Club cashes in

Anyone who’s even been stumped by a cash flow statement or tossed aside a calculator in budgetary frustration will be at home in the Cashflow Club.
The club turns the mystique of finance and investment into a game, based on the best-seller wisdom of Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki.
Geelong organiser Dion Matchan said the fledgling Geelong club was like “monopoly on steroids”.
The board game uses many of the items commonly used in finance and budgeting and turns them into easy-to-understand game icons.
“For instance, the game sheet is a financial record, with income and expenses and a balance sheet.
“It’s all based on concepts around money and wealth and teaches players financial principles.
“A lot of people don’t know much about finance and budgeting, even if they have an investment property.
“You play the game pretty much as you deal with money in your day-to-day life. Some people hang onto their cash, some don’t take risks and others do.”
Dion said everyone grew up with different beliefs about money and how it should be used.
“Playing Cashflow can be a bit of fun and you can take from it what you want but it’s also an opportunity to learn about different wealth strategies.
“Most people don’t try things in real life because they’re afraid of doing something wrong.
“But the game provides a safe environment where you can ask all those questions.
“If you fail in the game the worst thing you have done is lose a game. If you do that in real life there are more serious consequences.”
Dion said the game encouraged players to become more willing to try different strategies.
“You can test what works and see other people’s strategies. Playing Cashflow can change people’s financial behaviour,” he said.
The game has two versions: a 101 beginner level and 202 advanced.
“The point of the game is to get out of the rat race, gaining enough money to cover expenses so you no longer need a job,” Dion said.
“It tests the way you see money and challenges people on how to make that dream possible.”
Dion said he was keen to attract more players because the game becomes more productive for all with greater numbers.
The game, for two to six players, takes about two hours and the club provides everything for a $10 cost.
The club meets on the last Thursday of every month at 6.30 pm at the South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont.
Dion said prospective players could phone him on 0413 386 575.