Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the personal-finance bestseller 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', has said he carries roughly $1.2 billion in debt — a figure that, for most people, would spell financial ruin.

For Kiyosaki, however, the revelation is consistent with a philosophy he has promoted for decades: that 'good debt' used to acquire income-generating assets can build wealth, in contrast to the 'bad debt' of consumer borrowing for liabilities.

The 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author has long preached financial education and an investor mindset, arguing that relying on cash savings erodes purchasing power over time and that leveraged real estate and other assets offer a path to greater returns.

Kiyosaki's ties to business and politics have also drawn attention. He previously co-authored the book 'Why We Want You to Be Rich' with then-businessman Donald Trump, a collaboration that underscored his belief in entrepreneurship and self-made wealth as an antidote to economic uncertainty.

Observers note that Kiyosaki's outspoken public persona and contrarian takes — including warnings about market crashes and advocacy of assets such as gold, silver and bitcoin — have made him both a popular figure among retail investors and a frequent subject of criticism from financial advisers who caution that his strategies carry significant risk and are not suited to everyone.

The disclosure of his debt level is likely to reignite debate over whether his advice, however motivating, translates into safe practice for ordinary savers.