‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author Robert Kiyosaki’s latest riddle: What keeps the rich richer and the poor stuck?

Robert Kiyosaki, the global best-selling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, is back with a thought-provoking message that has got the financial world buzzing again. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kiyosaki posed a simple but powerful riddle: “What do poor people buy too much of that keeps them poor? What do rich people buy too much of that keeps them rich?”

After my last Teeet, after a mere 5 hours….73k read my brain twister on my Rich Dads Advice….”Poor people are poor because the poor buy more and more.. of what they do not need”

And rich people buy more and more of what they do need….to become richer and richer.

Of the 73 k…

— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) April 28, 2025

According to Kiyosaki, the answer is rooted in a timeless principle he has championed for years  poor people often overspend on wants, while the rich focus on accumulating assets. In other words, while the poor are trapped by consumerism, the wealthy stay ahead by investing in things that grow in value.

Focus on assets, not liabilities

Kiyosaki’s broader financial philosophy is clear: true wealth isn’t built by splurging on the latest gadgets, cars, or branded goods. Instead, it’s about strategically acquiring income-generating assets like real estate, precious metals, and businesses. He believes financial education is far more important than chasing degrees or stable jobs — a principle he learned early in his journey.

Silver: The hidden opportunity?

Interestingly, earlier this month, Kiyosaki also highlighted silver as a major investment opportunity. Calling it “the biggest bargain today,” he pointed out that silver is still trading at about half of its all-time high, even as gold hits record levels. His prediction? Silver could double in price this year.

BRAIN TWISTER from
Rich Dad…. that has guided me for years and continues to make me richer.

Please take some time to think about my Rich Dad’s guiding words.

“Poor people are poor…. Because they keep buying more and more of what they do not need….and not enough of….what…

— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) April 27, 2025

Beware of paper assets

Kiyosaki has also been consistently critical of traditional paper investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Warning against inflation and the devaluation of fiat currencies, he continues to advocate for physical assets that can withstand economic shocks.

Slow and steady wins the race

One crucial takeaway from Kiyosaki’s approach is that wealth creation doesn’t happen overnight. He emphasises the importance of steady, disciplined investing and warns against impulsive buying. His mantra is simple: Buy assets, hold them long term, and let your wealth grow bit by bit.

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, Kiyosaki’s riddle serves as a timely reminder: it’s not about how much you earn, but about what you buy. The next time you’re tempted to splurge, it might be worth asking yourself – am I buying an asset or a liability?