Steve Jobs’ widow is squandering the fortune she inherited. She has good reasons for doing so

Laurene Powell Jobs is channeling much of the wealth she inherited from Steve Jobs into philanthropy.

Through Emerson Collective and Waverley Street Foundation, she is backing education and climate-resilience efforts.

She plans to give away about $3.5 billion over the next decade, rather than preserve the fortune as a family legacy.

Her approach stands out among ultra-wealthy heirs who are choosing to spend down their wealth on social causes.