I decided to go back and re-read (actually listen to the audio books format) some of the famous “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author, Robert Kiyosaki’s original books.
Much to my surprise, they are actually very good! Oh sure, they are lacking in details and the content is not always spot on, but overall they are good and may serve as a motivator to read better books on becoming wealthy! Sometimes, jumping right into more detailed and truthfully more valuable books is intimidating and a deterrent for the average Joe to read. The famous “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author’s books serves as a stepping stone to these more complex, step-by-step kinds of books. Especially if you start early in your life, and you take it slowly and make better choices. If you are married with kids, it’s still possible, but definitely more risky, consider my first review of his books: Robert Kiyosaki’s books.
Perhaps I like his books because I like to break things down into the lowest common denominator (the simplest form of an problem) when I’m explaining things to people. Robert does just that with the following books: “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, “Cashflow Quadrant”, “Retire Young, Retire Rich” and “Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing”. Part of the struggle on the path to wealth is believing you can be wealthy.
While reviewing Mr. Kiyosaki’s books, I listened with understanding on what he was saying this time around, and I actually think I got more from his books than when I read “Rich Dad Poor Dad” about ten years ago. If you have an audiobook version of the story as I do, listen to it a few times and see if you catch some things that you may have missed the first time around.
For me personally, I’m ready for the next level of understanding from other great authors. Oh, and while I like the above books that Robert wrote, I’m in no way, shape or form recommending his classes. Just the books. I’ve heard some pretty negative things about this classes (which he doesn’t teach anyway), so perhaps do some research before considering something that expensive.
If you asked me what the best message from Robert’s books above would be, I’d have to quote him in saying “Grow Assets not Liabilities“, because this is the central theme of all of his books mentioned above.
Do you have any opinion of the author that you’d like to share?
MR
Although I was doing what he suggeasts 25+ years ago, I think there is a lot of value in his books. I read a couple of them myself. Good advice!
A lot of it is common sense wrapped in a great story and I too knew most of it, but the real estate parts were helpful for getting me interested! If not for me then possible my son some day.
His books have some great advice. However, I think some of the things he’s said in his seminars are dangerous financially speaking. I prefer Dave Ramsey’s school of financial thought.
Dave Ramsey isn’t about wealth accumulate to me, he’s mostly debt reduction. Dave is great in that realm, Robert is more of a get off your butt and do something kind of author.
In no way shape or form am I advocating Mr Kiyosaki’s seminars. I was hoping to hear some feedback to any reader that might have attended one.
I liked his books because they were more stories that you could learn from rather than just dry financial facts. I listened to it on an audio book a couple years ago.
Some statements like “Mind you own business” confused me 10 years ago, but it makes sense now. It’s now about starting a business in the traditional sense, more about accounting for your wealth accumulation on a personal level.
I read the orignal Rich Dad, Poor Dad and I believe Cashflow Quadrant a number of years ago. I should re-read them too.
I remember them being very vague and not really providing actionable steps you can take. But as you say they do offer tips for getting in the right mindset.
Like in the movie the matrix, Mr. Kiyosaki just shows you the door. It’s up to you if you open it or not.
I view his books as a first step, but there are money other books to help with the plan of attack (or so I hope).
I revisited his book after reading it 10 years ago.
https://investorjunkie.com/11194/rich-dad-poor-dad-review/
While not perfect I think is a good starting point and has held up to the test of time and his assessments were accurate.
I totally agree with your review! It’s a good stepping stone book in my opinion.
I do think that you are right and the first two books “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and the “Cashflow Quadrant” would be all than really needs read and the rest are a rehash of those books.
Listening to his audiobooks during the commute to work, over and over again, I found myself agreeing with what he said more than disagreeing. I think they are truly a great catalyst!
Rich Dad Poor Dad is really a classic. Its not only a good wealth making book but also comes in one of the best reads.
Thanks!!