BOOK REVIEW: RICH DAD POOR DAD FOR TEENS The Secrets About Money - That You Don't Learn In School (2012)
Book Reviewed by Patrick Blair on April 9, 2021
First Impression Versus Lasting Impression: If this book were from another author, I would expect it to be more practical and basic, however Robert Kiyosaki (of Rich Dad fame) has made a teen version of his Rich Dad Poor Dad book.
The Book in a Word: Counterintuitive (if I reviewed the original Rich Dad Poor Dad, I would summarize it in much the same way).
Summary: Robert Kiyosaki has condemned the education system for not teaching about money and contradicted the common financial wisdom of going to school, getting a job, and saving money. He advocates for real world learning through entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and greater financial education at a younger age.
What I liked the most: was the book’s message that all of us have certain types of intelligence that should be valued, understood, and applied toward our own success. I also like that it appeals the rebellious side of youth in a way that directs them toward action, personal growth, and life-long learning. The book contains many suggestions for practical activities.
What I liked the least: is the focus on “getting rich,” which is clearly contradicts biblical teaching (1 Timothy 6:6-10). That being said, I don’t believe the author is really advocating greed, though the language might give the wrong impression and be a little confusing for someone looking to grow in their Christian faith. The book does advocate for giving to charity and controlling one’s materialism (i.e. stop buying worthless doodads). I believe someone can be a successful entrepreneur without wanting to get rich as their motivation.
Recommended for: teens who have a keen interest in entrepreneurship (with parental guidance on the spiritual issues); also recommended for teens whose parent(s) are very intent on teaching their children about growing wealth at an early age. Personally, I’d like my 12- and 14-year-old children to read this, but I don’t think they are ready.
Not Recommended for: the typical teen. Here’s my shameless plug: my Faith and Finances book does a good job of educating on a variety of financial issues, including overspending, debt, saving, biblical perspectives, Christian giving, and investing (because the book is for general audiences, I do not cover entrepreneurship). There are also books and online classes that cover specific practical topics.
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Reading Level: Basic … Intermediate … Advanced … Scholarly.
Interesting Concepts: That school utterly fails in providing you with a financial education, which is extremely important in everyone’s life. Working for a salary isn’t the best way to make a lot of money. (p. 25). To become rich, you must “think rich.” (p. 27-28). “Work to learn, not to earn.” (Chapter 3).
Great Quotes: “While some of your friends might be logging some major couch time … getting nowhere, you may very well find yourself updating your financial statement, following stocks online, or brainstorming about business ideas with other friends like you, who want to own assets instead of liabilities.” (p. 4). “We all learn differently. The trick is to find a way you learn best. When you do that, you’ll discover your own personal genius.” (p. 11). “Most people never see these [entrepreneurial] opportunities because they’re looking for money and security, so that’s all they’ll get.” (p. 41).
Spiritual Content: Some (mostly philosophical in nature).
Book Citation: Kiyosaki, Robert T. Rich Dad Poor Dad For Teens: The Secrets About Money – That You Don’t Learn In School. Scottsdale, AZ: Plate Publishing, 2012.
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