Cashflow 101
$79.99
Cashflow at a Glance
| Game Type Educational, Economic, Math, Betting & Bluffing, Player Elimination, Roll and Move | Play Time 180 mins | Skill/Complexity (2 - 5) Light |
| Age 10+ | Publisher(s) Rich Dad | Published 1996 |
| Categories Family / Educational | Players 2 - 6 (4 - 5 Ideal) | Rules Manual Cashflow Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 7/10 | Cost Approx $79.99 |
About – Description
The Cashflow board game was released in 1996 and was the brainchild of investor and businessman Robert Kiyosaki.
Despite the game being based around learning financial strategies and accountancy, the creator eventually filed for bankruptcy and there has been a lot of controversy around Robert Kiyosaki’s methods of teaching which is said to be primarily directed in a manner that keeps people paying money.
It is a game that is designed for 2-6 players with the recommended number of players being 4-5.
Who’s it best suited for?
Cashflow the family board game is suitable for players of 10 years and over with a playing time of about 3 hours.
As the Cashflow board game is all about finance and accountancy, it’s also an education game that’s suited for families.
Children could improve their mathematical and number skills while adults can also benefit in achieving an understanding of the financial world.
Skill – Complexity
The game has an average skill and complexity rating due to the fact that players have to identify financial strategies. Players will also learn about personal finance and investing, which does require a certain level of skill and knowledge.
Players are required to roll the dice and move but they also have to fill in financial statements.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Set up of Cashflow is fairly straightforward. It consists of a board, dice, board movers and cards along with financial sheets.
The board consists of two tracks known as the rat race and the fast race. The rat race uses one die to move and the fast race uses two. Players get paid for passing the paycheck marker on the rat race track, at which point they select a card, which can offer a wide range of good or bad deals.
The fast race track gives players too much money and so, they have to decide where to invest it before losing it.
The game is based around financial sheets which are completed by players after they choose their starting career. After they begin investing they have to make a note of the changes on their financial sheets.
The winner is the first person to either have a monthly income of $50,000 or the person who purchases their Dream.
Versions – Editions
The game has been released in several countries but has remained unchanged since its release date.
Likes & Dislikes
The game is seen to be a good educational tool but many feel as though it is too long. Its basic set up of roll and move is favored by families and so, it does offer an element of fun.
Many people find it ironic that the cashflow game was created by a get-rich-quick businessman who is now bankrupt and dislike the controversy around the creator and his skill at getting people to spend more and more money with him.
Some believe that the game is complex in the way that players have to write down their investments and keep financial statements.
Final Thoughts
As the Cashflow board game is based on finances it can be seen to be educational. It can take some time to complete and that can put some people off. Although simple in set up but it become intricate and complex as the game moves on.
Families have a great chance to get together and play a game that requires an element of thought and skill.
While there is some controversy around the creator of Cashflow, it might be best to judge the suitability of the game and is it good enough for you rather than focus on the creators previous negative intentions, but that’s your call.
I would say it is a bit pricey as well priced up at $79.99.
