Should you prioritise your own financial security completely before helping anyone else?

Question

Rich Dad · Accepted Answer

You can’t pour from an empty wallet — but you also can’t build an empire by hoarding pennies.
Let me be blunt: if you’re broke, drowning in debt, and financially fragile, you are not in a position to “save” anyone. That’s not selfish — that’s math. Build your oxygen mask first. Kill bad debt. Build assets. Create cash flow. Once your money works for you, helping others becomes effortless and scalable.
But here’s where people get it twisted — don’t wait until you’re a billionaire to be generous. Help in ways that don’t sabotage your foundation. Share knowledge. Make introductions. Teach skills. Invest in someone’s hustle instead of paying their bills. Charity that weakens you is guilt. Charity that multiplies impact is power.

Poor Dad · Answer

If you don’t secure your own roof first, you may both end up in the rain.
I strongly believe your first responsibility is to ensure your own financial stability. Emergency fund. Stable job. Retirement contributions. Insurance. If helping others puts your savings, credit score, or long-term security at risk, you must pause. Financial stress ruins relationships and futures.
That doesn’t mean you ignore others. You can help within your means — small, controlled, planned assistance. Budget for generosity like any other expense. But never compromise your pension, your mortgage payments, or your children’s future out of guilt or pressure. Security first, always.

Should you prioritise your own financial security completely before helping anyone else?

Rich Dad Says

Poor Dad Says

Whose advice would you follow?

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