Is Robert Kiyosaki Right That a Greater Depression Is Coming?

At a Glance

• • Kiyosaki Predicts a “Greater Depression” but Experts Disagree

  • Economic Risks Are Real but Not Catastrophic

  • Balanced Portfolios with Stocks and Real Estate Remain Key

In a world where economic forecasts are often vague and cautiously worded, Robert Kiyosaki famed author of Rich Dad Poor Dad never minces words. His recent post on X (formerly Twitter) declared in all caps that the U.S. is heading toward a “GREATER DEPRESSION” in 2025. He cited record-high credit card and national debt, rising unemployment, and weakening retirement accounts as the reasons behind his grim outlook. His prescription? Buy Gold, Buy Silver and Buy Bitcoin.

Kiyosaki even went so far as to predict that by 2035, Bitcoin would be worth over $1 million, gold at $30,000 per ounce, and silver at $3,000 per ounce bold claims that naturally stirred up both intrigue and skepticism across financial circles.
But is he right? Are we actually headed toward something worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s? Or is Kiyosaki catastrophizing again for dramatic effect?

Let’s unpack this through expert opinions and economic indicators.

Kiyosaki’s Claims vs. Economic Reality

Kiyosaki’s tweet touches on some undeniable truths:

• • Credit card debt is at an all-time high.
  • U.S. federal debt continues to balloon.
  • Unemployment, while still historically low, has seen slight increases.
  • Many 401(k) accounts are underperforming or flat.

But here’s where things begin to diverge: the leap from “economic risks” to “greater depression.” To evaluate his claims, we reached out to several Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and economists. Across the board, their responses were clear: Kiyosaki is taking legitimate concerns and spinning them into extreme, fear-driven scenarios.

A Look at the Real Risks

Let’s be clear there are real structural challenges in the economy:

1. Public and Private Debt

The Federal Reserve reports household debt has reached a new peak: $18.2 trillion in Q1 2025. That’s not just credit cards it includes mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.

Private corporations are also heavily leveraged, and the U.S. government’s debt is nearing $35 trillion. One pending piece of legislation, the “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” could accelerate federal spending even more, potentially pushing national debt higher at an unsustainable pace.

Rod Skiles, writer behind The Unconventional Economist, noted:

“We are currently in the fourth year of the worst Treasury market in history.”

That means U.S. bond auctions are struggling, which could make borrowing more expensive for the government and by extension, taxpayers.

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2. Inflation and Recession Risk

According to the Walters Kluwer Blue Chip Economic Indicator Survey, economists see a 72% chance of meaningful inflation returning within the next 6 months and a 47% chance of recession in the next 12.

In other words: Stagflation slow growth plus high inflation is back on the table.

3. The Misery Index

This lesser-known economic indicator adds the inflation rate to the unemployment rate. A higher number equals more “misery.”

Economists predict the Misery Index will peak at 8.1% in Q3 2025, before declining slightly to 6.9% by the end of 2026.

To compare:

• During the Great Depression, unemployment alone was over 25%. 
• During the 1970s stagflation, the Misery Index reached nearly 20%. 

So yes, things are shaky but nowhere near Greater Depression levels.

So What About Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin?

Kiyosaki’s bullishness on precious metals and crypto is no secret. But should you follow his lead?

Gold & Silver

Precious metals have long been considered a hedge against geopolitical risk and inflation. In unusual fashion, both gold and the stock market are near all-time highs, which typically doesn’t happen together.

But most CFPs we spoke with agreed:

“Gold and silver are useful hedges but they’re not get-rich-quick assets.”

They don’t produce revenue, like a business or real estate investment would. Their value is speculative  based on market perception, not underlying cash flow.

Bitcoin

Kiyosaki claims Bitcoin will reach $1 million by 2035. That’s quite a leap, even for crypto bulls.

And while Bitcoin has shown enormous growth since its inception, it’s also proven wildly volatile. As one investor shared:

“I have some crypto, but it’s play money. I fully expect to lose it  or gain a lot. It’s speculation, not investment.”

Bitcoin, like gold, doesn’t generate revenue. It’s only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. That makes it a risky place to stash your life savings, especially during uncertain economic times.

Why Real Estate and Stocks Still Matter

While Kiyosaki downplays more traditional investments, CFPs and economists agree: real estate and equities remain solid long-term vehicles for wealth building.

Why?

• They generate revenue. Rental properties produce monthly cash flow. Companies generate earnings. 
• They can be valued objectively. Unlike speculative assets, real estate and stocks can be priced based on income and market fundamentals. 
• Moreover, they offer diversification. Real estate provides a counterbalance to equities, especially in times of volatility. 

And remember panic sells create opportunities for smart buyers. Those who keep their cool often scoop up assets at a discount when others are fleeing the market.

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So, Is a “Greater Depression” Coming?

Not according to the experts.

Yes, the risks are real:

• Debt levels are unsustainable. 
• Inflation remains a concern. 
• Recession is possible. 

But no major economist or financial planner outside of Kiyosaki is predicting a depression worse than the 1930s. Most see slower growth, a potential mild recession, and continued volatility not collapse.

Final Thoughts

Robert Kiyosaki has long made a career out of financial hyperbole. As far back as 2002, he wrote Rich Dad’s Prophecy, warning of a massive stock market crash that still hasn’t come to pass.

He encourages people to think outside the box and that’s a good thing. But when his predictions become panic-inducing, it’s time to separate fear from fact.

There’s room in your portfolio for precious metals and maybe a little crypto — but they shouldn’t be the foundation. Talk to a financial advisor about building a q balanced portfolio that includes stocks, real estate, and income-producing assets.

And if you’re curious about real estate investing, check out SparkRental.com/free for a free course on passive investing.

Because no, the sky isn’t falling but it’s always smart to prepare for rain.

Sources

https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/interactives/householdcredit/data/pdf/HHDC_2025Q1

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ny-fed-student-loan-borrowing-trouble-surged-first-quarter-2025-05-13/

https://www.barrons.com/articles/student-loan-defaults-delinquencies-321700c9

https://financhill.com/blog/investing/are-we-heading-toward-a-recession

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_household_debt

https://www.wsj.com/finance/credit-card-interest-rates-consumer-spending-55227817

https://www.businessinsider.com/recession-2025-warning-economy-outlook-growth-slowdown-debt-stocks-rates-2025-3

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/23/us-national-debt-consumer

https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc

https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/April-2025-financial-stability-report-Borrowing-by-Businesses-and-Households.htm

https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2025/q1-2025-hhdacr.html

https://usafacts.org/answers/how-much-debt-does-the-average-american-owe/country/united-states/

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/TDSP

https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2024/dec/professional-forecasters-performance-2025-economic-outlook