The Worm is Turning

America's largest bank borrowed $50,000,000,000.00 as a bailout during the 2007 financial crises. Yesterday it was announced that the entire amount will be returned to the USA Treasury. This event signals that the economy is about to change and other borrowers should return the bailout money as well. It is strange for people like us to see these huge amounts being tossed around like Monopoly money. There are other trends that show hope and we look forward to an increased upward trend.

Theresa and I were encouraged to get involved in international finance and to become lenders to those in need. With a few $25 gift certificates we started our journey in becoming world class financiers. We joined a non profit group called Kiva who help out individuals or groups who present a plan and need small amounts of money to start or grow their businesses. These people are from every country and often need only a few hundred dollars to begin their dream for financial stability.

We along with others lent $25 dollars to individual women from Bolivia, India and other countries. The funds are grouped together to lend small sums to begin the projects.No one person is lending the total amount needed and the borrower promises to pay back the money on a schedule. We have only made 5 loans so far but today we will be making three more with the money payed back from the loans. It is remarkable that almost 100% of the loans are repaid on time and in full.

The need might be as small as $100 to buy chickens or goats, or seeds for a crop. This represents wealth in these developing countries. We are enjoying this new found freedom to help people who wish to help themselves. Their shared success will amaze you and encourage you to become a Kiva lender. Check it out at Kiva.org and see the real meaning of giving. For these people the worm will turn and you can help it happen.

Incidentally Kiva now manages hundreds of millions of money across the world with outstanding success.