Rich Dad Poor Dad - Summary for Students

Imagine you have two teachers in life who both want to guide you, but they have very different ideas about money and success. One of them is like the "Poor Dad" in Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad Poor Dad, while the other is like the "Rich Dad." Let me tell you about what I learned from these two dads and how you can apply it to your own life, even as a student.

The Story of Two Dads

Poor Dad is a smart man who went to school, got good grades, and found a stable job. He believes that success comes from working hard, saving money, and avoiding risks. He often says, "I can't afford it," and believes money is something to be careful with.

Rich Dad, on the other hand, didn’t have a fancy education but understood how money works. He believed in making money grow by learning about business and investments. Instead of saying, "I can't afford it," he would ask, "How can I afford it?" This small change in thinking made a big difference in his life.

What Can Students Learn?

1. Money is a Tool

Money is not just for buying things; it’s a tool that can help you create more opportunities. While Poor Dad worked for money, Rich Dad taught that money should work for you.

Example for Students: Think about your pocket money. Instead of spending it all on candy or toys, what if you saved it to buy something that can help you earn more—like art supplies to sell paintings or a book that teaches you a new skill?

2. Learn the Difference Between Wants and Needs

Rich Dad taught that it’s important to understand the difference between things you want (like a new video game) and things you need (like school supplies). Learning to prioritize can help you save for what’s truly important.

How You Can Apply It: Next time you want to buy something, ask yourself, "Is this a want or a need?" If it’s a want, consider waiting and saving for it instead.

3. Think About Assets and Liabilities

Rich Dad explained that assets are things that make you money, and liabilities are things that cost you money.

Simple Example: If you buy a lemonade stand, it becomes an asset because it helps you earn money. But if you buy a big toy car, it’s a liability because it doesn’t give anything back.

What You Can Do: Start small by saving money to buy something that can help you earn more, like starting a small project or learning a skill.

4. Ask Questions and Be Curious

Rich Dad encouraged asking questions about how money works and learning from others. Instead of being afraid to talk about money, get curious.

Example for Students: If your parents are paying bills or making a budget, ask them how they do it. This will help you understand how money works in real life.

5. Build Good Habits Early

Rich Dad said that what you do when you're young shapes your future. Starting good habits now—like saving a part of your allowance or reading books about successful people—can help you become successful later.

What You Can Do: Make a habit of saving 10% of your pocket money every time you get it. Over time, you’ll see how small savings add up.

How to Implement These Lessons in Daily Life

1. Start Saving: Use a jar or a small box as your "savings bank." Every time you get money, save a part of it. Set a goal for what you want to buy or invest in.

2. Learn a Skill: Think about something you love to do—drawing, writing, or building things. Spend time getting better at it. Who knows? It could become a way to earn money someday.

3. Ask for Advice: Talk to your parents, teachers, or older siblings about money. Ask them how they save and spend wisely.

4. Read Stories of Success: Just like this book teaches lessons through stories, you can read about inventors, entrepreneurs, or leaders who started small and became successful.

5. Be Patient: Building wealth or achieving success doesn’t happen overnight. Just like planting a tree, you need to take care of it and wait for it to grow.

The Big Idea: Think Like a Rich Dad

The main lesson from Rich Dad Poor Dad is that your mindset matters more than your money. You can start practicing these ideas right now, even as a student. Save wisely, learn continuously, and always ask, "How can I do better?"

By thinking like Rich Dad, you’re not just preparing for a richer future—you’re also learning how to make the most of your opportunities today. Start small, dream big, and believe in yourself. That’s the first step to becoming a "Rich Dad" in your own life.