Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Author Robert Kiyosaki Says He Carries $1.2 Billion Debt

Robert Kiyosaki, the renowned author of the bestselling personal finance book Rich Dad Poor Dad, has revealed that he has accumulated about $1.2 billion in debt through his real estate investments.

Kiyosaki, 79, made the disclosure during an appearance on the Get Rich Education podcast, where he explained that borrowing money to acquire income-generating assets has remained a major part of his investment strategy.

“So, I’m a billion two in debt,” Kiyosaki said.

However, the financial educator warned against blindly adopting his approach, stressing that debt can only be used effectively as a wealth-building tool with adequate knowledge and financial education.

“Should not do what I do, right? But I studied it since 1974… If you’re going to learn to use debt, you’d better take some education,” he said.

Kiyosaki has for decades promoted the idea of using borrowed funds to acquire assets capable of generating cash flow, particularly real estate.

His former wife and business partner, Kim Kiyosaki, later clarified that the reported $1.2 billion debt does not necessarily represent money personally owed by the author alone.

According to her, a substantial portion of the debt is linked to real estate investments jointly owned with business partners, including approximately 1,500 apartment units.

“So technically, yes, we have all this debt,” Kim said, noting that Kiyosaki’s personal exposure represents only a relatively small portion of the overall figure.

The investment model reportedly involves borrowing against the growing equity of properties as their values increase. The funds obtained are treated as loans rather than taxable income.

Kiyosaki also reportedly structures individual investments under separate limited liability companies, a strategy designed to shield other assets from liabilities or financial difficulties affecting a particular investment.

“If it all comes to hell, you can talk to my attorney,” Kiyosaki said.

“Firewalls — that’s the way the rich play the game.”

Despite his claim of carrying $1.2 billion in debt, estimates of Kiyosaki’s personal financial exposure have placed his individual share significantly lower.

Kiyosaki has consistently argued that wealthy investors understand the difference between borrowing to acquire cash-generating assets and taking on debt to finance personal expenses.

His landmark book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, first published in 1997, has sold more than 44 million copies worldwide and established him as one of the most influential voices in personal finance and wealth education.