Why Savers Are Losers: The Mindset Shift You Need to Win Big

Have you ever noticed how the advice we get about money is often rooted in fear? “Save for a rainy day,” they say. “Cut back, live below your means, and put your money in a safe place.” It sounds practical, even responsible, doesn’t it? Yet, why is it that the majority of people who follow this ‘safe’ advice still end up struggling financially, living paycheck to paycheck, and constantly stressed about money? Because saving, on its own, doesn’t create wealth — it merely preserves what little you have.

Here’s the hard truth: Savers are losers, not because they lack discipline or good intentions, but because they’re trapped in a scarcity mindset. They’re focused on not losing, instead of on winning big. They’re playing defense, while true wealth creators play offense. While savers are busy clipping coupons and pinching pennies, the wealthy are out there taking calculated risks, making bold investments, and multiplying their money.

This isn’t an article to bash saving entirely — there’s a time and place for it. But if you want to achieve real financial freedom, you have to think beyond saving. You need to adopt an abundance mindset and start focusing on wealth creation. Imagine a life where you’re not worried about cutting back, but instead figuring out how to make so much money that you could never spend it all. That’s the mindset shift we’re diving into today.

In this article, we’ll explore why savers are often left behind, why playing it ‘safe’ is the riskiest thing you can do, and how to start thinking like a true wealth creator. I’ll share personal stories, practical tips, and a spiritual perspective that will challenge everything you’ve been taught about money. It’s time to stop playing small and start playing to win. Ready to change your financial reality? Let’s dive in.

Why Savers Are Losers: A Lesson from Robert Kiyosaki

Q: Why does Robert Kiyosaki say savers are losers?

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has a straightforward message: Savers are losers because they’re playing the wrong game. Traditional financial advice tells us to save, cut expenses, and live below our means. But Kiyosaki’s experience shows that this approach keeps people trapped in the rat race. Why? Because saving alone doesn’t grow your wealth — it only preserves the small amount you already have, and inflation eats away at its value every year.

Let’s break it down. Inflation is the silent killer of your savings. The purchasing power of your money decreases over time, meaning what you can buy today with R100 will cost more tomorrow. Kiyosaki’s point is that if you’re only saving, you’re actually losing. The money sitting in your bank account is losing value every day. Instead, you should focus on investing in assets that grow in value and generate cash flow.

If you’re new to Robert Kiyosaki’s teachings, start with his bestselling book, Rich Dad Poor Dad — it’s a must-read for understanding the mindset shift needed to build real wealth.

Q: What’s the main problem with saving money according to Kiyosaki?

Kiyosaki’s biggest issue with saving is the mindset it creates. When you focus on saving, you’re operating from a place of fear and scarcity. You’re afraid there’s not enough money, so you hoard what little you have instead of thinking about how to grow it. This is what Kiyosaki calls the “poor mindset.”

The Rich Dad Poor Dad philosophy teaches that the rich don’t work for money — they make money work for them. Instead of saving every penny, they look for opportunities to invest in assets that generate passive income. These could be real estate, stocks, or businesses. Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of financial education, which most savers lack. They’ve been conditioned to believe that saving and living frugally is the path to financial security, but it’s actually a trap that keeps them small.

Q: Isn’t saving money a safer option? Why does Kiyosaki argue against it?

Here’s the truth bomb: Saving money is one of the riskiest things you can do, according to Kiyosaki. The idea of safety in savings is an illusion. Let me explain why.

1. Inflation Erodes Your Savings
   • Kiyosaki often uses the example of the U.S. dollar losing value since the gold standard was abandoned. This isn’t just an American issue — inflation is a global phenomenon. Every year, your savings lose purchasing power. By the time you retire, the value of your money will have shrunk significantly if it’s just sitting in a savings account.
2. Banks Don’t Help You Grow Wealth
   • Kiyosaki frequently points out that banks use your savings to make money for themselves through lending and investments. Meanwhile, they offer you minimal interest, often less than the rate of inflation. Essentially, you’re letting the bank get richer while your money stagnates.

For a deeper dive into why saving isn’t enough, check out Kiyosaki’s book, The Cashflow Quadrant, where he explains the difference between employees, self-employed individuals, business owners, and investors.

Q: So if saving isn’t the answer, what should we be doing instead?

Kiyosaki’s philosophy is all about creating wealth through investing in assets. Here’s how you can shift from a saver’s mindset to a wealth creator’s mindset:

1. Invest in Cash-Flowing Assets
   • According to Kiyosaki, the key to financial freedom is owning assets that put money in your pocket every month. These include real estate properties, dividend-paying stocks, and businesses. The goal is to create multiple streams of passive income that can eventually replace your active income from a job.
2. Focus on Building Financial Education
   • Kiyosaki stresses the importance of financial education. Most people don’t know the difference between an asset and a liability. They think their house or car is an asset, but if it’s not generating income, it’s actually a liability. Invest in your financial education before you invest your money. Learn how to read financial statements, understand market trends, and evaluate investment opportunities.
3. Leverage Debt Wisely
   • One of Kiyosaki’s most controversial teachings is about using debt as a tool for building wealth. He distinguishes between good debt (used to acquire income-generating assets) and bad debt (used for consumer spending). While savers fear debt, the wealthy understand how to leverage it to buy properties or invest in businesses that yield higher returns.

Ready to change your financial mindset? Grab a copy of Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing to learn how to think like an investor and make your money work for you.

Q: How does Kiyosaki’s spiritual perspective influence his views on money?

Kiyosaki’s teachings aren’t just about numbers and investing — there’s a strong spiritual component as well. He believes that the way you think about money is a reflection of your mindset and energy. If you view money as something scarce and limited, you’re operating from a place of fear. This fear blocks the flow of abundance in your life.

Kiyosaki often talks about the importance of having a wealth consciousness, which means believing in the endless possibilities of creating wealth. It’s about shifting from a mindset of lack to a mindset of abundance. When you see money as a tool that can be used to create more value, you open yourself up to opportunities that savers often overlook.

Q: What are some practical steps inspired by Kiyosaki’s teachings to get started on building wealth?

1. Start a Side Business
   • Don’t rely solely on your 9-to-5 job for income. Use your spare time to start a side business. This could be anything from an online store to freelancing. The goal is to create another stream of income that isn’t dependent on your job.
2. Invest a Portion of Your Income Consistently
   • Decide on a fixed percentage of your income to invest every month. This could be in stocks, real estate, or even in your own education. The key is to be consistent and let compound interest do the heavy lifting over time.
3. Adopt a Wealth-Building Mindset
   • Every day, spend a few minutes visualizing the wealth you want to create. This isn’t just about daydreaming — it’s about training your brain to look for opportunities and to operate from a place of abundance rather than fear.
4. Educate Yourself with the Right Resources
   • Kiyosaki always says, “Your mind is your greatest asset.” Read books, take courses, and learn from mentors who have successfully built wealth. Start with Kiyosaki’s classics like Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Cashflow Quadrant to gain a solid foundation in financial literacy.

Q: How do I know if I’m stuck in a saver’s mindset?

Here are some signs:

• You worry constantly about losing money.
• You feel anxious about spending or investing, preferring to keep money in ‘safe’ savings.
• You’re more focused on cutting expenses than finding ways to increase your income.

If this sounds like you, it’s time to shift your mindset. Remember, the wealthy don’t save their way to riches — they invest, create, and grow their wealth.

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Think Like the Rich, Not the Poor

Following traditional advice about saving will keep you stuck in the middle class, at best. Robert Kiyosaki teaches us to look beyond saving and focus on wealth creation through investing in assets, increasing our financial education, and adopting an abundance mindset. Don’t settle for playing it safe — aim to create wealth that lasts for generations.

It’s time to take charge of your financial future. Start learning, start investing, and start thinking like the wealthy. The only limit is how big you’re willing to think.

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Stay well until next time

At your service,

Mani