Rich Dad, Poor Dad
⭐⭐⭐⭐
FINANCE · INVESTING
Insightful but Ideologically Flawed
As a college student diving into entrepreneurship and personal finance, Rich Dad, Poor Dad completely shifted how I think about money. In this 2026 review, I’ll break down what I loved, what I questioned, and whether it’s still worth reading for students today.
It is a best-selling personal finance book that has shaped millions of people. So I dove into it expecting the golden formula for becoming a millionaire. Unsurprisingly, that wasn’t the case. However, it offered motivational stories and a guideline for wealth building.
Robert Kiyosaki’s language is simple and memorable, making complex financial concepts easy to grasp. He speaks from personal experience, so the book feels more reliable. Overall, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” offers important financial lessons for college students.
But despite these strengths, I had real concerns with Kiyosaki’s worldview. Kiyosaki has a capitalist viewpoint of the economy:
- Criticizes taxes
- Promotes real estate as the main path to wealth
- Argues that government systems benefit, and should benefit, the wealthy
While it may not surprise you, I’m strongly opposed to these ideas, especially coming from a European background.
First of all, I believe taxes have a positive impact on our lives. Maybe it’s because we have different experiences (he is from the US while I am from Spain). Nevertheless, I’d rather pay taxes than be charged thousands of euros for small medical procedures.
Regarding real estate, there are different ways you can interpret that advice. It is true that Kiyosaki mainly advises buying buildings to later sell them at a higher price. However, at least in my country, there is a tendency to purchase houses for tourist rentals. I believe we should prioritize citizens’ housing rather than tourism.
Is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” worth reading? Yes. While I disagreed with several points, I believe you can always learn something new from self-improvement and finance books.
In this case, too, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” has taught me essential financial lessons that have shifted my mindset. While I strongly disagree with some of his views, it’s undeniable that he understands how wealth is built. “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is a strong starting point for college students chasing financial freedom.
Do you agree with Kiyosaki’s views? Let me know in the comments!
Summary
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki contrasts the financial philosophies of two father figures, his biological “Poor Dad” and his mentor “Rich Dad.” Through simple storytelling and real-life lessons, the book challenges conventional beliefs about money, education, and wealth-building. It encourages readers to rethink how they earn, spend, and invest—promoting financial independence through assets, mindset shifts, and lifelong learning.
