TETE- A- TETE BETWEEN ROBERT KIYOSAKI AND BOB SIMON

 TETE-A-TETE BETWEEN ROBERT KIYOSAKI AND BOB SIMON

 

The room is quiet except for occasional slurps from coffee mugs as Robert Kiyosaki sits across from Bob Simon at a large oak table. Robert’s eyes were trying to size up Bob, and a knowing smile played on his lips.

 

ROBERT: “You and I have more commonalities than I thought,” he says, leaning back on his chair. “Two Dads, two very different paths. It must have been exciting growing up with such a contrast, huh?”.

 

BOB: “Yeah, it was my highly educated Dad who believed in the system- played by the book, went to school, got a job, worked hard, and believed in God. It worked for him but didn’t work out smoothly for me; I felt something was missing. Then there was my Rich Dad, who didn’t have a degree but had a wealth of experience. He had a different way of seeing the world.”

 

ROBERT (Nodding): “Exactly, it’s like living in two worlds simultaneously. My Poor Dad- God bless his soul- taught me the importance of education. But education doesn’t guarantee a stable life or financial success. My Rich Dad taught me about money, assets and liabilities. Tell me, what is your current view now?”

 

BOB: “I’ve realised that you cannot depend on anyone. While a formal education is valuable, it’s no guarantee for wealth. My Rich Dad taught me the difference between working for money and having money work for you. He always talked about investing in assets that grow in value or generate income.”

 

ROBERT (Smiling): “Practical man. That’s one of the first lessons I try to teach youngsters. Everyone’s obsessed with getting a job and earning a paycheck. They’re not taught how money can work for them. They spend it on liabilities- cars, gadgets, expensive clothes, dining out, things that take money out of their pockets. The rich? They invest in assets, real estate, stocks, and businesses. Things that put money into their pockets, even when not working.”

 

BOB: “Yeah, Rich Dad always said, “You can’t save your way to wealth.” If your money isn’t growing, your money is of no use.”

 

ROBERT (Eyes lighting up. Nodding): “Exactly. Most people think short term- what can I buy now? What purchase will make me feel good now? They don’t realise these impulse decisions trap them in the rat race. The rich have a different mindset. They ask, “How can I grow this money that will work for me over the next 10, 20, 30 years?  It’s a progressive mindset.”

 

BOB: “And they take responsibility. My Poor Dad always thought that the system would care for him and his family- the pension, the fund, the steady job. But Rich Dad always said it’s on you, Bob Simon, if you want financial freedom, you can’t rely on someone else to provide it.”

 

ROBERT (Leans in, voice low but strong): “That’s the key word responsibility. Most young people think getting a good job and working hard will solve all their problems. But let me tell you, Bob Simon, no one will take care of you better than you. The moment you become self-reliant and not dependent on others, whether it’s your organisation, the government, or a paycheck- and start taking full control of your life and finances, that’s when the game changes.”

 

BOB: “Yes, when you realise that your financial future is in your hands, it’s a scary feeling, but it’s empowering.”

 

ROBERT (Chuckling): “Scary? Yeah, at first, but it’s liberating. Once you learn to handle money, invest, and build assets, you’re no longer a slave to the paycheck. You create your security. But that’s what I advise the young. Learn how to be rich. Don’t just chase money- chase knowledge. Like you, I learned not to depend on my organisation. If you are, you will be disappointed. Learn how money works, how to build wealth, how to use debt to your advantage.”

 

BOB: “Debt was something my poor dad asked me to avoid at all costs. But Rich Dad. He used debt strategically. He leveraged it.”

 

ROBERT: “Yeah, good debt and bad debt. Most people only know bad debts- credit card debt and car loans. But good debts, that’s how the rich get richer. You acquire good debts to buy assets like rental properties or businesses that generate cash flow. And this cash flow not only pays off the debts but also adds to your wealth.”

 

BOB (Smiling): “That’s another concept- Cash Flow. My Poor Dad focused on income and salary. But Rich Dad always advocated: “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.”

 

ROBERT: “Genuine wealth isn’t about having a high-paying job. It’s about creating multiple streams of passive income flow even when you’re not working. That’s what people miss. They think that financial income is about making more money. It’s not. It’s about making your money work for you, day in and day out, while you sleep and vacation.”

 

BOB: “So, what advice would you give young people?”

 

ROBERT: “My advice to you and other young people is to learn the language of money. Understand assets, liabilities, cash flow, and investing. Be financially educated. Bob Simon, no one is coming to save you; you must do it yourself.”

 

BOB: “Yeah, this is a lesson I’m being forced to learn. I’m still learning, and it will take me some more time to embrace it fully. But what you say is true. No one is coming to save you financially, not your organisation, not anyone. You’ve got to do it for yourself.”

 

ROBERT(Nods, smiling): “And once you understand this, you’re ahead of the game.”

 

The conversation pauses, and a mutual understanding hangs in the air. Robert Kiyosaki and Bob Simon have walked the same paths and been forced to learn the same hard lessons. They both realise that financial freedom isn’t just a dream. It’s a choice.