• How I got AI to help me sell my old couch

    My old couch
    My old couch

    The Barr family purchased a new couch recently, and we've been trying to sell the old one. My wife posted in a local email group and a potential buyer got in touch with a question.

    "Do you happen to know the model? I would love to look it up online rather than asking you lots of questions. 🙂 Thanks!" she wrote.

    This is an old couch, so all product codes dissolved in the sands of time years ago. So, I took two photos of the furniture, uploaded them to Gemini, and asked for help. The Google chatbot sent back its best guess in seconds:

    "Tillary Sectional: This is a very popular, modular West Elm sofa that was available around that time.

    Appearance Match: The low back and deep seat are very characteristic of the Tillary. The Tillary is known for having interchangeable backrests that can be moved or removed, and your sofa's armless chaise and backrests look like they might be loose cushions or pieces, which is a key Tillary feature.

    Note: Search results show the Tillary was being reviewed and discussed around 2014, making it a strong possibility for a 2013 purchase."

    Gemini also shared other useful tips on how to identify the product, such as "Some West Elm couches have a zippered compartment on the back or bottom where extra components (like legs or connectors) are stored, and a tag may be inside."

    That was enough to find a product match and send all the details over to the buyer. We closed the deal, for $200, on Tuesday. That's enough for 10 months of a Gemini Pro subscription.

    This holiday period, the Barr family plans to spend a lot of time slouching on our new, fancy couch. I call it the "AI bubble couch."

    Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Google researchers find the best AI model is 69% right

    The law and AI technology
    The law and AI technology

    We just got a sobering picture of how often AI models get their facts straight. This week, Google DeepMind introduced the FACTS Benchmark Suite, which measures how reliably AI models produce factually accurate answers.

    It tests models in four areas: answering factoid questions from internal knowledge, using web search effectively, grounding responses in long documents, and interpreting images. The best model, Google's Gemini 3 Pro, reached 69% accuracy, with other leading models falling well below that.

    For context, if any of the reporters I manage filed stories that were 69% accurate, I would fire them.

    Beyond journalism, this number should matter to businesses betting on AI. While models excel at speed and fluency, their factual reliability still lags far behind human expectations, especially in tasks involving niche knowledge, complex reasoning, or precise grounding in source material.

    Even small factual errors can have outsized consequences in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and the law. This week, my talented colleague Melia Russell looked at how law firms are handling the rise of AI models as a source of legal truth. It's messy: She recounts how one firm fired an employee because they filed a document riddled with fake cases after using ChatGPT to draft it.

    The FACTS benchmark is a warning but also a roadmap: by quantifying where and how models fail, Google hopes to accelerate progress. But for now, the takeaway is clear: AI is getting better, but it's still wrong about one-third of the time.

    Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Taylor Swift’s net worth has reached the billions — see how the pop star makes and spends her fortune

    Taylor Swift performs during the Eras Tour in Florida.
    Taylor Swift performs during the Eras Tour in Florida.

    • Taylor Swift's net worth is $1.6 billion, according to Forbes.
    • The pop star and prolific songwriter has amassed a significant fortune throughout her career.
    • Here's how Swift earns and spends her money, from real estate to charitable donations.

    Taylor Swift is one of the biggest names in both music and business.

    At 15, she was the youngest songwriter to ever sign with Sony. Now in her 30s, Swift has 14 Grammys on her shelf — including four for album of the year, the most of any artist in history — several tours under her belt, a long list of chart-topping songs, and a beloved fan base who dub themselves "Swifties."

    Such success makes Swift one of the world's highest-paid celebrities and one of the richest female singers. According to a Bloomberg News analysis published on the eve of her "1989" album rerelease, Swift has built a billion-dollar empire.

    Forbes later confirmed her billion-plus net worth, citing in part her massive Eras Tour and its subsequent concert movie.

    See how Swift earns and spends her money below.

    Taylor Swift has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion.
    Taylor Swift onstage at the 2025 Grammys. She's wearing a red sparkly mini dress, red heels, and red lipstick and holding an envelope.
    Taylor Swift onstage at the 2025 Grammys.

    According to Forbes, which published a series of 2024 billionaire reports, Swift is the first musician to reach 10-figure status solely based on songwriting and performances rather than brand deals, makeup lines, or business ventures.

    Swift's vast fortune is primarily thanks to her valuable discography and earnings from streaming deals, music sales, concert tickets, and merchandise.

    Representatives for Swift did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider regarding the 2024 Forbes report.

    As of December 12, 2025, Forbes estimates Swift's net worth to be $1.6 billion.

    The pop star's record-breaking Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, propelled the singer to billionaire status.
    Taylor Swift performs "The Man" on the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "The Man" on the Eras Tour.

    Swift's 21-month, five-continent Eras Tour was nothing short of a sensation. By the end of its first year, it had become the first tour to gross over $1 billion in revenue and was on track to become the highest-grossing tour of all time. 

    In October 2023, after Swift toured 56 dates across the US and Mexico, the Eras Tour had already generated $780 million and added $4.3 billion to America's gross domestic product, according to Bloomberg Economics.

    Throughout 2024, Swift also made stops in Tokyo, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and 11 European countries.

    By the end of its run, the Eras Tour had grossed over $2 billion.
    Taylor Swift takes a bow while performing at the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift takes a bow while performing at the Eras Tour.

    The morning of Swift's final performance in Vancouver, The New York Times reported that the Eras Tour had crossed the $2 billion threshold, making it the first concert tour in history to do so.

    This figure was confirmed by Taylor Swift Touring, the singer's production company. All 149 stadium shows were sold out, and the company said over 10 million people attended the Eras Tour.

    That means the average ticket sold for $204, well above the industry average for top concert tours, per The New York Times. Resale tickets were even pricier, often going for thousands in secondhand markets.

    The movie version of the tour broke box-office records before it was even released. It grossed more than $261 million worldwide.
    taylor swift eras tour movie premiere

    Worldwide ticket presales had already exceeded $100 million before "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" was released (a day early) on October 12, 2023, AMC Theatres reported.

    According to ticketing service Fandango, the film set a record for the highest first-day ticket sales in 2023. It has also become the highest-grossing concert movie of all time, surpassing "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

    Swift, who bypassed movie studios to personally fund the concert movie, received half of the film's box office earnings. It grossed $261 million worldwide.

    Swift cashed in on her blockbuster Eras Tour movie again by selling the streaming rights to Disney for more than $75 million.
    Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023.

    Once "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" had left theaters, Swift struck a deal with Disney+ to release the extended version on streaming.

    According to Puck News, Disney paid upward of $75 million for the exclusive rights.

    Citing anonymous sources, the outlet reported that Disney's Bob Iger outbid Netflix and Universal Pictures (which handled VOD distribution for the film in December) for the streaming rights by offering a huge sum, which the other two streamers couldn't match.

    Disney+ released another version of the concert movie, dubbed "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show," on December 12, 2025. It was filmed during the tour's last stop in Vancouver.

    Swift also released an Eras Tour photo book, which sold over 800,000 copies in its first weekend.
    Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" book for sale at Target.
    "The Eras Tour Book" was sold for $39.99 at Target.

    Shortly before the Eras Tour concluded, Swift released a photo book for Black Friday.

    As she did with the Eras Tour film, Swift circumvented traditional routes and opted to self-publish, ensuring she would receive a greater share of the book's revenue.

    The book was exclusively available at Target and sold hundreds of thousands of copies in its first weekend, becoming the second-best-selling non-fiction title after Barack Obama's presidential memoir.

    Swift has endorsement deals and partnerships with high-profile brands.
    Taylor Swift's 2022 Capitol One commercial.
    Taylor Swift's 2022 Capitol One commercial.

    Throughout her career, Swift has partnered with notable brands such as Capital One, AT&T, Stella McCartney, Elizabeth Arden perfumes, American Express, Keds, Diet Coke, Walmart, and Apple.

    But touring has long been Swift's biggest moneymaker. The 1989 World Tour grossed more than $250 million in 2015.
    taylor swift 1989 tour
    Taylor Swift performs during the "1989" tour in Shanghai, China.

    The 1989 World Tour was the year's highest-grossing concert tour by far, according to the Los Angeles Times.

    She earned even more during her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018.
    taylor swift reputation tour
    Taylor swift high-fives fans during the 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour.

    Billboard reported that at the time, the Reputation Stadium Tour broke the record for the highest-grossing tour in US history. Swift earned an average of $7 million per show, more than double the US per-concert average during the "1989" tour.

    But her tours don't only generate ticket sales. Swift also earns a substantial amount of money from merchandise.
    taylor swift merch eras tour fans
    Taylor Swift fans buy merch at an Eras Tour stop in Melbourne, Australia.

    In April 2023, Forbes estimated that Swift's coveted on-site merchandise — which she sells at an average price of $80 —could add an estimated $87 million in proceeds to her fortune.

    Swift made over $50 million in 2021 by rerecording her earlier work.
    Taylor Swift performs "All Too Well" during the Eras Tour in Toronto.
    Taylor Swift performs "All Too Well" during the Eras Tour in Toronto.

    Swift embarked on a mission to rerecord her first six albums after Scooter Braun, whom she accused of "incessant, manipulative bullying," purchased the legal rights to her back catalog in 2019. (He later sold the masters to Shamrock Capital, a private-equity company, in a reported $300 million sale.)

    Swift released the first installment in the series, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)," in 2021. It debuted atop the Billboard 200 — indicating this would be a lucrative venture for Swift. Later that year, Swift's new version of "Red" became one of the year's top-selling albums.

    The two rerecorded albums helped place Swift on Forbes' "The Highest-Paid Entertainers 2022" report.

    She has since released "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" and "1989 (Taylor's Version)." The latter sold over 1.6 million equivalent units in its first week, surpassing the original's total.

    Swift amassed an estimated $230 million in record sales following the release of her 2022 album "Midnights."
    Taylor Swift performs "Midnight Rain" on the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "Midnight Rain" on the Eras Tour.

    The massive sales for Swift's 10th album, "Midnights," generated $230 million for her label UMG," The Guardian reported.

    With more than 1.5 million equivalent album units earned in the US in its first week, "Midnights" landed the biggest week for an album in seven years (since Swift's own album "Reputation").

    Swift's 2024 album, "The Tortured Poets Department," became her longest-running No. 1 album yet.
    Taylor Swift performs "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" on the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" on the Eras Tour.

    Swift's 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," was released on April 19, 2024. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 2.61 million equivalent album units sold in its first week.

    This sum was thanks to high streaming numbers and physical album sales, especially vinyl sales, which Swift pushes more successfully than anyone else. According to a Billboard report from November 2023, one in every 15 vinyls sold in the US is one of Swift's.

    Fans continued to buy and stream "Poets" throughout the year, sending it to No. 1 for 17 weeks, the most of any album in 2024 and one of the longest chart runs this century.

    On September 30, 2025, "Poets" was certified 8x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), meaning it sold at least 8 million copies in the US in less than two years.

    Throughout the Eras Tour, Swift donated huge amounts to food banks along her route.
    Taylor Swift performs "Bejeweled" on the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "Bejeweled" on the Eras Tour.

    Throughout the first US leg of her Eras Tour, Swift habitually made large donations to local food pantries. She continued this tradition throughout the tour's European leg.

    Swift also gave hundreds of millions in bonuses to the crew of the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift and her dancers perform during the Eras Tour in Florida.
    Taylor Swift and her dancers perform during the Eras Tour in Florida.

    People reported that Swift distributed about $197 million in bonuses to crew members, including dancers, bandmates, backup singers, sound technicians, caterers, carpenters, security, and others, who made the Eras Tour possible.

    "Bonus day is so important because setting a precedent with the Eras Tour is really important to me," Swift said in her Disney+ docuseries, "The End of an Era."

    "If the tour grosses more, they get more of a bonus. And these people just work so hard, and they are the best at what they do," she added. "It feels like Christmas morning when you finally get to say thank you."

    Michael Scherkenbach, founder and CEO of the Colorado-based trucking company Shomotion — one of two transportation companies used by the tour — told CNN that each trucker received a $100,000 check from Swift. He described the amount of money as "life-changing."

    "The typical amount is $5,000 to $10,000 each," Scherkenbach said. "So this large amount is unbelievable."

    In 2025, Swift announced she had bought back her masters, which will likely increase her net worth over time.
    Taylor Swift performs "Look What You Made Me Do" at the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "Look What You Made Me Do" at the Eras Tour.

    On May 30, 2025, Swift announced she had bought back her masters from Shamrock Capital.

    "All I've ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to one day purchase my music outright with no strings attached, no partnership, with full autonomy," Swift wrote in an open letter to fans. "I will be forever grateful to everyone at Shamrock Capital for being the first people to ever offer this to me."

    The purchase gave Swift full ownership of her life's work — including her albums, music videos, and concert films — for the first time in her career.

    Swift later said she'd been "actively saving up money" since she was a teenager, but the success of the Eras Tour finally made the purchase possible.

    Swift has not disclosed the terms of the deal, but sources told Billboard that she paid about $360 million, meaning Shamrock "did not make much, if any, profit off the sale of the assets."

    After Swift launched her rerecording venture, many devoted fans refused to listen to the original recordings of her first six albums, which they called the "stolen versions." The masters owned by Shamrock became systematically devalued with each "Taylor's Version" release, likely giving her leverage in their negotiations.

    Now that the masters belong to Swift, fans will once again feel free to stream and buy those albums, making them more valuable in her hands. Swift will also be able to sell physical copies, use the photography and artwork for merchandise, and license the songs for commercial use. She will continue to earn royalties from the "Taylor's Version" releases as well as the originals.

    "Ownership of the six masters will undoubtedly improve Taylor's take-home pay," Larry Miller, director of the Music Business Program at New York University, told Newsweek. "Under Braun's and Shamrock's ownership, Taylor declined requests to license the original masters for film and TV. Now they'll be licensed, and the old, much-loved masters will generate revenue for the rest of her life — and beyond."

    Two of Swift's albums have been certified diamond.
    Taylor Swift performs "Fearless" on the Eras Tour.
    Taylor Swift performs "Fearless" on the Eras Tour.

    Ahead of the release of her Eras Tour-inspired album, Swift submitted her catalog for updated certifications from the RIAA, which uses a third-party auditing firm to verify sales and streaming figures.

    Swift's sophomore album, "Fearless," had already been certified diamond back in 2017, one of just a few albums by female artists to receive the award.

    On September 30, 2025, Swift received her second diamond album award for her 2014 album, "1989," which the RIAA confirmed had sold at least 14 million copies in the US since its original release.

    The RIAA also announced that Swift had become the first and only female artist to surpass 100 million certified album sales in the US.

    Swift's newest album, "The Life of a Showgirl," broke the record for the biggest sales week in history.
    Taylor Swift in a press photo for "The Life of a Showgirl."
    Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" was released on October 3, 2025.

    If "The Life of a Showgirl" is proof of anything, it's that Swift's imperial phase is far from over.

    Billboard reported that within 24 hours of release, Swift's 12th studio album had already moved 3.2 million equivalent units through a combination of physical sales, digital sales, and streams.

    Citing data from Luminate, Billboard said 2.7 million of those units were pure sales.

    "Showgirl" went on to move over 4 million units in its debut week, breaking the all-time record previously held by Adele's "25."

    The album's lead single, "The Fate of Ophelia," also broke Spotify records for the most-streamed song in a day, previously held by Swift's own "Fortnight," and the most-streamed song in a week, previously held by Miley Cyrus' "Flowers."

    Swift has amassed an impressive fortune since her debut — and she knows how to spend it. Her real-estate portfolio is worth a reported $110 million.
    taylor swift cowboy boots CMA Music Festival 2007
    Taylor Swift moved to Nashville as a teenager.

    Swift's real-estate portfolio consists of eight properties in four different states.

    In Nashville, she owns a 3,240-square-foot condo worth an estimated $3 million and a 5,600-square-foot Greek Revival estate worth an estimated $2.5 million. The latter is the cheapest property she owns.

    In LA, Swift owns a 10,982-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion worth nearly $30 million.
    taylor swift brother austin swift
    Austin and Taylor Swift attend the 2013 Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

    In 2017, she helped get the home, originally owned by Samuel Goldwyn, designated as a historic landmark.

    Across the coast, Swift owns an estate with seaside views in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, for which she reportedly paid $17.75 million.
    taylor swift watch hill mansion
    Taylor Swift's Rhode Island mansion photographed during the eye of the Tropical Storm Henri on August 22, 2021

    With 12,000 square feet, it has plenty of room for parties and even inspired her song "The Last Great American Dynasty."

    But that's nothing compared to the estimated $40 million worth of property Swift owns in New York City on the same block in Tribeca.
    taylor swift street style 2018
    Taylor Swift outside her Tribeca apartment in 2018.

    That includes an 8,309-square-foot duplex penthouse and a four-story townhouse.

    She used to rent an apartment on Cornelia Street — the famous inspiration behind her "Lover" track "Cornelia Street" — which was listed in 2023 with a $17.9 million price tag.

    Swift needs a way to travel among all these homes. She reportedly owns a Dassault private jet.
    Taylor Swift is seen in the Meatpacking District on November 8, 2024.
    Taylor Swift is seen in New York City on November 8, 2024.

    The Dassault 7X is registered to Island Jet Inc., a holding company listed under the same address as Taylor Swift Productions.

    Swift used to have two private jets, but she quietly sold one amid criticism of her carbon footprint. ("Taylor's jet is loaned out regularly to other individuals," a rep for Swift said in a statement. "To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect.")

    There's no word on how much she paid for these vehicles, but a brand-new Dassault 900 has a list price of $44 million, according to Business Jet Traveler. Elon Musk owns a similar model that costs about $26 million.

    She is famously generous with her real estate, letting friends and fellow celebrities crash at her homes.
    Taylor Swift dined with Brittany Mahomes, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Sophie Turner in New York City in 2023.
    Taylor Swift dined with Brittany Mahomes, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Sophie Turner in New York City in 2023.

    "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner said Swift came to her rescue when she was in the throes of her divorce from Joe Jonas, with whom Turner shares two daughters.

    Turner told British Vogue that she contacted Swift about good places to rent in New York City, where Turner filed a petition seeking an updated custody agreement. Instead, Swift offered her own apartment.

    "Taylor was an absolute hero to me this year," Turner said. "I've never been more grateful to anyone than I am for her because she took my children and me, and provided us with a home and a safe space. She really has a heart of gold."

    Back in the "1989" era, Swift revealed to Rolling Stone that her best friend at the time, Karlie Kloss, had her own dedicated bedroom in Swift's New York City apartment. According to the outlet, Swift had prepared a basket of the supermodel's favorite snacks to sit beside the bed.

    More recently, Zoë Kravitz and her mother, Lisa Bonet, crashed at Swift's home in Los Angeles for two weeks after their own homes were threatened by wildfires.

    Swift often spends money dining out with her loved ones, especially in New York City.
    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dined in New York City's Meatpacking District on December 28, 2024.
    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dined in New York City's Meatpacking District on December 28, 2024.

    In the past, Swift has been spotted enjoying dinner at New York City restaurants like The Fat Radish, The Spotted Pig, Sarabeth's, L'Asso, Nobu, Lucali, and Vita Carota.

    Swift's fiancé, Travis Kelce, has his own formidable net worth. The engagement ring he gave Swift could be worth upward of $1 million.
    Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Taylor Swift after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.
    Taylor Swift has her arms around Travis Kelce.

    Swift began dating Kelce in the summer of 2023. Two years later, the three-time Super Bowl champion proposed to Swift with a diamond ring designed by Kindred Lubeck.

    Ajay Anand, the CEO and founder of the diamond retailer Rare Carat, told Business Insider that the jewelry's value is likely around $1 million.

    Forbes estimates Kelce's net worth to be $70 million, largely thanks to his 13-season NFL career. Kelce's most recent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, a two-year extension signed in April 2024, is worth $34.25 million.

    Kelce has also diversified his business ventures beyond football, including a three-year podcast deal worth over $100 million, a bespoke clothing brand, and partnerships with companies like Pepsi and Subway.

    Swift has always been philanthropic with her money — supporting the arts, social causes, and people in need.
    taylor swift nashville symphony donation
    Taylor Swift and Alan Valentine at the 2011 Nashville Symphony Ball.

    On her 24th birthday, she donated $100,000 to the Nashville Symphony, according to People.

    Swift pledged $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame to fund an education center.
    taylor swift education center
    The Taylor Swift Education Center officially opened in 2013.

    Her commitment to education doesn't stop with music; Swift also donated $50,000 to New York City public schools, People reported.

    She has donated millions to support victims of natural disasters.
    taylor swift iheart radio awards 2016

    In 2010, Swift donated $500,000 to Nashville flood relief, and in 2016, she donated $1 million to the victims of the Louisiana floods.

    Swift also raised $750,000 through a Speak Now Help Now benefit concert for victims of tornadoes in the southern US in 2011, according to People.

    More recently, Swift made a $5 million donation to communities affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

    Swift has also been known to support victims of gun violence in recent years.

    Swift has also donated tens of thousands to GoFundMe campaigns and struggling fans.
    Taylor Swift with fans in 2019.
    Taylor Swift with fans in 2019.

    In 2020, Swift quietly donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe for a mother of five in Tennessee, whose husband died of COVID-19 days before Christmas. She also gifted $13,000 each to two moms struggling financially in the pandemic.

    Earlier that year, Swift donated over $27,000 to a GoFundMe for a university student in the UK who said her immigrant status made her ineligible for maintenance loans or grants.

    "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality," Swift wrote when she sent her donation, per USA Today. "I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor."

    Swift has made these personalized donations a habit throughout her career. Over the years, she has gifted thousands of dollars to fans who could not afford their college tuition, medical bills, mortgage payments, and student loans.

    Swift's longtime friend, Ruby Rose, said she has watched Swift scroll through GoFundMe "like a social media app, clicking 'reach their donation' like the 'like' button."

    Swift is particularly passionate about backing LGBTQ+ organizations.
    taylor swift stonewall inn
    Taylor Swift performs at the Stonewall Inn during Pride Month in 2019.

    Swift has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, threading references to the fight for equal rights into songs like "Welcome to New York" and "You Need to Calm Down."

    Back in 2016, Swift participated in a charity auction to help keep the historic Stonewall Inn operational. The New York City gay bar was the scene of a police raid in 1969, sparking a riot that helped launch the nationwide fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

    More recently, Swift has made large donations to the Tennessee Equality Project and GLAAD, in addition to her vocal support for The Equality Act.

    Swift even helps out her fellow pop stars. She gave Kesha $250,000 to help with legal fees during her lawsuit against Dr. Luke.
    Kesha performed "Praying" at the 2018 Grammys.
    Kesha performed "Praying" at the 2018 Grammys.

    For several years, Kesha was embroiled in a defamation lawsuit after she accused the music producer Dr. Luke, her former mentor, of "unrelenting abuse" and rape. (Dr. Luke denied the allegations, and they reached a settlement in 2023.)

    The "Rainbow" singer revealed Swift's donation during an interview with Rolling Stone in 2017.

    Kesha described Swift as a "sweetheart. Very, very sweet, very, very genuine, extremely generous, picks up the phone every time I call her. My mom doesn't even always pick up the phone!"

    Despite her deep pockets, Swift isn't one to squander her money. She has proven herself to be incredibly savvy with investments.
    Taylor Swift at the 2022 VMAs.
    Taylor Swift at the 2022 VMAs.

    In 2022, Swift pulled out of a $100 million sponsorship deal with Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX after she questioned whether the company was selling "unregistered securities."

    As Business Insider previously reported, many other celebrities, such as Tom Brady and Stephen Curry, failed to do so and were subsequently sued for endorsing the now-bankrupt crypto exchange.

    Eve Crosbie, Hillary Hoffower, Libby Torres, and Taylor Nicole Rogers contributed to earlier versions of this story.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • $5,000 in CBA shares at the start of 2025 is now worth…

    A woman wearing a yellow shirt smiles as she checks her phone.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are a popular option for Aussie investors.

    You only need to look at its share registry to see that.

    According to its annual report, Australia’s largest bank has over 800,000 shareholders.

    And even if you don’t own CBA shares directly, there’s a high probability that you have exposure to the bank through your superannuation fund.

    In light of this, it isn’t far-fetched to say that the performance of the CBA share price has a major impact on the wealth of the nation.

    But has that impact been positive or negative in 2025? Let’s see what $5,000 invested in its shares at the start of the year would be worth now.

    $5,000 invested in CBA shares

    At the end of 2024, the CBA share price was fetching $153.25.

    This means that with $5,000 (and an extra $57.25 for good measure), investors could have picked up a total of 33 shares.

    Was this a good idea? Let’s find out.

    Well, it certainly was a good idea for the first half of the year. In late June, CBA’s shares hit a record high of $192.00.

    At that point, those shares would have had a market value of $6,336. This is almost $1,300 greater than the original investment.

    But unfortunately, the second half of the year wasn’t anywhere near as positive after concerns over the bank’s valuation and modest growth outlook finally caught up with its shares.

    On Friday, the company’s share price ended the week at $155.96. This is down almost 19% from its June high.

    It is also only modestly ahead of the price that investors would have paid at the end of 2024, giving those 33 shares a market value of $5,146.68.

    Don’t forget the dividends

    Though, it is worth remembering that the bank has paid two fully franked dividends over the period. In March, CBA rewarded shareholders with a $2.25 per share interim dividend. It then followed this up with a fully franked $2.60 per share final dividend in September.

    This means that those 33 CBA shares would have pulled in dividend income of $160.05 over the 12 months.

    If we assume that those dividends were reinvested, an investor’s shareholding would now be worth a total of $5,306.73.

    That’s a total return of 4.9% for investors or approximately $250.00. Not the best, but certainly not the worst in a volatile market.

    The post $5,000 in CBA shares at the start of 2025 is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia right now?

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 magnificent ASX stocks to own for the long haul

    A man closesly watch a clock, indicating a delay or timing issue on an ASX share price movement

    Whenever I buy ASX stocks, I try and think of the teachings of legendary investor Warren Buffett. Buffett has long espoused the value of long-term investing, once famously remarking that his favourite period to hold a stock is “forever”. While this isn’t always practical (Buffett himself has often sold his own shares), I think this idea is still a fantastic north star for any investor to keep in their view.

    So today, let’s discuss two magnificent ASX stocks that I think are fantastic choices to own for the long haul.

    Two magnificent ASX stocks that I would buy and hold

    L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

    The L1 Long Short Fund is a listed investment company (LIC) that I’ve had my eye on for a while now. Like most LICs, the Long Short Fund holds an underlying portfolio of shares and investments that it owns and manages on behalf of its investors.

    Unlike most LICs, though, the Long Short Fund employs short selling, as well as traditional ‘long’ investing (hence the name). This it has done to great effect, for this company’s portfolio has returned an average of 18.2% per annum over the past five years (as of 30 November). Some of its best positions in recent months have been Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW), Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA), and a short position in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    This LIC doesn’t come cheap, with L1 charging an annual management fee of 1.44% per annum. However, if it keeps on delivering those outsized returns, it might be a price well worth paying.

    MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

    Onto another magnificent ASX stock and LIC, we have MFF Capital Investments. MFF is a more traditional LIC, only holding investments. In this case, those investments are mostly American shares.

    Like Warren Buffett, MFF prefers to invest in well-positioned companies at compelling prices and hold them for the long term. Many of MFF’s largest positions have been portfolio stalwarts for years. These include Amazon, Visa, Alphabet, Mastercard, and American Express.

    MFF has a long track record of delivering sizeable returns for investors. By my calculations, its shareholders have enjoyed an average return of about 15.7% per annum over the past 15 years. MFF also has an attractive dividend growth policy, having raised its payouts from 2 cents per share in 2017 to 17 cents per share investors bagged in 2025 (an annual growth rate of over 30%). Those dividends come fully franked too.

    All in all, I believe MFF is another magnificent ASX stock, one that I personally own for the long haul.

    The post 2 magnificent ASX stocks to own for the long haul appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in L1 Long Short Fund Limited right now?

    Before you buy L1 Long Short Fund Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and L1 Long Short Fund Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Light & Wonder Inc, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Light & Wonder Inc, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 55

    man helping couple use a tablet

    By the time Australians reach 55, retirement stops feeling theoretical and starts looking close enough to plan for.

    With roughly 12 years until the age pension begins at 67, many people start taking a hard look at their super and wondering whether they are genuinely on track.

    But superannuation isn’t a subject that most people want to talk about, and there is no obvious benchmark to compare yourself against.

    So, what does the average 55-year-old actually have saved for retirement? Let’s break it down.

    What is the average superannuation balance at age 55?

    There isn’t a single precise figure for 55-year-olds, but we can get a clear estimate by looking at the adjacent age groups from data provided by superannuation fund Rest Super. It had approximately 2 million members and around $100 billion in funds under management at the end of September.

    According to the data, women aged 50–54 hold an average balance of $176,824, which rises to $228,259 in the 55–59 bracket.

    Men in the same groups have $237,084 and $301,922, respectively.

    Taking the midpoint of each range gives us a reasonable estimate of where the average 55-year-old sits today:

    • Women: approximately $200,000
    • Men: approximately $270,000

    If your balance is close to these figures, you are tracking broadly in line with the national average. However, being average and being retirement-ready are not always the same thing.

    Is this enough for a comfortable retirement?

    According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a single person needs about $595,000 in super to achieve a comfortable retirement.

    This type of retirement covers everyday living expenses plus extras like private health insurance, leisure activities, and occasional travel.

    Using Rest Super’s calculator, a 55-year-old woman earning $70,000 a year and starting with a $200,000 balance would reach around $375,000 by age 67. Whereas a man starting at $270,000 would finish with about $470,000.

    Both figures fall short of ASFA’s comfortable benchmark.

    The picture looks far brighter for couples, though. An average 55-year-old couple, combining today’s estimates, would reach roughly $812,000 by age 67. This is comfortably above ASFA’s recommended $690,000 balance for couples.

    For those targeting a no frills, modest retirement, the bar is much lower. ASFA estimates a single person needs around $100,000, assuming they will receive the age pension to cover the bulk of living costs.

    What if your super balance isn’t where you hoped?

    Falling behind the average doesn’t mean your retirement plans are derailed. At 55, there is still meaningful time to boost your savings, particularly with higher concessional contribution caps, downsizer contributions (if eligible), and the compounding effect of strong long-term returns.

    It may also be worth reviewing whether your investment option matches your time horizon, your fund’s fees and long-term performance, and whether consolidating multiple accounts could reduce costs.

    Small adjustments now can translate into tens of thousands more by retirement.

    Foolish takeaway

    Understanding the average superannuation balance at 55 is useful, but it is only a starting point. What matters most is whether your super, combined with other savings and future income sources, aligns with the lifestyle you want in retirement.

    With more than a decade ahead before reaching pension age, there’s still time to grow your nest egg.

    The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 55 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 great ASX shares I’m buying to become a millionaire

    A businesswoman in a suit and holding a briefcase marches higher as she steps from one stack of coins to the next.

    I like to use ASX shares as the way to build my wealth. It’s easy to progressively add small amounts to my portfolio, and compounding can help grow my portfolio at a very satisfactory pace, if I choose right. Hopefully, I can reach a $1 million portfolio one day.

    I don’t want to have to deal with tenants, repairs, land taxes or a rental agent – ASX shares are my preference over investment properties.

    What sorts of ASX share investments are the right call? Well, I like to keep one of Warren Buffett’s sayings in mind for this.

    He said that the first rule of investing is don’t lose money. The second rule is don’t forget rule number one. It’s with this mindset that I’m putting quite a bit of my regular investment money into the following ASX shares.

    MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

    I’m a big believer that investing in the best businesses makes a lot of sense because of how they compound earnings year after year. If a business grows its earnings at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 10%, the profit will double in less than eight years.

    MFF describes its investing strategy as the following:

    We take a long-term view and focus on a select group of businesses that offer attractive combinations of quality and value, clear our high opportunity cost hurdle and create the potential for self-reinforcing growth. Our portfolio today comprises approximately 25 individual investments in some of the world’s best exchange-listed businesses.

    Its largest seven positions include Alphabet, Mastercard, Visa, Bank of America, American Express, Meta Platforms and Amazon.

    I like this ASX share because of the combination of share price growth and dividend growth it has delivered to investors.

    Its FY26 guided dividends equate to a grossed-up dividend yield of around 6%, including franking credits. It’s trading at a discount of close 10% of its net tangible assets (NTA), which looks appealing to me.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    Long-term investing is easy when you own businesses that have strong long-term potential.

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF) looks to invest in US businesses that are seen to have economic moats that are expected to endure for a long time and enable them to generate strong profits for many years to come.

    To put a timeframe on it, the Morningstar analysts expect the economic moat to almost certainly last a decade and more likely than not to last two decades. After that, the fund only invests when these great businesses are trading cheaper than what Morningstar analysts think they’re worth.

    The MOAT ETF hasn’t needed to rely on the US tech giants for its long-term returns that have averaged in the mid-teens and I think it’s capable of delivering good returns in the coming years.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    Soul Patts is one of my favourite ASX share investments for diversification and long-term returns. It has already been listed on the ASX for 100 years and I think it still has a very long-term history ahead.

    It operates as an investment conglomerate that has stakes (or full ownership) of a variety of listed and private businesses. Some of its investments include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA), Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS), Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS), Nexgen Energy (Canada) CDI (ASX: NXG) and plenty more.

    I like how the ASX share has built a portfolio of businesses that can perform in all economic conditions and deliver rising cash flow generation along with a growing portfolio value. Its investments can organically grow themselves, plus Soul Patts regularly makes new investments.

    The post 3 great ASX shares I’m buying to become a millionaire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments, Tuas, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Electro Optic Systems, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Meta Platforms, Mff Capital Investments, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • US Air Force pilots finally have a training jet built for a modern air war of stealth fighters and bombers

    The back of a grey aircraft with bright-red tails. The sky is overcast in the background.
    The T-7 Red Hawk is the Air Force's new training jet.

    • The Air Force received its first T-7 Red Hawk, a new aircraft for training pilots.
    • The T-7 Red Hawk will replace the 60-year-old T-38 Talon.
    • The aircraft will be used to teach pilots to operate a variety of aircraft, from fighters to bombers.

    US Air Force pilots have a new training aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk, promising to prepare them to fly fifth-generation fighters, stealth bombers, and the US' planned sixth-generation fighter.

    The first T-7 Red Hawk trainer, made by Boeing, arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas this month. The new training aircraft will replace Northrop Grumman's T-38 Talon, which pilots have been training on for six decades. The Air Force no longer deems the trainer sufficient for preparing the service's pilots for future warfare. That's why replacing the outdated Talon has been on the Air Force's to-do list for years.

    "The T-38 has been life-extended multiple times," said Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, director of plans, program, requirements, and international Affairs for Air Education and Training Command, in a statement. "There's an escalating cost of retaining the airplane and keeping it flyable," he said, adding that the plane "is no longer aligned with current or future aircraft."

    In 2023, the Government Accountability Office, a government watchdog agency, reported the Air Force was relying on the aging T-38 as a new flight simulator was delayed by a decade and new training aircraft were being developed. The aircraft, the GAO said, "is increasingly expensive to maintain and is no longer reflective of modern combat aircraft."

    The Air Force sees the transition to the new T-7 Red Hawk as a fundamental shift in how pilots are trained for high-stress, modern air combat.

    "From day one, students won't just be learning to fly," Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, the 19th Air Force commander, said in a statement. They'll be learning to manage information, interpret data from advanced sensors, and make critical decisions in a complex environment, all from within the trainer."

    "This aircraft," he said, "enables us to close the gap between basic pilot training and the realities of fifth generation plus warfare, producing more capable, intuitive warfighters right out of the gate."

    The front of a T-7 Red Hawk jet is seen as the aircraft is parked on tarmac. The sky is light blue in the background.
    The T-7 Red Hawk will teach pilots how to fly fifth-generation fighters as well as the Air Force's new stealth bomber and F-47.

    The new T-7 Red Hawk will teach pilots how to fly some of the most advanced aircraft the US has, like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft.

    And under the hood of the sleek, red-tailed trainer is a flexible open design that can be updated with new features as they arrive. The trainer will also prepare pilots to fly aircraft still in development and testing, such as the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the upcoming sixth-gen F-47, which is being built by Boeing.

    Along with the T-7 Red Hawk, new ground and maintenance training systems will help pilots build skills and keep aircraft mission-ready. A live-virtual-constructive setup — which links real flights and simulators into the same scenarios — will let the Air Force update training with new threats, platforms, and weapons without needing a new aircraft.

    The Air Force still has several steps to take before the T-7 Red Hawk becomes operational.

    The jet is still in development, and both pilots and maintenance personnel will need training on the systems. Instructor pilots will fly it first, with students following after. The T-7 is expected to reach initial operational capability in August 2027, with 14 aircraft expected at the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base later that year. Until then, pilots will train on the T-6 Texan II.

    Other Air Force bases, like Columbus in Mississippi, Laughlin in Texas, Vance in Oklahoma, and Sheppard in Texas, will get more T-7 Red Hawks in the following years.

    "The aircraft delivery is the first physical representation of progress within the program," Leard said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Taylor Swift gave her Eras Tour crew bonuses in amounts that literally made their jaws drop

    Taylor Swift and her dancers perform during the Eras Tour in Milan.
    Taylor Swift and her dancers perform during the Eras Tour in Milan.

    • Taylor Swift's "The End of an Era" docuseries features behind-the-scenes footage from the Eras Tour.
    • In episode two, Swift is shown handing out bonuses to her dancers, musicians, and crew members.
    • Swift reportedly distributed $197 million in bonuses throughout the tour.

    Taylor Swift may be the biggest name in show business, but she's never one to miss a chance to thank the people who helped her succeed.

    Swift's new Disney+ docuseries, "The End of an Era," features behind-the-scenes footage from the Eras Tour, which spanned 149 concerts in 21 countries. By the final show in December 2024, it had become the first tour in history to gross over $2 billion.

    In the second episode of the docuseries, "Magic in the Eras," Swift opens up about distributing bonuses to her dancers, musicians, and crew members as each leg of the tour comes to a close.

    "Bonus day is so important because setting a precedent with the Eras Tour is really important to me. Because people who work on the road, if the tour grosses more, they get more of a bonus," Swift tells the camera. "And these people just work so hard, and they are the best at what they do."

    Swift also says she hand-wrote notes to deliver with each bonus, all part of her effort to make the tour's grueling two-year schedule "worthwhile."

    "It took me a couple weeks, but it's fun to write them notes. It's fun to think about everybody's lives that they're going to go back to, and the time off they're going to have, and the kids they haven't seen because they've been away for months," Swift says. "It feels like Christmas morning when you finally get to say thank you."

    Taylor Swift in "The End of an Era" docuseries.
    Taylor Swift in "The End of an Era" docuseries.

    The next scene shows Swift personally handing out bonuses to her dancers, who'd recently been tasked with overhauling the three-and-a-half-hour show — reordering the set list and learning new choreography — to perform additional songs from "The Tortured Poets Department," Swift's 11th album, which was released between the tour's stops in Singapore and France.

    "This leg of this tour has been harder than anything I've ever done in a live setting. And you guys have taken this on with such excitement and such curiosity," Swift tells her dancers. "The endurance you've shown, but the spirit you've shown, how much you've given to these crowds — that gives to me every single night. The tour has done really well, thanks to all of our hard work."

    One of Swift's dancers, Kameron Saunders, reads the bonus amount out loud to the group. Although the number itself is censored in the footage, the dancers react with visible shock.

    Taylor Swift distributed bonuses to the Eras Tour crew at the end of each leg.
    Taylor Swift distributed bonuses to the Eras Tour crew at the end of each leg.

    People previously reported that Swift gave $197 million in bonuses to the crew of the Eras Tour, including caterers, lighting technicians, audio technicians, riggers, carpenters, choreographers, and more. A shot of envelopes in the docuseries reveals a stack labeled "wardrobe/makeup/hair," and another labeled "venue security."

    Michael Scherkenbach, founder and CEO of the Colorado-based trucking company Shomotion — one of two transportation companies used by the tour — has also said that each trucker received a $100,000 check and handwritten letter from Swift. He described the amount of money as "life-changing."

    "The typical amount is $5,000 to $10,000 each," Scherkenbach told CNN. "So this large amount is unbelievable."

    The success of the Eras Tour propelled Swift's net worth into the billions, according to Forbes. The publication's estimates are largely based on the value of Swift's musical catalog.

    Earlier this year, Swift bought the rights to her back catalog in a reported $360 million sale.

    "That's how I spent that Eras Tour money," Swift told Stephen Colbert. "My fans are why I was able to get my music back."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Take a look inside the Waldorf Astoria’s private Empire Club, exclusive to residents of its multimillion-dollar apartments

    A large seating and coworking space at the Empire Club.
    A large seating and coworking space at the Empire Club.

    • The Waldorf Astoria in New York City reopened in July after an eight-year, $2 billion restoration.
    • Residents of its new luxury condominiums gain access to exclusive amenities such as the Empire Club.
    • The business center and lounge features private offices, curated artwork, and 24-hour room service.

    At the Empire Club, a luxe business center and lounge open only to Waldorf Astoria residents, the hotel's 24/7 room service means you never have to label your lunch in the office fridge.

    After an eight-year, $2 billion restoration, the iconic New York landmark hotel now features 372 condominium residences in addition to its 375 hotel rooms. Buyers gain access to 50,000 square feet of amenities reserved exclusively for residents, including the Empire Club, in addition to all of the Waldorf Astoria's guest offerings. Prices range from $1.8 million for studio apartments to $18.75 million for four-bedroom units.

    The Empire Club resembles a private members-only space, such as Ned's Club, furnished with curated art pieces and private offices available for reservation.

    The Waldorf Astoria granted Business Insider exclusive access to the Empire Club. Take a look inside.

    The Waldorf Astoria is located at 301 Park Avenue in New York City, spanning an entire city block in both length and width.
    The Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
    Waldorf Astoria, luxury hotel and condominium residence, building exterior detail and street scene, 301 Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York City.

    The Waldorf Astoria opened its current 47-story location in 1931, but the hotel dates back to the Gilded Age.

    To access the Empire Club, I entered through one of the doors reserved for residents of the Waldorf Astoria.
    An entrance used by residents of the Waldorf Astoria New York condominiums.
    An entrance used by residents of the Waldorf Astoria New York condominiums.

    Residents enter and exit through separate doors from hotel guests.

    The private residents' lobby featured marble columns that appeared elongated by a mirrored ceiling.
    The private residents' lobby at the Waldorf Astoria.
    The private lobby for residents of the Waldorf Astoria.

    The decor in the lobby remained true to the hotel's Art Deco heritage with bold geometric patterns and clean lines.

    I proceeded up to the 19th floor, where residents can swipe into the Empire Club with a keycard.
    The door to the Empire Club.
    The door to the Empire Club.

    The Empire Club is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Spanning 3,100 square feet, the exclusive club provides a luxurious space for condominium owners to work, hold meetings, and lounge.
    The lobby of the Empire Club.
    The lobby of the Empire Club.

    The interiors were designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, who also designed the Waldorf Astoria Residences. Pops of color from the furniture and artwork added dimension to the Empire Club's sleek grayscale color scheme.

    The art throughout was curated by Simon de Pury, who highlighted sculptures, paintings, and other works by emerging artists.
    Inside the Empire Club.
    Inside the Empire Club.

    "The Waldorf Astoria will have one of the largest private art collections for a condominium in New York City," Loretta Shanahan, the Waldorf Astoria's senior director of sales, told Business Insider.

    When I visited on a December morning, sunlight streamed into the conference rooms, many of which were already in use by residents.
    A conference room at the Empire Club.
    A conference room at the Empire Club.

    The Empire Club offers complimentary high-speed internet with a unique IP address, coworking spaces, and a range of boardrooms and conference rooms available for reservation.

    The rooms are named after significant figures from the hotel's history.
    A conference room at the Empire Club.
    A smaller conference room at the Empire Club.

    The Schultze room, for example, is named after Schultze & Weaver, the architectural firm that designed the Waldorf Astoria building in its signature Art Deco style in 1931.

    Interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot furnished the walls and ceiling of the club's largest coworking space with a high-gloss black Macassar ebony.
    A large seating and coworking space at the Empire Club.
    A large seating and coworking space at the Empire Club.

    "In order not to break that wall and ceiling square grid, I used LED lighting strips between each square to emphasize the geometry, giving the space an active and elevated atmosphere," Deniot said in a statement to Business Insider.

    The club also has smaller rooms with private office layouts.
    A meeting room at the Empire Club.
    A meeting room at the Empire Club.

    "A lot of buyers don't live in New York full-time, but they're here two, three, four days a week, and they need to take meetings," Shanahan said. "This is a perfect option."

    The club includes a pantry and kitchen for catering or small dining events, though members also enjoy free room service at all hours.
    The kitchen and pantry at the Empire Club.
    The kitchen and pantry at the Empire Club.

    The Waldorf Astoria is widely recognized as the inventor of room service, introducing the offering in 1931.

    To end my tour, I was led through a residents-only passageway back into the hotel's famous lobby and Peacock Alley.
    Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria.
    Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria.

    I was struck by how easy it was to get from the Empire Club to the rest of the hotel, offering condominium owners the shortest possible commute.

    Read the original article on Business Insider