Money comes and goes but if you have Meaning Factcheck Usage

Meaning

The core message is that financial literacy—not the money itself—is the ultimate source of financial power and freedom.

Explanation

Look, here’s the thing most people get wrong. They focus on the *number* in their bank account. But that number is just a symptom, it’s the result. The real cause, the real engine, is your financial intelligence. It’s the difference between being a passenger in your financial life and being the pilot. When you truly understand how money works—things like cash flow, assets versus liabilities, and leverage—you stop being reactive. You stop just hoping your paycheck lasts the month. You start making money work for you, systematically. That’s the shift. That’s the power Kiyosaki is talking about.

Origin & Factcheck

This quote comes straight from Robert T. Kiyosaki’s 1997 personal finance classic, Rich Dad Poor Dad. It was published in the United States and has since become a foundational text in the financial independence space. While the exact “Rich Dad” figure’s existence has been questioned, the book’s core principles have influenced millions globally.

Context

In the book, this idea is the central conflict between his two “dads.” His highly educated “Poor Dad” believed in the traditional path: get good grades, get a safe job, and save money. His “Rich Dad,” who was a business owner, taught him that this path often leads to a “rat race” because it doesn’t teach you how money actually functions. This quote is the essence of the “Rich Dad” philosophy.

Usage Examples

This isn’t just a quote to frame. It’s a call to action.

• For the young professional: Instead of just budgeting your salary, use this as a reason to learn about investing. Even $50 a month into a low-cost index fund is you applying knowledge, not just saving.
• For the small business owner: It’s a reminder to stop being just a technician in your business and start thinking like a CEO. Understand your financial statements, your profit margins, your cash flow cycles. That’s how you scale.
• For anyone feeling stuck: It shifts the focus from “I need more money” to “I need more knowledge.” That’s an empowering reframe. It means the solution is within your control to learn.

Common Questions

Question: Is this just another “get rich quick” scheme?

Answer: Absolutely not. In fact, it’s the opposite. It emphasizes that building wealth is a skill you develop through education and patience, not a lottery ticket.

Question: What’s the first step to gaining this “education about how money works”?

Answer: Start by learning the difference between an asset (something that puts money in your pocket) and a liability (something that takes money out). This single mental model can completely change how you view every purchase.

Question: Does this mean formal education is useless?

Answer: Not at all. It means that traditional education often misses practical financial education. You might be a brilliant engineer or doctor but still financially illiterate. You need to supplement your education with specific financial knowledge.

Question: Can anyone really do this?

Answer: The principle is available to anyone. The execution depends on your willingness to learn and consistently apply what you learn. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.