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Teach Kids to Think Like Entrepreneurs, Not Employees

Why Financial Education Must Start Early

When most kids grow up, they’re taught to “get a good job.” That’s the foundation of the employee mindset. But Rich Dad believed there was a better lesson — learn how to create opportunities instead of waiting for one.

He refused to pay his son and his student (the author) a salary. Why? Because he didn’t want them to think like employees. Instead, he wanted them to see the world through an entrepreneur’s eyes — to find gaps, solve problems, and build something new. (Story available in Rich Dad Poor Dad)

In one famous example, young Robert noticed comic books being thrown away by a store. Instead of letting them go to waste, he turned them into a mini business — a comic-book library where kids could rent comics for a few cents. That small lesson contained a massive principle:
👉 Wealth is created when you solve problems, not when you work for wages.

Rich Dad wasn’t against employees; he respected them deeply. But he wanted his son and Robert Kiyosaki to understand both sides of the coin — how business owners think, how money flows, and how to make choices that lead to freedom rather than dependency.

Later, this philosophy led to the creation of the CASHFLOW for Kids board game — designed to help parents teach their children financial intelligence before they enter the real world.
Because most people don’t fail due to laziness — they fail because no one taught them how money moves.

If you’re a parent, imagine giving your child the skills to manage money before they face debt or financial stress. That’s what this game offers — a hands-on way to practice real financial decision-making while having fun, and it is also available for adults.

💡 Key Lessons

  • Working for money trains the employee mindset — creating opportunities trains the entrepreneur’s mind.

  • Early financial education helps children avoid debt traps.

  • Most failures in small businesses come from poor cash-flow management, not bad ideas.

  • Financial games like CASHFLOW for Kids turn learning into a practical experience.

🧭 Action Steps

  1. Play CASHFLOW for Kids with your child or a younger sibling.

  2. Ask: “Where do I see opportunities in my everyday life?”

  3. Write down three ways you could create value without being paid a salary.

  4. Join the Newsletter for more real-world money lessons with the link below 👇:

⚠️ Disclaimer

This newsletter is written purely for educational purposes. It does not provide financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and consult professionals before making any financial decisions.

To read more on:

Your House Feels Like a Dream — But Financially, It Might Be a Trap:

*Private Placements for Beginners: The Beginners' Guide Part 2

“Why Real Investors Think Differently About Risk, Returns & Retirement”

The True Measure of Wealth: It's Not What You Make:

Building Your Own Ladder: How Entrepreneurs Raise Capital:

If you are enjoying the newsletter so far then consider joining the newsletter as we share many things on finances and lessons. These are clearly not investment advices but lessons. I share what I learn from books and I add other educational things too. You will like joining my newsletter. You can also read the other ones that I have written too. Join my newsletter with the link below👇: