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Despite a stumble earlier this year, the U.S. stock market has regained its footing — with the S&P 500 recently climbing to fresh all-time highs.
But “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki is sounding the alarm — particularly for Americans relying on stocks to fund their retirement.
“DO YOU have a 401(k) or IRA filled with stocks?” he asked in a recent post on X. “Good luck. We may be on the brink of another 1929 crash and another Great Depression.”
It’s a chilling comparison. From Black Monday on October 28, 1929, to mid-November, the Dow lost nearly half its value — and the pain didn’t stop there. By the summer of 1932, it had plunged 89% from its peak.
Even a fraction of that kind of collapse today would be catastrophic — especially given how heavily 401(k)s and IRAs are tied to the stock market. During the market sell-off in 2022, CBS News reported that 401(k) and IRA plan participants experienced an estimated loss of around $3 trillion.
Kiyosaki pointed to an exodus from traditional assets, claiming, “DO YOU know investment legends Warren Buffet and Jim Rogers have sold most if not all of their stocks and bonds?”
While Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway has been a net seller of equities for 11 straight quarters — and held a massive $344 billion in cash at the end of June — Kiyosaki didn’t cite a source for his claim that Buffett had dumped most of his holdings. Berkshire’s latest report still shows $267.9 billion in equity securities.
Rogers, on the other hand, has publicly stated, “I sold all my U.S. stocks” and warned that America’s debt-fueled economy is headed for trouble. Kiyosaki echoed that concern, writing, “America’s debt is out of control. America is the world’s biggest debtor nation in history. You can only print money to pay your bills… for so long.”
According to Treasury Department data, the U.S. national debt now stands at $36.83 trillion.
Given this grim outlook, Kiyosaki is doubling down on his preferred safe-haven trio: “I sit tight with gold, silver, & Bitcoin,” he wrote.
Here’s a closer look at these assets.
Kiyosaki’s endorsement of gold and silver is nothing new — he’s been advocating for precious metals for decades.
In October 2023, he predicted on X, “Gold will soon break through $2,100 and then take off. You will wish you had bought gold below $2,000. Next stop, gold $3,700.”
Prices surged in 2024 and have continued to climb through 2025, recently surpassing $3,300 per ounce.
Gold has long been viewed as a safe-haven investment. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money and investors tend to pile in during times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty — driving up its value.
One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.
To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free precious metals on qualifying purchases.
Kiyosaki said he’s “sitting tight” with Bitcoin — no surprise, given his bullish outlook on cryptocurrency.
Kiyosaki recently called Bitcoin “people’s money” and predicted that “Bitcoin [will go from] $500K to $1 million.”
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He’s not alone in this view. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey said in May 2024 that Bitcoin could hit “at least” $1 million by 2030 — and possibly go even higher.
For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.
With Coinbase you can buy, sell and manage your cryptocurrency investments.
Coinbase is a legacy crypto echange, started in 2012 — around the same time as Bitcoin. The publicaly traded company supports over 250 digital assets and has more than 320 different trading partners.
With a robust rewards program and potential to earn a high APY, Coinbase is great for newcomers to the cryptocurrency game. For those looking for a more powerful trading partner, Coinbase Advanced offers low-fees and a simple, intuitive user experience.
Start a portfolio today and you can earn up to $200 in crypto.
This isn’t Kiyosaki’s first 1929 warning. Back in May — when Moody’s Ratings downgraded America’s credit rating — he warned of a Depression-style collapse and highlighted the power of one particular income-generating asset.
“I have always recommended people become entrepreneurs, at least a side hustle and not need job security. Then invest in income-producing real estate, in a crash, which provides steady cash flow,” he wrote on X.
Real estate has long been a favored asset for income-focused investors. While stock markets can swing wildly on headlines, high-quality properties often continue to generate stable rental income.
It can also be a powerful hedge against inflation. When inflation rises property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.
Perhaps that’s why Kiyosaki once disclosed he owns 15,000 houses — strictly for investment purposes.
Today, you don’t need to be as wealthy as Kiyosaki to get started in real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.
Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.
The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.
Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.
With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.
Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
