Public Service Announcement
I plan to do this once per quarter, as I think it's a very worthwhile project. KIVA.ORG Now, you can lend as little as $25 to real micro entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world. You're lending to small business people so they can grow, prosper, and lift their communities. If you're like me, perhaps you have a distaste for most charitable endeavors. Typically, if I like them at all, they'd be something close to home or involve some affinity (such as firefighters across the country giving to the families of 911 firefighter victims). That's cool. But when was the last time someone offered to pay you back, and actually did it? Really, it's only marginally charitable at all. The borrower actually pays interest. You forego interest, which helps to fund the whole endeavor. Pretty slick, if you ask me. In 2 1/2 year, Kiva has accumulated 340,000 lenders who have lent out a total of $50 million in 62,000 loans. Loans average $500 each, and the historical repayment rate is 98%. Good job, I say. I currently have $250 I lend out, which will recycle as payments come in. I plan to add $250 per quarter. I hope you...