says, ‘Millions of Americans who think they will retire with benefits are in for a nasty surprise. How corporations are picking people’s pockets—with the help of Congress.’”
“Yes! I did read that,” said Donald. “I remember that part about corporations picking pockets with the help of Congress. The article said the rich are stealing from the workers, legally, with the government’s help.”
“Isn’t that disturbing?” I asked.
“And what did the New York Times Magazine say?” asked Donald.
Lifting up the publication, I said, “Well, the cover on October 30, 2005 reads, ‘We Regret To Inform You That You No Longer Have A Pension.’ The subtitle states, ‘America’s next financial debacle.’”
Donald nodded. “You and I have been concerned about many of the same things.”
“It seems that way. That’s why I teach, write, and create board games. It’s not for the money, although the money is good. There are far easier ways to make money. I teach and create educational products out of a deep concern. I believe our country is in trouble and so are millions of our people.”
“Me, too,” said Donald. “When you and I do events and speaking engagements, we often travel for two days, just to deliver a talk. That’s a lot of time and energy for a two-hour talk. As you say, there are much easier ways to make money.”
Kim and I nodded in unison. Kim, who teaches as well, added, “We all make more money, much easier money, in real estate and other investments. Yet teaching is our passion. It is passion that gets us on those planes to fly all day, spend a night, deliver a short talk, and then fly back home. It’s sure not the money.”
Donald agreed. “When we speak to those large groups of people, don’t you feel for those people? Here they are, spending time and money to listen to us. While some are already rich and some will become rich, many will face lives of constant financial struggle. That breaks my heart.”
“Maybe this is what you need to write about,” said Meredith. “Maybe people need to know why you want them to be rich. What your concerns are.”
“Also,” interjected Kim, “why you two keep working even though you don’t have to. You both have enough money, but you’re not planning to retire. Why not write about what keeps you going…what really drives you. Isn’t motivation more important than money?”
“Well, I teach because I like to teach,” said Donald. “But I am truly concerned. I hope I’m wrong, but I think America is in financial trouble. I believe our government has been grossly mismanaged. Now, I’m not saying it’s because of the Democrats or Republicans. It’s senseless to point the finger and blame one group or another. I’m afraid the middle class is in trouble and shrinking no matter which party is in charge. As I have often said, I’m afraid many of today’s middle class will become the new poor, or worse, slip into poverty, even after years of hard work.”
“Maybe we should write a book about ending poverty through financial education,” I said. “After all, it is the lack of financial education that got us into this mess. Why not let financial education get us out?”
“Great idea, but we need to let people know how to save themselves before we attempt to end poverty on a global scale…which may take generations. We need to do that first—before we can hope to change the education system.”
He continued: “In just a few years, millions of baby boomers will retire, the government will have to admit it is out of money, the price of oil is going through the roof, our dollar is dropping in value, inflation is out of control, and we are still at war in the Middle East. We need to have some answers for those who are searching for answers now We need to teach people to be rich, or at least how to survive the next few years today…not tomorrow.”
At that moment, I knew why we were coming together to write a book.
Donald’s View
The Beginning
The first time I met Robert Kiyosaki was one of those big surprises that life likes to give us now and then. I knew of Robert’s credentials, namely having sold millions of books and remaining on The New York Times best seller list for five years. These are no simple accomplishments. I expected him to be a powerhouse, and an intimidating one at that.
I was right about the powerhouse prediction—Robert has positive energy that spills out and touches everyone around him. He doesn’t seem to be making an effort to do this. It’s just a natural occurrence. I was impressed by that. What I found disarming about Robert was that he was very humble, very modest, even self-effacing. This was the guy who has sold over 26 million books? Amazing. I was wondering to myself if that was an act, a facade, a role he played for some reason. I can be skeptical sometimes.
It didn’t take me long to figure out that Robert was genuine. After we spoke a few times, I knew he was sincere and that he enjoyed teaching—probably as much as I do. When I told him the only reason I agreed to do The Apprentice was because it had an educational subtext, Robert told me, “Donald, you’re a teacher, on top of everything else!” Guess it takes one to know one.
We got to talking about the importance of education and he mentioned the mentor aspect of The Apprentice, and that he and Kim learned something from it every week.
I asked him what he would do if he knew he couldn’t fail, and he quickly said, “We’d find ways to reach and teach many more people.”
It was like I told him when I saw him in Chicago: I was the top business author and he was the top personal-finance author. Together we had a great shot at reaching millions of people. But more than that, it would be fun.
Robert got what I meant immediately, but I appreciated that he wanted to think about the book before committing to me. I knew he was a thoughtful person, that he would do a lot of soul-searching in order to make the right decision. When he met with me at my office in New York a few weeks later, he said right off the bat, “I have to admit I was a little intimidated at first. It was like an inner fight going on. I didn’t know if we had enough in common. But the best person won—the one who refuses complacency!” Robert was honest with himself and me, and it confirmed for me why his books have been such monster hits.
Writing books can be enjoyable, but it’s a lot of work, and my schedule doesn’t allow for much extracurricular activity, which is what writing books can be for me. But I found myself looking forward to working hard on something new—especially with someone who shared my concerns and hopes.
Emerson said, “The man who can make hard things easy is the educator.” He also said, “Knowledge exists to be imparted.”
When I read Rich Dad Poor Dad years ago, before I ever met Robert, I remember thinking that Robert had a knack for making things easy to comprehend. He’s a bit of a storyteller, and that is one of the keys to making things accessible to people. It’s another reason he’s a great public speaker, and people have often said the same thing about me. I don’t know if we have that “raconteur” ability naturally, but it has helped us to help others—and to use stories to make seemingly complex things a bit simpler.
I know that often when people think of me, they think, “Oh, the billionaire…” and it’s a bit like having the door shut in my face.
