What I’d Do If I Lost It All Today: How to Build Real Wealth

May 29, 20250

What I’d Do If I Lost It All Today (And Why Most People Stay Broke)

In today’s uncertain economy, the fear of losing it all keeps most people up at night. But here’s the truth: money isn’t about what’s in your bank account—it’s about what’s in your head.

I’ve seen too many people cling to the false security of jobs, savings, and outdated financial advice—while ignoring the real skills that generate wealth in any market. Let’s break it down.

Why School Failed You

In school, you’re taught by teachers who might not have real-world experience. You sit in class, listening to lectures that go in one ear and out the other. But real wealth-building doesn’t work that way. When you play games like Monopoly or Cash Flow, you learn by doing: four green houses, a red hotel, 1031 exchanges, using debt to your advantage. You never forget it.

That’s because games engage your four intelligences:

✅ Mental – the strategy
✅ Emotional – the drive to win
✅ Physical – taking action
✅ Spiritual – believing in your mission

Unfortunately, most schools only scratch the mental surface. That’s why the real world feels so different.

RK and CashFlow
Rich Dad Cash Flow board game

The Skills That Actually Build Wealth

If I lost everything today, I wouldn’t sweat it. Because wealth doesn’t come from a paycheck—it comes from three core skills:
1️⃣ Real estate investing
2️⃣ Selling
3️⃣ Using debt intelligently

I keep taking real estate courses. I learned to sell by working at Xerox, not just by reading about it. And I mastered using debt as a tool, not a trap.

Why You Need Real Teachers, Not Preachers

Too many financial “experts” are just salespeople—insurance agents calling themselves wealth managers. Same with your average tax preparer. They’re not there to help you grow your wealth. They’re there to process paperwork.

Real knowledge comes from people who’ve done it, failed, and done it again. That’s why I’m always studying, traveling, and surrounding myself with people who are playing the real game.

The 401(k) Lie and the Bond Market Trap

Since 1974, when ERISA launched the 401(k), most people have trusted financial planners with a 60/40 strategy: 60% in stocks, 40% in bonds. But here’s the catch: bonds aren’t safe. Just last week (May 2025), Moody’s downgraded U.S. bonds. America is $36 trillion in debt—the interest alone exceeds the taxes we collect.

The biggest risk today isn’t stocks. It’s the bond market. If that crashes, it’s not a recession—it’s a depression. And financial planners will still tell you bonds are “safe.” Don’t fall for it.

Where the Money Is Really Flowing

Today, people are ditching fiat currency for hard assets—gold, silver, Bitcoin, and real estate. These assets move with inflation and hold real value. And the data doesn’t lie: gold is hitting all-time highs, real estate is stabilizing, and there’s a global run on hard assets.

The Age of AI and Why Young People Have the Edge

Let’s face it: most older investors are stuck in their ways. But younger generations have a huge advantage: they understand technology. AI, automation, and social media are changing the game. Old practices are out—new efficiencies are in.

If you’re under 30, see this as the opportunity of a lifetime. Use AI to reduce overhead, find better deals, and take on the world.

Keep Seeking the Truth

The biggest gap is the one between your ears. What did your parents, teachers, and financial planners tell you? Are you sure it’s true?

As Einstein said, “Truth belongs to the seeker.” That’s why I never stop learning. I travel, attend events, and connect with people like Jim Rickards—who’ll be at Limitless this year—because the real game is played by those who stay curious.

Ken speaks at Limitless 2024 in Dallas, Texas

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to challenge the old systems, embrace real skills, and build wealth that can weather any storm—this is your moment.

Keep questioning everything
Keep learning from real players
Keep seeking your truth

And remember: if I lost it all today, I’d be back tomorrow. Because I know where real wealth comes from. It’s not a paycheck. It’s a mindset.

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