Why We Want You to Be Rich (2006)

Why We Want You to Be Rich is a collaboration between Robert T. Kiyosaki and Donald J. Trump that combines their shared views on wealth-building and financial independence. The book addresses the growing economic divide between the rich and the poor, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship in achieving success.

Both authors—successful in their respective fields of real estate and business—share their experiences, insights, and strategies to help readers take control of their financial futures. Their message is clear: the middle class is shrinking, and individuals must take proactive steps to secure their financial independence in a rapidly changing world.

Economic changes are eroding the middle class, making financial education more important than ever.

Understanding money and investments is critical for building wealth and independence.

Owning a business provides control over your income and opportunities for wealth creation.

The rich focus on building assets that generate passive income and grow over time.

Learning from others and building strong relationships accelerates success.

The authors begin by discussing the economic trends that are leading to the decline of the middle class. They highlight factors such as globalization, rising costs of living, and technological advancements as key drivers of inequality.

The middle class is disappearing, and financial education is essential for adapting to these changes.

  • Jobs that were once considered secure are being outsourced or automated.
  • The traditional path of "go to school, get a job, and save for retirement" is no longer reliable.

Assess your current financial situation and identify areas where you can increase your financial literacy or diversify your income.

Kiyosaki and Trump emphasize the importance of financial education in achieving wealth and independence. They argue that schools fail to teach students about money, leaving them unprepared for real-world financial challenges.

Financial literacy is the foundation of wealth-building.

  • Understanding money, investments, and cash flow is more important than academic success.
  • Financially educated individuals can identify opportunities and avoid common money traps.

Commit to learning about personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship through books, courses, or mentorship.

This chapter focuses on the mindset required for success. Both authors stress the importance of setting ambitious goals, thinking creatively, and taking calculated risks.

Thinking big and taking risks are essential for achieving financial success.

  • Fear and self-doubt often prevent people from pursuing their dreams.
  • Successful people focus on opportunities, while others focus on obstacles.

Write down one big financial or career goal. Break it into smaller, actionable steps and commit to taking the first step today.

Kiyosaki and Trump advocate for entrepreneurship as a path to financial freedom. They explain how owning a business allows individuals to take control of their income, leverage their skills, and create wealth.

Entrepreneurship offers the best chance for financial independence and long-term wealth.

  • Entrepreneurs create value by solving problems and meeting needs in the market.
  • Building a business requires persistence, creativity, and a willingness to learn from failure.

Identify a problem or need in your community or industry. Brainstorm a business idea that addresses this need.

This chapter explores how the rich invest their money differently from the poor and middle class. The authors highlight the importance of acquiring income-generating assets, such as real estate, businesses, and stocks.

The rich focus on building assets that generate cash flow, not just saving money.

  • Savings lose value over time due to inflation, while investments grow wealth.
  • Real estate and business ownership provide opportunities for passive income and long-term appreciation.

Research one type of investment (e.g., real estate, stocks, or mutual funds) and take the first step toward making an informed investment.

Both authors credit their success to the guidance of mentors and the power of strong networks. They stress the importance of learning from experienced individuals and surrounding yourself with like-minded, ambitious people.

Mentorship and networking are invaluable for achieving success.

  • Mentors provide wisdom and guidance that can save you time and money.
  • Building relationships with successful people expands your opportunities and resources.

Reach out to someone you admire and ask for mentorship or advice. Attend networking events to meet people who share your goals.

In this chapter, the authors discuss the challenges and setbacks that entrepreneurs and investors face. They emphasize that failure is a natural part of the journey and should be viewed as a learning experience.

Resilience and persistence are critical for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

  • Fear of failure often holds people back from taking action.
  • Every failure provides valuable lessons that can lead to future success.

Identify one fear or obstacle that is holding you back. Take one small step to confront and overcome it.

  • Think Big: Set ambitious goals and take bold actions to achieve them.
  • Focus on Assets: Build a portfolio of income-generating investments to secure your financial future.
  • Embrace Entrepreneurship: Start a business to take control of your income and create value.
  • Learn Continuously: Financial education is a lifelong process that pays dividends over time.
  • Build Relationships: Surround yourself with mentors and like-minded individuals who support your goals.

Why We Want You to Be Rich is a powerful call to action for individuals seeking financial freedom in a rapidly changing world. Kiyosaki and Trump’s combined insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and financial education provide a roadmap for building wealth and adapting to economic challenges. This book is ideal for those who want to escape the shrinking middle class and take control of their financial destinies.

  • "The shrinking middle class is the greatest economic challenge of our time."
  • "Financial education is more important today than ever before."
  • "Entrepreneurs are the backbone of a thriving economy—they create wealth, jobs, and opportunities."
  • "Invest like the rich, and you’ll grow your wealth like the rich."
  • "Success is not about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and moving forward."
  • Assess your current financial situation and identify areas to improve.
  • Commit to learning about personal finance and investing.
  • Write down one big financial or career goal and break it into steps.
  • Identify a problem or need in your community and brainstorm a business idea.
  • Research a type of investment and take the first step toward informed investment.
  • Reach out to someone you admire for mentorship or advice.
  • Identify one fear or obstacle holding you back and take a step to overcome it.