Often people ask me what the difference is between the board games Cashflow 101 and Cashflow 202. I have played both but often find it difficult to explain. In this video Robert Kiyosaki very effectively (as is his manner) explains the difference between the two games. Essentially, the first board game helps you understand the basics of your personal financial statement and the fundamentals of investing. In general, the game is very easy to play and win (after a couple tries of course). Cashflow 202 expands on the basics of the first game and begins to teach you how to handle these two elements (your personal financial statement and investing) and places you in a much more “risky” world. It is harder to win and the chances of going bankruptcy increase greater – just like in life.
I am an avid fan of Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad series and help facilitate and organize local groups to play cashflow. Lately several members of our group have been discussing moving up to Cashflow 202 (until now we have just been playing Cashflow 101). After watching this video we realized that the goal should be to move to Cashflow 202 as quickly as possible. Most fundamentally, it teaches you how to manage change. Something that we have A LOT of in the current financial markets.
There is only one thing that my kids want to do on Friday night. It is not watch TV, movies, or hang out at the mall with friends. They want to play Cash Flow for Kids board game as our “family night” board game. What better way to build a strong family AND give them a financial base that will serve them for years to come.
This game is essentially a scaled down version of 101. It only uses the rat race (no fast track) and is extremely visual. It also uses income and expense cards that are geared towards children. Your kids don’t even have to know how to add in order to play. Cash Flow for Kids Board Game is not about learning complex financially strategies. It is about installing the fundamental concept of Rich Dad Poor Dad – buy assets, NOT liabilities and doodads. After playing only once you’ll be amazed how your kids are just natural entrepreneurs!
Many children over 9 may find Cash Flow for Kids Board Game too easy. No worries, just graduate them up to Cash Flow 101 Board Game.
OK, hopefully you’ve played the first game (meaning Cashflow 101) enough that you are able to get out of the rat race in less than an hour, consistently, and regardless what profession card with which you play. Don’t skip ahead to the Cash Flow 202 board game just because you think you already know everything. Let’s be honest, if you did, you wouldn’t need the game would you
The Cash Flow 202 board game uses the same concept as 101 but makes it harder: by requiring you to double your expenses to get out of the rat race. It also adds a level of risk that did not exist in the first game. One wrong move, or maybe one wrong card, and you can get wiped out financially. Just like in real life you need to use insurance and diversification to hedge risk.
I can honestly say that Cash Flow 101 has changed my financial life – it was easily the best money I ever spent. Once you get the game play it once or twice to get used to the game play. Then find other people with which to play and start learning. One of the best lessons of the Cash Flow 101 board game is not just what to to, but what NOT to do..
Cash Flow 101 Board Game can be played with only two people or as many as 6 but I’ve found that three new players, or four experienced, seems to be the best mix. I also suggest that you do not use the paper money that comes with Cash Flow 101; it slows down the game play too much. Just use journal entries, it is faster plus more realistic – you’re not buying stocks, businesses, and real estate with cash in the real world.
Once you have played Cash Flow 101 enough that you are able to get out of the rat race consistently in less than one hour you are ready to graduate to Cash Flow 202 Board Game.
