Self improvement and self help apps/books are legion in the app store. Typically an array of boiled-down quotes or ideas (from some guru's book) arranged in course-like tabulated views. Boring squared is usually my first impression. In contrast, the Rich Dad Poor Dad app powered by Clutch brings fresh presentation and snappy interface features to the old self-help saw...
If you aren't familiar with Rich Dad Poor Dad, the best-selling book written by Robert Kiyosaki is basically the story behind his personal transformative vision and a collection of ideas about achieving financial success. Kyosaki expounds on the difference between worker-based income methods (like holding down a 9–5 job to get money) and investment-based methods (letting savvy investments bring money to you). Part attitude adjustment and part financial investment practice, the premise presents a challenge to the traditional lifelong-employment paradigm to which most of us are committed.
This review is not as much about the content, as it is the presentation of it. As you work your way through this fluid e-course, RDPD evolves to your tastes. If you prefer less reading and more dynamic content (like a video or small game), the app will serve content thus. The interface is both decidedly easy to use and attractive—the content is compelling with added animated widgets and graphics. You can even personalize the look from a set of themes, and the application execution is obviously very polished.
In spite of all the onscreen eye candy, RDPD still lays out the material in a somewhat course-like fashion that you complete in linear progression. It's a bit carrot-and-stickish. Completing each section unlocks the next, etc. You can share select course content through Facebook, and unlock achievements by completing different portions or aspects of the overall course. The only aspect I couldn't seem to locate is the ability to search indexed content (which the developer is considering adding). I would have also liked to simply skip completely over certain sections without unlocking them in series. You can skip some smaller sections.
The app deserves high marks for application look and feel, but how helpful is the actual content? I didn't have time to complete the whole course for this review, but from my research on the topic of Kiyosaki's work (I have also caught the RDPD radio program a few times), the material describes tenets I have read and understood over the years to being key to becoming financially independent: How to make money by gaining assets, when to risk some of it, and how to manage that risk. Having a good plan and clear goals are obviously key, but various topics covered in both the book and the app need to be digested and understood (which is hard to do over a few days of review). I think mileage will vary based on your situation.
The Verdict
As apps go, I like Rich Dad Poor Dad. The content variations are well done and interesting enough to make even seemingly dry material like financial concepts easy to digest. I can't say for sure it will change your monetary future, but the material is sound and very well-presented. Ultimately, your individual success is still a matter of putting concept into practice. You can grab the app or book at the links above. There was a sale at time of this writing ($1.99), but the app has reverted to the nose-bleed cost of $14.99.
Pros
- Great app look and feel
- Fresh presentation and features
Cons
- No search
- Pricey (post sale)