November 30, 2005
Who Is Your “Rich Dad?”
It’s been quite a few years since I read RICH DAD, POOR DAD by Robert Kiyosaki; I think it was back in 2000 as a high school freshman. It was one of my first insights into the business world, and after reading it, I was extremely excited!
First, if you have not read the book yet, I strongly urge you to pick-up a copy. Last time I checked Amazon it was $11 – not bad for a life changing book! If you have read the book, continue…
Now I’ll assume you’ve read the book or at least heard something about it. There seem to be two opposite perspectives on the book:
1. It is a great introductory book into the world and business and real estate investing.
2. The book is useless and Kiyosaki is a fraud.
My opinion is along the lines of #1. Kiyosaki has written a wonderful book that will enlighten and motivate almost any individual to take action and better their financial situation.
I can’t say whether or not Kiyosaki’s story of his two dads is true. But if it isn’t, it doesn’t matter. That fact has nothing to do with how good the book is. What matters is that the book is easy-to-read for the average person thanks to Kiyosaki’s style.
If you want detailed how-to information, look elsewhere. RICH DAD, POOR DAD puts the idea of financial independence in your head. That’s the point. If you gave a novice a technical book about flipping properties, he/she would be pretty bored and gain no interest in real estate investing. Those are the books you read after Rich Dad.
Regardless of your stance on this issue, you need to consider this valuable lesson:
Find a mentor.
“Rich Dad” is an example of a mentor, someone who guides you during your investing. Someone you can go to for advice. Someone experienced in your field. Mentors are invaluable when you are starting out and when you are faced with any sort of strategic decision.
Now go find your own “Rich Dad.” (Check out http://www.score.org/ for help.)
