If you have not read one of Robert T. Kiyosaki’s books you are familiar with his name and his work or you may know him as "that finance guy" or "the money man." Robert Kiyosaki’s first book Rich Dad Poor Dad topped best selling charts worldwide. I am delighted for this chance to chat with him.

W&F: Mr. Kiyosaki thank you for taking time to talk to me.

Though not a parent, I found your book Why "A" Students Work for "C" Students and "B" Students Work for the Government: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Education for Parents fascinating because you make the obvious very clear. Your book is very readable. In the introduction you mention The Emperor's New Clothes, the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen, why that fairy tale?

ROBERT KIYOSAKI: That fairy tale--The Emperor’s New Clothes--is about a "problem" that everyone’s aware of, but ignores, for fear of speaking the truth. In the case of The Emperor’s New Clothes, the "problem" is that the emperor is naked. I use this story to illustrate the "problems" I see with the education system…huge, obvious issues of an old and obsolete model that doesn’t address the needs of students of today or prepare them for the real world—a world in which (like it or not) money plays a pivotal role.

In the fairy tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, it's the children--who don't have the same fears that the adults do related to their ability to "see" the special cloth from which these "new clothes" were to be fashioned. It's the children who say "The emperor has no clothes!" It's my intention to stress the fact that SOMEONE needs to speak up--even in the face of fear--and address the fact that the today's school system (in large part) does not address today’s world and its challenges or deliver the education our kids need to have a shot at success.

W&F: I see. When you explain it that way, it makes sense.

W&F: You wonder if the lack of financial education is the reason people are dependant on government programs like Social Security, Medicare, etc. Many would argue they work many years to receive these benefits and do not see them as government programs, but an earned right. How do you answer them?

ROBERT KIYOSAKI: I think the fact that these programs are very often called "entitlement programs" makes your point. Most people DO feel entitled to these benefits…and, in many cases, they have earned the right to these benefits. The challenge is in the viability of the programs and their structures… as we’re seeing today with the underfunding of Social Security and its looming insolvency. And again--like it or not--the solvency of Social Security and Medicare is tied to our leaders' ability (or inability) to grow and manage these pools of money… as well as the plan for ongoing funding of these programs.

W&F: Thank you Mr. Kiyosaki, I look forward to our final chat. I much appreciate receiving a review copy of Why "A" students Work for "C" Students and "B" Students Work for the Government and a chance to interview you.

In the next segment Mr. Kiyosaki talks about adult children returning to the nest and teaching children about money.

You can purchase Robert T. Kiyosaki's books from brick and mortar book stores or online stores such as Amazon. Why "A" Students Work for "C" Students and Why "B" Students Work for the Government: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Education for Parents