Robert Kiyosaki, the bestselling author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” has disclosed that he carries $1.2 billion in debt linked to his real estate investments.
The 79-year-old personal finance educator made the revelation while appearing on the Get Rich Education podcast, where he described leveraging borrowed money to acquire income-producing assets as a core part of his strategy.
“So, I’m a billion two in debt,” Kiyosaki said.
He warned listeners not to copy his approach without proper preparation. “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 added.
Kiyosaki’s former wife and longtime business partner, Kim Kiyosaki, later clarified that the $1.2 billion figure does not represent a personal liability for the author alone. Much of the debt is tied to joint real estate holdings that include approximately 1,500 apartment units owned with partners.
“So technically, yes, we have all this debt,” Kim said, noting that Kiyosaki’s individual share is comparatively modest.
The strategy involves borrowing against rising property equity and treating the proceeds as loans rather than taxable income. Kiyosaki also places each investment in separate limited liability companies to isolate risk.
“If it all comes to hell, you can talk to my attorney,” he said. “Firewalls — that’s the way the rich play the game.”
Despite the headline figure, estimates have placed Kiyosaki’s personal exposure far lower. Vanity Fair previously suggested his share could range between $30 million and $60 million, based on reported annual income of about $3 million.
Kiyosaki has long advocated using debt to buy cash-flowing assets such as real estate, distinguishing “good debt” that builds wealth from borrowing that funds consumption. His 1997 book has sold more than 44 million copies worldwide.
