UsefulConcept

Why We Want You to Be Rich is a book written by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki.  Most people know Donald Trump by now, either from his TrumpTowers or the Apprentice TV show.  Robert Kiyosaki has other books out in a series called Rich Dad Poor Dad. 

I picked up this book at the airport on Friday for some easy reading on my way down to Florida.  I had read Roberts earlier book and was interested in what he and Donald would both talk about.

I am actually not sure how to best write this review.  These kinds of books are not like others so it isn't fair (perhaps) to compare them that way.  Here is what you should expect.  Take an essay with some good points that are interesting and probably some that are contrary to what you had assumed or been told.  Then take that short essay or talk and stretch it out into a full book.

The books I have read by Robert have all been pretty much the same.  Very conversational style, written in a bit of story form.  It is very accessible for most people.  They are also a quick read.  However once you have read one I don't see the value in reading any of the others in the series or this specific book.

The premise of the book is that they want you to be rich, and that if you follow conventional investment advice of working hard, saving money, investing in a 401(k) then you’re not on the right track.  They also are VERY concerned about the value of the dollar, social security and Medicare.  Medicare is a very big item in the book since it is already beyond bankrupt and people expecting to be able to retire and count on it are in for a rude awakening.  This part of the book I can't agree more on.  Medicare won't be round long simply because there is no money to back it up.  It is already a big drain on long term care facilities.

Beyond that the gist of the book is to focus on educating yourself on finances and how money works, then to look at real estate.  Especially real estate deals that are money generating and not just for flipping or speculation on appreciation down the road.

I would really like to have Robert get a different editor.  Donald's commentary is written well and to the point but Roberts style, while very accessible and sometimes interesting, is so repetitious and poorly written to aggravate me.  I skipped large sections because it really seemed like it was just copy/pasted from earlier in the book.

The reason these guys are rich is beyond just real estate.  They are involved in many businesses and they sell books people like me buy.  I bought this for $24.95! 

 If you want my advice go to a used bookstore and find one of Roberts Rich Dad Poor Dad books.  Buy it or skim through it.  If you like what you see buy more.  If not then don't bother with Why We Want You To Be Rich.

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