Kiyosaki Says He Carries $1.2 Billion in Debt as Wealth Strategy

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the personal finance bestseller "Rich Dad Poor Dad," has publicly stated he is carrying $1.2 billion in debt, a figure he presents as a strategic component of his wealth-building approach rather than a sign of financial distress. The 79-year-old financial educator discussed the debt during a June 1, 2026, appearance on the Get Rich Education podcast, saying, "So, I'm a billion two in debt." He has repeated this figure in recent interviews, including a new profile in Vanity Fair. However, the headline number requires significant clarification. According to his ex-wife and longtime business partner, Kim Kiyosaki, the $1.2 billion represents debt held collectively by a group of real estate investors and partners, not a personal loan owed solely by Robert Kiyosaki. The debt is tied to a portfolio of approximately 1,500 apartment units and other properties. Kim Kiyosaki told Vanity Fair that Robert's individual share of the liability is considerably smaller, estimated to be in the range of $30 million to $60 million. The strategy Kiyosaki describes is a well-known real estate investment technique often referred to as "buy, borrow, die.