Real estate, stocks, bonds… The terms whirl around like buzzwords. And with the markets and the economy as volatile as they are, how in the world do you play this game of investments?
In the midst of finding answers, the name Robert G. Allen pops up. In this episode of The Mindvalley Show with Vishen, he shares how to build multiple streams of income and become financially free.
Watch the full 51-minute interview:
Get to know Robert G. Allen
You’ve probably come across the names Robert Kiyosaki, Alfio Bardolla, or Barbara Corcoran while venturing into the world of real estate and investments. Each of these titans holds a unique space in the realm of financial wisdom, but who is Robert G. Allen?
He’s often lauded for his innovative approaches to property investment. What’s more, his New York Times best-selling No Money Down series and Multiple Streams of Income have been beacons for many looking to gain financial freedom.
Robert’s not just an author, though. He’s also a mentor, guiding countless people toward their dreams through—no surprise here—the concepts of real estate investing and the wonders of creating multiple streams of income.
When he’s not doing that, he’s also in front of a mic, addressing eager minds from all corners of the globe. China, Russia, Japan, Australia, South Africa… He’s made waves, sharing insights on how money works, offering wisdom, and helping to reshape people’s financial narratives.
“When the real estate world shut down in 2008, my seminar business died,” he explains in the episode. “Nobody wants to buy real estate seminars when their house is underwater. So I said, ‘Well, where can I sell this message?’ And I went worldwide.”
With all these income streams, it’s no wonder the one and only Robert G. Allen’s net worth is in the multi-millions. It’s really a testament to his methods and teachings.
Here’s the thing, though: It’s not his financial success that defines him; instead, it’s the impact he’s made on the lives of those who’ve been lucky enough to learn from him. And when you do the same, chances are, you might just find your way to the bank as well.
How to make M-O-N-E-Y, according to Robert G. Allen
Earning money and creating wealth are two distinct concepts. While there are tons who chase the former, the latter is what brings in financial abundance.
In his sit-down with Vishen, he shares a formula you should keep in mind to get there. (Uncoincidentally, it’s with the acronym M-O-N-E-Y T-R-E-E.)
M: Multiple streams
Gas prices, food, electricity, and everything else that inflation has touched—it’s just expensive to be alive nowadays. And the cold, hard truth is, relying on a single source of income isn’t just risky—it’s obsolete.
That’s why Robert really highlights the importance of multiple streams of income (after all, it is the title of one of his best-sellers). If one dries up, your river still flows.
Everybody needs multiple streams because of safety. You need multiple. Just like everybody tells you, you need diversify in your stock market, you need to diversify your streams of income. — @BestSellerBob Share on XDiversification is what Robert recommends—it’s both a safety net and an expansion strategy. Look at Shaquille O’Neal, for example. While he’s known for his time in the NBA, he’s also savvy when it comes to his multiple businesses.
Real estate, stocks, and digital domains are only some of the many ventures you can explore. If those aren’t your forte, explore other income ideas so you can ensure that money flows in, even when one of your streams faces a downturn.
O: Outstanding product
You’ve got to admit, social media has made standing out a challenge. Products and services are constantly vying for attention. And if you’re not “trending,” then you’re just another blip in the algorithm.
So what’s Robert’s take on this? Simple: Craft an outstanding product.
“As soon as the income starts to go, the economy starts to go, people stop buying that discretionary item,” he explains. So create something that’s “unique enough so that people will continue to buy it.”
It should be something that not only sells itself but also turns customers into advocates. By ensuring that your product or service fills a gap, addresses a need, or simply offers undeniable value, you set yourself up for financial success.
N: No money down (or as little as possible)
Real estate is often riddled with tales of massive investments and even bigger risks. Yet Robert introduced a revolutionary concept: investing with no money down.
“The more money I have to put into it, the greater the probability it will fail,” he says. “Therefore, I want a business that I can start with minimal money.”
The thing is, this isn’t about looking for shortcuts but about optimizing resources. Leveraging assets, understanding market dynamics, and negotiating deals can pave the way for investments that attract money rather than drain it.
E: Employee resistance
Robert has one view on employees: they can sometimes be more trouble than they’re worth. In his words, “Employees are the most dangerous part of a company. You have to keep finding them; they keep giving you challenges and troubles.”
Sure, in businesses like real estate, you can run things with just a few people or even by yourself. That’s what Robert likes about it.
However, in many other businesses, employees are the game-changers. In industries like tech or retail, for example, the right team can make all the difference—they bring unique business ideas, skills, and a fresh way of looking at things.
So when it comes down to it, it’s all about finding the right balance. Some businesses work best with fewer people, while others thrive with a bigger team.
The trick is to know what works for you and your organization.
Y: Yield
A litmus test of any investment strategy is the yield. It simply comes down to this: Returns validate your investment.
According to a report from the Financial Times, people who closely watch and handle their investments usually do better than those who don’t.
“Although I put little down, I want to crush it,” says Robert. “I want a business that has unlimited upside.”
Don’t we all, Robert? Don’t. We. All.
T: Trend and timing
Much like surfing, you have to catch the wave at just the right time. And in Robert’s experience, he jumped on the real estate trend at its peak and, later, the internet.
“The system of real estate is radically different than the system of the internet,” he points out. But he had to pick up the skills to stay ahead of the game.
So, when you’re thinking of starting a business or making an investment, ask yourself: “Am I catching this trend at the right time?”
R: Residual
This is the magic word for “making money while you sleep.” Think: properties that earn rent, affiliate marketing, or online platforms that keep selling even when you’re chilling on a beach somewhere.
Residual income is when you have a business that you don’t have to attend to every single day. John Lee, CEO of Wealth Dragons, puts it perfectly during his stage talk at Mindvalley University 2023:
“What’s open 24 hours a day, even on Christmas? The internet. What do our phones spend most of the time doing? Looking at the internet. So shouldn’t we be making money instead of doing that?”
And in today’s digital world, almost anyone can tap into passive income with minimal cost and effort.
E: Essential to everybody every day
These are the things people can’t live without, no matter what. So, for instance, everyone needs a place to stay, right? That’s why real estate is Robert’s go-to.
“What I love about real estate—residential real estate—is [that] it’s essential to everybody every day,” he says. “Therefore, when the economy has its ups and downs, they still have to have a place to live.”
It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Just have a look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—the basics include food, shelter, clothing, and sex.
So, when you’re looking into passive income ideas, check if it’s something people use or need daily. Those are the real money-makers.
E: Enthusiasm
“You gotta like it,” says Robert, “because if you don’t like it, your business probably won’t survive.”
There’s no point in diving into something if you’re not pumped about it. Chances are, you’ll ditch it faster than you can say M-O-N-E-Y T-R-E-E.
Plus, being enthusiastic about your venture can heal any “money wounds” you might have. And this can help turn financial anxieties into rewarding successes.
Take the next step
With the whirlwind of advice and experts out there, it can indeed feel overwhelming. But as you get more and more into it, you realize there’s a common thread tying the true changemakers together: experience, authenticity, and a genuine desire to empower others.
The thing is, money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about securing the freedom to pursue your passions, getting ample choices to design your ideal lifestyle, and stepping into your true greatness.
So elevate your financial mindset, starting at Mindvalley.
