Why I Regret Not Buying "Rich Dad Poor Dad" 20 Years Ago

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Recently I started listening to "Rich Dad's Guide to Investing" on Audible.

It's a follow-up to Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" book.
If you've never read the book, I highly recommend it.

When I was younger, I spent all my time reading computer programming books and books on computer security. I went to college and learned computer programming, just like my parents always wanted.

Looking back, I truly do regret not picking up personal financial books such as this one. Memory is a funny thing - I remember seeing the original Rich Dad Poor Dad book in the local book store on a very large display when it first came out. I looked at the book for a moment, shrugged my shoulders because it wasn't a computer book, and proceeded to head to the computer book section. I've always been told that computers are my future, because that's what I'm good at and what I enjoy.

If I could go back in time, I'd certainly yell at myself for bypassing that opportunity. It wasn't until about 15 years later that I finally obtained a copy when I realized I'm never going to be able to retire, even with a 401(k). I realized that I have to do more, now, and stop leaving my future in the hands of others.

This book really did open my eyes to a lot of things. Most importantly, it helped me realize that I needed to start investing my money into investment vehicles I control, instead of simply putting my money in the stock market and hoping I chose the right bet, just like at a roulette wheel.

This April will mark one year since purchasing my first investment property. There have been times I've screamed at the sky because of unexpected rental issues, like the water main shattering into a thousand pieces, or almost going through the floor of the rental due to water damage I couldn't see.

But, after the frustration passes, I've fixed the problems. And I keep pushing forward.

I hope to pick up a second investment property this year. Then another the following. And so on.

All of this to build my future, one property at a time.

Think of where I could be today if I would have picked up this book 20 years ago when it first came out.