We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.
In light of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding them, many experts are warning that America may be headed for a recession. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, something far worse is looming.
“In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. U.S. debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401(k)’s are losing,” he wrote in an X post on April 18. “U.S.A. may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION.”
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans now owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards. The U.S. National debt has climbed to $36.22 trillion. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in March, and retirees are watching their 401(k)s shrink amid ongoing market volatility.
Don’t miss
- I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
- Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
The Great Depression of the 1930s was the worst economic crisis in modern history — marked by mass unemployment, widespread poverty and a collapse in consumer and business confidence. But by calling the next downturn a “Greater Depression,” Kiyosaki suggests it could be even more devastating.
As he put it, “This coming Great Depression will cause millions to be poor … and a few who take action, may enjoy great wealth and freedom.”
So, what kind of action is he recommending?
“For those who take action today, when the crash crashes, those who invest in just one Bitcoin, or some gold, or silver … You may come through this crisis a very rich person,” Kiyosaki wrote.
That advice should come as no surprise — Kiyosaki has long been a vocal proponent of these alternative assets, which he backed by making a bold prediction.
“I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $1 million. Gold will be $30K and silver $3,000 a coin,” he wrote.
Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.
Precious metals
Kiyosaki’s endorsement of gold and silver is nothing new — he’s been advocating for precious metals for decades.
Back in October 2023, he wrote 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.”
Gold prices surged in 2024 and have continued to climb through 2025, now trading around $3,300 per ounce.
Gold has long been viewed as a safe haven. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in — driving up its value.
Ray Dalio, founder Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund — told CNBC in February: “People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” adding that, “when bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”
For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.
Gold IRAs allow you to invest in gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.
When you make a qualifying purchase with Thor Metals, you can receive up to $20,000 in precious metals for free.
Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now
Bitcoin
Bitcoin has been one of the top-performing assets of the past decade — and Kiyosaki is betting it still has room to run.
On Nov. 29, he predicted on X: “Bitcoin will soon break $100,000.” On Dec. 4, the cryptocurrency surpassed that milestone, grabbing headlines worldwide.
Although Bitcoin has since dipped below $100,000, Kiyosaki’s long-term forecast remains ambitious: $1 million per coin by 2035.
He’s not alone in that view. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey said in an interview with Pirate Wires published 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, platforms like Robinhood Crypto allow users to buy and sell crypto with as little as $1 without any trading fees or commissions.
Robinhood Crypto has the lowest trading cost on average in the U.S. — meaning you could get up to 1.7% more crypto compared to trading on other platforms.
Real estate — revisited
“Your house is not an asset” Kiyosaki once said during an interview with finance YouTuber Sharan Hegde in September 2023. “What is the definition of the word? If it puts money in my pocket, it’s an asset. If my house is taking money from my pocket, it’s a liability.”
His point being that owning the home you live in often takes money out of your pocket in the form of mortgage payments, utilities, taxes and maintenance costs. Rental properties, however, are a different story.
According to the Rich Dad website, rental properties can generate significant, regular cash flow when purchased and managed wisely. Additionally, increases in rents and property values over time can create “an important supplementary revenue stream.” While all investments carry some risk, cash-flowing properties are “generally less subject to the daily ups and downs” of the market.
Today, you don’t need to be as wealthy as Kiyosaki to get started in real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easy way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.
With Arrived, you can 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 rental income deposits from your investment.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
