reforms to Federal Trade Commission investigations that may have imposed undue liability burdens on AI innovators,” according to SCSP.

-Build American AI Infrastructure. The AI Action Plan dedicates an entire pillar to infrastructure development, acknowledging that abundant power is essential to U.S. competitiveness in AI.

 and abundant power are foundational to U.S. competitiveness in the AI era. Other recommended policy actions include developing secure, classified computing environments to support the safe deployment of sensitive AI models, and creating new technical standards for high-security AI data centers.

“These initiatives are designed to ensure that government AI workloads, especially in defense and intelligence, are run on infrastructure hardened against insider threats and nation-state actors,” Bajraktari noted.

-Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security. The AI Action Plan emphasizes that American leadership in AI is a matter of national and international security and calls for the export of full-stack AI solutions to our allies and partners. A recent executive order from the White House supports this pillar by directing various government agencies to streamline the coordination, financing, and deployment of these systems.

“This move directly advances SCSP’s call to make American AI the preferred global platform and to project AI leadership through strategic technology statecraft,” Bajraktari said.

For more information about SCSP and America’s continuing AI evolution, visit scsp.ai.

(NewsUSA) - Los avances acelerados en inteligencia artificial (IA) y otras tecnologías emergentes están transformando rápidamente el mercado laboral, con aproximadamente 170 millones de nuevos empleos previstos en la próxima década, y el 50 % de la Generación Z planeando emprender.

Ya sea que escales posiciones en una empresa o fundes tu propia compañía, triunfar en el mercado actual requiere liderazgo con dominio tecnológico, visión, conocimientos empresariales y agilidad. La buena noticia: no tienes que esperar hasta la universidad para adquirir estas habilidades—puedes comenzar en la secundaria.

Las escuelas de negocios de muchas universidades, incluyendo la Escuela de Administración del Instituto Tecnológico de Nueva York (New York Institute of Technology), ofrecen cursos, talleres y seminarios que permiten a estudiantes de secundaria iniciar su carrera universitaria. Algunas oportunidades incluso permiten obtener créditos universitarios.

Sin importar la carrera que elijas, aprender los fundamentos de negocios y emprendimiento impulsará tu desarrollo académico y profesional. Esto es lo que obtendrás:

• Conocimiento de tecnologías empresariales emergentes. Series de talleres como la Academia de Negocios para Secundaria de nuestra Escuela de Administración permiten a los estudiantes explorar aplicaciones reales de IA, tecnología financiera (FinTech), análisis digital y otras innovaciones en campos clave del negocio. A través de proyectos prácticos y debates dinámicos, los estudiantes descubren cómo las tecnologías de próxima generación están transformando industrias y trayectorias profesionales.
   
• Habilidades de alfabetización financiera. Según la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales, la demanda de habilidades financieras aumentará un 15 % para 2034. Los programas empresariales a nivel universitario, incluyendo los de New York Tech, preparan a los estudiantes para evaluar costos, analizar riesgos, realizar investigaciones forenses, gestionar portafolios e identificar inversiones estratégicas. Los estudiantes también son capacitados para tomar decisiones inteligentes en sus finanzas personales.
   
• Exposición a diversas trayectorias profesionales. Los estudios empresariales introducen a los estudiantes con aspiraciones universitarias a una amplia gama de carreras en emprendimiento, mercadeo, finanzas, contabilidad, gestión y otros campos. Por ejemplo, nuestra Academia de Negocios para Secundaria, impartida por profesores expertos, incluye talleres sobre emprendimiento y desarrollo profesional, entre otros temas. Además, programas como New York Tech Advance permiten a los estudiantes de secundaria comenzar su educación universitaria obteniendo créditos a tarifas significativamente reducidas.
   
• Habilidades blandas competitivas. A medida que la IA y la automatización se utilizan cada vez más para tareas rutinarias, la capacidad humana de innovar, comunicarse y pensar críticamente se vuelve aún más valiosa. Los programas empresariales universitarios fomentan habilidades de comunicación esenciales (tanto digitales como interpersonales) desde temprano, mientras capacitan a los estudiantes para negociar, colaborar y resolver conflictos en entornos laborales culturalmente diversos.

La Escuela de Administración de New York Tech ofrece oportunidades de aprendizaje virtuales y presenciales para preparar a estudiantes de secundaria interesados en la experiencia universitaria en negocios.

Conoce nuestros programas de grado integrados con IA, incluyendo licenciaturas en inteligencia artificial empresarial y análisis, contabilidad forense e investigación de fraude financiero, entre otros.

(NewsUSA) - Plus, meet the new Rich Cream with newly formulated RoC Retinol 7x more effective than standard Retinol

When it comes to turning back the clock, there's a reason every dermatologist, editor, and skincare-obsessed friend has the same answer: retinol. It’s the gold standard—the undisputed heavyweight champion of wrinkle-fighting—and for over 25 years, one brand has been leading the charge, earning the title of America’s #1 most awarded Retinol¹: RoC Skincare.

Back when retinol stability was a serious challenge (it's a notoriously difficult ingredient, degrading the second it hits light or air!), RoC achieved a monumental breakthrough. They cracked the code on keeping this powerhouse ingredient effective. By mastering stabilization through rigorous formulation, packaging and processing efforts, and validating via clinical trials, they didn't just innovate; they made the skincare ingredient of the century accessible for your daily routine. Now with 35+ patents and more than 25 million units sold², RoC stands on a legacy that continues to lead the anti-aging revolution.

"The reason retinol is the gold standard is simple: it works. It signals skin cells to renew themselves, effectively 'turning back the clock' on a cellular level,” says Dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna, MD, FAAD. “I constantly recommend RoC Retinol to my patients who are looking for visible results without the typical dryness and irritation, and am always excited to celebrate National Retinol Day with the original retinol brand!”

Beyond the Hype: The Clinically Proven Reasons We’re Loving RoC’s New Cream

In honor of the fifth annual National Retinol Day, RoC is pulling back the curtain on its newest skincare superstar, Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream. Created in partnership with top dermatologists, this cream isn't just about wrinkles—it’s a targeted solution for three top skin stressors we face as we age:

1. Persistent Dryness: That dull, desert-like feeling is the first sign of an unhappy skin barrier.
2. Deep Wrinkles: The ones that hang around, even when you aren't smiling.
3. Loss of Firmness: The frustrating slip-and-slide feeling when you wish things were a little more... lifted.

This powerhouse cream goes beyond traditional retinol. It’s formulated with patented RoC Retinol, which is clinically proven to be 7x more effective than standard Retinol, delivering faster results and continued improvement even after one year of use. It’s a complete revitalization system, supercharged with bioceramides and calcium to deeply hydrate, strengthen your skin's architecture, and deliver that firming power you usually have to book an in-office appointment for. Consider it the ultimate luxury treatment (but available for under $30!) that works while you sleep.

Quick Guide: The Rest of the Must-Have RoC Retinol Line

If you're already obsessed with the brand's classic Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Collection, here’s a refresher on the products that deserve a spot on your vanity:

Line Smoothing Eye Cream

The ultimate defense for the delicate eye area.

Why you need it now: It combines retinol with a mineral complex to specifically tackle the 3 visible signs of eye aging: crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles. bright eyes in minutes!

Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Retinol at its freshest—sealed for maximum potency.

Why you need it now: These capsules protect a lightweight serum from air and light, giving you a visibly fresher, smoother-skin glow by morning.

Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

The gentle giant of retinol.

Why you need it now: This genius formula improves lines with a time-release mechanism that delivers continuous retinol for up to 12 hours while infusing skin with plumping hyaluronic acid. Goodbye irritation, hello smooth, moisturized skin!

Find the new Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream on Amazon, and discover the full line for smoother, younger-looking skin.

¹Based on a 3rd party study using publicly available data sources from publications and media sources hosting beauty awards since 2010
²RoC internal unit sales data 12/31/18-10/26/25

(NewsUSA) - Choosing to drive when not fully alert is a form of impaired driving. In fact, drowsy driving causes one in every five deadly motor vehicle crashes. With frequent nighttime awakenings, early school drop-offs, and competing demands, parents and families are especially at risk of drowsy driving.

Not surprisingly, parents with infants and young children are more likely to drive drowsy than non-parents, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2025 Drowsy Driving survey, but teens are at risk, too. Approximately 1.7 million teens nationwide reported driving while not fully alert. However, parents surveyed by the NSF want to keep their families safe. They ranked getting enough sleep to stay alert while driving as more important to keeping their families safe than a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reduced TV time.

As part of its continued commitment to educate the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, NSF produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^®  every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert.^® Fortunately, families can take steps to reduce drowsy driving and stay safe on the road. Put these tips into practice:

Family obligations often get in the way of adequate sleep; more than one-third of adults and 20% of teens reported this concern. The good news is that family members can support each other by placing value on getting enough sleep. That means being open and honest about sleep needs, helping each other with household tasks and responsibilities, and creating a family culture that knows the value of sleep for health and safety.

According to the NSF survey, 72% of adults in the U.S. have urged someone not to drive drowsy, and in most cases, they are monitoring a family member. Don’t hesitate to speak up when the driver seems too tired. Also, include prioritizing sleep in discussions about family schedules. NSF recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for most adults and eight to ten hours for teens. Don’t forget to remind teens (and adults) to stay off their screens during the last hour before bedtime.

When families are traveling together, pay attention to any signs of driver drowsiness, such as the driver’s frequent yawning, blinking, or inattention to lane control or speed on the road, and encourage them to pull over to a safe place and rest, or allow another family member to take over if possible.

NSF shares more research-backed recommendations to help you feel and perform like your Best Slept Self®. These habits can help lower your risk of drowsy driving.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise, and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol, keeping a wind-down routine, and sleeping in a place that’s cool, dark, and quiet—which also means putting your screen devices away an hour before bed.

Visit theNSF.org for more key tips while you make your own plan to prevent drowsy driving, plus get NSF’s expert resources to help you be your Best Slept Self^®.There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep.

(NewsUSA) - “My Mountains” by Chris Smith

“My Mountains” is a tender, soul-searching memoir about grief, faith and the quiet strength it takes to keep climbing. Set in the rugged beauty of the Rockies, it tells the story of a mother who endures devastating loss and finds not answers, but presence — in the trees, the trails and the God who meets us in our pain.

This book is for anyone who has stood at the edge of heartbreak and wondered if joy could still be real. Through lyrical storytelling and honest reflection, “My Mountains” offers hope without platitudes and peace without pretending. It reminds us that we’re not alone on the trail — and that sometimes, the steepest paths lead to the most beautiful views.

Whether you are grieving, searching or simply longing for beauty again, this book will walk beside you — and leave you changed.

Learn more at www.authorchrismsmith.com.

“Searching for Bowlby” by C. V. Wooster

Meet the Father of Attachment Theory

John Bowlby may be one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in modern psychology. While Freud and Jung became household names, Bowlby quietly changed how the world understands childhood, love and emotional development.

“Searching for Bowlby” is a sweeping historical narrative that brings his story vividly to life. Born into Edwardian England, Bowlby grew up in an era when emotional distance was seen as discipline and affection as weakness. Those early fractures became the foundation of a theory that forever transformed parenting, psychotherapy and the way society views love, loss and resilience.

C. V. Wooster goes beyond academic biography to weave together meticulous research, historical context and human insight, revealing the man behind the theory. For anyone interested in psychology, history, biography or the timeless quest to understand love and human connection, “Searching for Bowlby” offers both an intimate portrait of a revolutionary thinker and a mirror for our own emotional lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47IyFuj.

“A World Gone Mad: The True Story of Surviving a Dictatorship” by Gretel Timan

A heartbreaking autobiography that offers a glimpse into life in East Germany and the life-changing experience of moving to the United States.

Gretel Timan grew up in East Germany and struggled with discrimination and restriction because her father was a capitalist, she had contact with her American aunt, and worst of all, she refused to join the Soviet-German friendship.

“Appreciated by the government were the people who were loyal and never questioned what happened. I was not one of them,” Gretel recalls. “I ran again and again into conflict with my government … I resisted and so put myself in danger.”

In 1957, she emigrated to the U.S., and her life changed dramatically. In her words, she became a “butterfly.” This book contains the struggles of her life: her tears, her defeats, her resistance, her hopes, all the ups and downs — and ups again.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49n0RVE.

“The Death Penalty Revisited” by Willard Bakeman

In “The Death Penalty Revisited,” an experienced criminal law attorney provides an overview of the history and current practice of capital punishment in America, and provides insights into changes and reforms that, if implemented, would be earth-shaking.

Reviewers are calling it “an engrossing and entertaining read” featuring “fascinating vignettes” of many criminal cases, from O.J. Simpson to Scott Peterson, with some “surprising conclusions never before expressed.” Author Willard Bakeman provides both sides of the arguments for and against the death penalty so that readers can reach their own conclusions on whether they favor or oppose the death penalty.

As a California trial attorney who’s been counsel in over 150 civil and criminal trials, Bakeman’s insights are both “truly surprising and mind-opening.” He addresses the details and significance of many criminal cases with cutting insight and in a manner that has never been done before. It is readable, entertaining and thought-provoking.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qjByKx.

(NewsUSA) - Swift advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the labor market, with approximately 170 million new jobs expected over the next decade, and 50 percent of Gen Z planning to pursue entrepreneurship.

Whether you climb the corporate ladder or found your own company, succeeding in today’s market requires tech-savvy leadership, vision, business acumen, and agility. The good news: you don’t have to wait until college to gain these skills—you can start in high school.

Business schools at many universities, including New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management, offer courses, workshops, and seminars enabling high school students to jumpstart their college careers. Some opportunities even allow you to earn college credits.

No matter which college major you pursue, learning the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship will advance your academic and professional careers. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Knowledge of emerging business technologies. Workshop series, like our School of Management’s High School Business Academy, allow students to explore real-world applications of AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), digital analytics, and other innovations across key business fields. Through hands-on projects, group challenges, and lively discussions, students uncover how next-generation technologies are reshaping industries and career possibilities.

• Financial literacy skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for finance skills will rise 15 percent by 2034. College-level business programs, including those at New York Tech, prepare students to evaluate costs, assess risks, analyze forensics, manage portfolios, and identify strategic investments. Students are also empowered to make smart personal finance decisions.

• Exposure to diverse career paths. Business studies introduce college-bound students to a wide range of careers in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, management, and other fields. For example, our High School Business Academy, taught by expert faculty, includes workshops on entrepreneurship and career development, among other topics. In addition, programs like New York Tech Advance allow high schoolers to get a head start on their college education by earning credits at a steeply discounted rate.

• Competitive soft skills. As AI and automation are increasingly used for routine business tasks, the human ability to innovate, communicate, and think critically has become ever more valuable. College-level business programs instill vital communication skills (both digital and interpersonal) early on, while training students to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts in culturally diverse work environments.

New York Tech’s School of Management offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities to prepare interested high school students for the business school experience.

Learn about our AI-infused degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in business AI and analytics, forensic accounting and financial fraud investigation, and more.   

(NewsUSA) - With the holidays just around the corner, many families find that the season of giving often turns into a season of overflowing toy bins. From stuffed animals to action figures, it doesn’t take long before every surface is covered with toys. But with a little planning and teamwork, families can declutter and make room for what matters most: time together.

Start with a simple system

Sort toys into four piles: things to keep, donate, recycle, or toss. Involve your child in the process. When kids help decide which toys stay and which can find a new home, they learn responsibility and generosity.

“Turn cleaning into fun and kindness,” said Ariel Bronson, KinderCare Individualized Education Specialist. “By explaining [to kids] that their toys will be donated or shared with other children, you help them see that their toys can make new friends and bring happiness elsewhere, often making it easier and more meaningful for them to let go.”

Think minimalist

Fewer toys can actually lead to more play. Children often get overwhelmed by too many choices and end up playing less. A smaller collection encourages creativity, focus, and imagination.

Once you’ve decluttered, organize what remains with labeled bins or baskets by category, like puzzles, art supplies, dolls or blocks. Keep the baskets or bins within your child’s reach so cleanup feels like part of playtime. If you want to, temporarily remove some things and rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh. Your child will feel like they have something “new” without adding more clutter.

Minimalism isn’t about taking joy away; it’s about making space for it. A tidy, peaceful play space helps kids settle into deeper, more imaginative play and helps parents breathe a little easier, too.

Teach lasting values

Beyond organizing, this tradition of decluttering and donating teaches lasting values. Children discover that giving feels good and that less can truly be more. And while gifts bring joy, time together brings connection, whether you’re building a fort, baking cookies, or reading a favorite story. That time to connect is what kids (and families) really want.

A little organization today can help your family focus on what the holidays are really about: joy, gratitude and togetherness.

Learn more about helping children build lifelong habits of kindness, confidence and care at KinderCare.com.

(K12) - Kicking a red rubber ball across the blacktop. Waving to a friend in a busy hallway. Trading snacks over a lunch table. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think.  

It’s in these everyday interactions that children learn some of life’s most important skills like sharing, resolving conflict, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. In essence, socialization isn’t just “nice-to-have" in childhood; it’s a developmental necessity. 

But today, many children aren’t getting the consistent, meaningful social interaction they need. Even before the pandemic, research showed that kids were spending less time together than previous generations. 

There are a number of reasons for this–but one primary factor is that not all students have the same access to social opportunities during the school day. 

Some move frequently because of military service, which means starting over often. Others experience bullying, exclusion, or safety concerns that make in-person schools feel unwelcoming. Some live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, or learn remotely and can miss out on informal, everyday interactions. And others simply haven’t found a community where they feel they belong.  

Thankfully, families can take simple steps to help children feel connected, build friendships, and strengthen social skills. 

Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer at K12, shares some ideas for getting started in your community: 

• Volunteering at local food banks, animal shelters, or churches 

• Library activities like reading clubs or STEM camps 

• Community activities including theater, martial arts, choir, or pottery 

• Recreational centers with pools, camps, classes, and sports teams 

• Youth esports leagues where children can experience teamwork 

For students who struggle to feel connected at school, whether due to frequent moves, safety concerns, or health challenges that keep them at home, McCoy offers a solution that might seem unexpected: virtual learning. 

“Many families share that online school was what their child needed to feel part of a community,” shares McCoy. “Students at K12-powered online schools attend live classes, participate in group projects, chat with friends in a virtual campus, attend in-person field trips, and compete in national competitions. Here, they can find a place where they feel safe and belong.” 

For many families, that sense of belonging was what their child needed. And every child deserves the chance to feel connected, no matter their circumstances.  

(NewsUSA) - The balance of the world’s wealth is shifting.  

Over the next two decades, Millennials and Gen Z are anticipated to reshape the world’s ultra-wealthy population, gradually overtaking Baby Boomers as the largest class of individuals with a personal worth exceeding $30 million.

But Baby Boomers aren’t stepping aside just yet.

More than 78 million Baby Boomers are looking to retire within the next 10 to 15 years, but they’re retiring later and at a more gradual pace than previous generations. The average planned retirement age now falls between 65 and 69, a marked shift from the past in which 65 was considered the age to retire.

And Baby Boomers aren’t just working longer – they’re also holding on to their power. Baby Boomers own more than 65 percent of businesses with employees, totaling nearly four million companies and controlling an estimated 80 percent of total U.S. net worth.

Increasingly, Baby Boomers are following more gradual exit paths from work than previous generations, easing into retirement and holding on to control long past traditional retirement age and gradually exiting the workforce. 

These gradual exits can pose serious challenges for future generations, particularly as it comes to succession planning. Despite this generation’s significant wealth and economic influence, 78 percent of Baby Boomer business owners do not have a formal exit or succession plan in place. 

This failure to plan can leave Baby Boomers vulnerable to losing their wealth and their legacy, as illustrated by Sumner Redstone, the media mogul behind Viacom and CBS. Though Redstone, who was in his nineties at the time, eventually designated his daughter as his successor, the path to succession involved public family conflict, lawsuits and reputational damage. This complex succession battle has marred his empire-building legacy. 

Baby Boomers may also find themselves vulnerable to manipulation from family members. Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish billionaire and media entrepreneur, is a prime example. Solorz’s children reportedly manipulated him into initiating succession protocol before he was ready to step down. At age 69, he is now fighting to retain control of the business empire he built from the ground up.

As Baby Boomers approach retirement, it’s critical that they take swift, proactive steps to safeguard themselves from financial and personal risks. 

The wealth shift is inevitable. But how it unfolds will depend in large part on how well today’s ultra-wealthy prepare for tomorrow.