Page 124 - Why We Want You To Be Rich - Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki.pdf

118 I CHAPTER NINE

When you look at this simple diagram, it is easyto seewhy the first two
types of investors, the non-investor and the passive investor, would say,
"Investing is risky." They have no (or very little) financial education, and
they have very little financial experience; hence, they fall prey to any
financial advisor promising safety and security.
Donald Trump invested alot oftime in his financial education. He went
to Wharton, possibly the finest business school in America. In 1969, when
I graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy in New York,I considered
going to Wharton also. One ofmy classmatesfrom the academy,AI Novack,
was accepted and wanted me to go with him. I did not go because the
Vietnam War was raging, and I decided to go to flight school instead.
I did not have the formal business school education Donald did, but I
knew not having an education was a handicap. Instead, I focused a lot of
time and money getting my financial education outside the traditional halls
oflearning. I attended many seminars, listened to many tapes and CDs, read
business books and made it a practice to teach what I learned ... because
teaching is one ofthe best ways to learn. I also learned by finding a mentor
and becoming an apprentice, just as my rich dad was a mentor to me and I
was an apprentice to him.
I took two companies public because I found two mentors who taught
me the process. I invest heavily in oil and gas because I had training from
Standard Oil ofCalifornia and from a mentor who taught me about oil and
gas syndications (how to raise money for oil and gas investments).
I continue my financial education via real-life experience and by having
great mentors as well as great advisors.
Donald Trump and I would not be writing this book together if! had
ever stopped my financial education. I lovelearning about money, business,
finance and wealth. I will probably be a student until the day I die. I do not
think I will ever feel I know enough, or that my cup is full or that I have all
the answers. I can alwayslearn more and love doing so.
I"

WHY WE WANT You To BE RICH
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