Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money-That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!

I also like the fact that Kiyosaki discourages debt except for investments like real estate and stocks. Too many people charge up their credit cards for dining, clothes and other depreciating items. If you are going into debt, advises Rich Dad, do it with things that go up in value like using leverage in real estate and buying stocks on margin.

Kiyosaki's advice on buying small cap stocks is also good advice. NOTE: He does not advise cheap penny stocks as others have falsely indicated.

This book reminds me a lot of the legendary "Think and Grow Rich" by the late great Naploean Hill and "The Richest Man in Bablyon" by George Clayson. Perhaps that is why average people have so much difficulty with these books and in particular, Kiyosaki because he is the hottest financial author of the last ten years. But you know, I have met hundreds of people who attribute their wealth to "Think and Grow Rich", "Richest Man in Bablyon" and now "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Obviously, these were average people who thought at an above average level and were willing to be corrected.

If you are new to Rich Dad, I recommend you start with this one and "Rich Dad's Success Stories." I also recommend "If you want to be rich and happy then don't go to school." "Cashflow Quadrant", the second in the series is also a must read.

If you have been "guru-ed to death" by so called "financial experts" who advise you to cut your credit cards then I also suggest "Rich Dad's Guide to Becoming Rich ...Without Cutting up your credit cards" currently available as a e-book and another one of my personal favorites.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is an OUTSTANDING book. The fact that certain factions have criticized this fabulous book tells me that Kiyosaki is doing something right and shaking up the right people. The advice works only if you are willing to use it and go to work.

You also have to read the book. I was talking with someone this morning who said he bought this book 2 years ago and never read it! Yeah, you have to read it too (the whole book, not just the free sample pages here on the internet ala the 1 star bashers) and then you make some powerful gains!

Best of luck.


Still a best seller for a reason---it works!   November 4, 2003
362 out of 379 found this review helpful

I first heard of this book when J.P. Morgan on the cover of the Wall Street Journal referred to Rich Dad Poor Dad as a "must read for millionaires."

Most people know by now that this is the true story of Kiyosaki's two fathers, one, his real dad had a high income but was poor. The other, his friends dad, but Kiyosaki's mentor and Rich Dad.

Kiyosaki learned that income alone does not create wealth as he learned from his "Poor Dad." Seeking financial freedom, Kiyosaki learned from his "Rich Dad" the keys to wealth.

Kiyosaki went on to amass a fortune and lost it. But remembering the lesson taught from his "Rich Dad", started over and amassed yet another fortune and retired at age 47.

The book will tell you some things you don't want to hear like a house is not an asset, 401 (k)s and so called "safe" investments are not quite so safe. That there is no such thing as job security and the world is full of "bullies" who will tell you how much money you can make, when and how many vacations you can take, lunch breaks etc.

Kiyosaki's "Poor Dad" was fired at age 50 and learning from this, Kiyosaki tells us that the only real security and freedom is in being your own boss.

Kiyosaki goes on to say that both of his dads were "honest, good, honorable men" but his poor dad, although a hard worker was weak and consequently ended up broke.

Interesting is that Kiyosaki pledges his first book, "If you want to Be Rich and Happy, Don't Go To School?" to his poor dad.Goes to show that Kiyosaki has class and truely loved his Poor but real dad.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is an excellent book. The main message is to take responsibility for your life. You are either a master of money or a slave to it.

In addition to Rich Dad Poor Dad, I also recommend "Cash Flow Quadrant", "Rich Dad's Success Stories", "The Millionaire Next Door" and "More Wealth Without Risk."


Financial Literacy 101   June 19, 2002
barry kaufman (Mishawaka, IN)
973 out of 1029 found this review helpful

Where do you learn about money? School? No! Too busy memerizing war dates. Parents? Possibly, but not likely.If you dislike this book you have probably bought into the Great American Lie of go to school, get a job and after 40 years you get a gold watch. And you are in rat race my friend.I have a gold watch already. It says to Barry Kaufman the greatest guy in the world from Barry Kaufman the greatest guy in the world. I didn't have to wait 40 years for mine or sell my soul to corporate America for a little cup of soup (called wages)I also suggest reading Who Stole the American Dream, Wave 4 and Turner, Turner, Turner: The King of Network Marketing.


Greatly under rated book   February 4, 2004
111 out of 112 found this review helpful

Althought his book is still obviously very popular, I still run into people who underestimate the value of Rich Dad Poor Dad.

This book is based on the philosophy of success and that is what makes it so great. The great Jim Rohn says that philosophy is the whole basis of success. Philosophy determines your beliefs, your actions and therefore your outcomes.

Unfortunately, too many people look at Rich Dad Poor Dad as some "get rich quick" book. I wish it was a "get rich quick" book. Becuase I would rather "get rich quick" than get rich slow or even worse not create wealth at all.

Rich Dad Poor Dad is a great book and a must read for everyone who wants success.