Loan $25 to change lives through Kiva.org

I want to let you all know about a cool non-profit that is doing great things: Kiva.org

Kiva.org allows individuals to make $25 loans to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world (microfinance). By doing so, individuals like you provide affordable working capital for the poor (money to buy a sewing machine, livestock, etc.), empowering them to earn their way out of poverty.

It's a new, direct and sustainable way to fight global poverty, and the way I see it, I get a higher return on $25 helping someone build a future than the interest my checking account pays.

Anyways, if you have a minute, please check out the site: http://kiva.org. If you need more "reputable" validation than my recommendation :), know that they have received great press in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal to NPR to BusinessWeek.

Thanks for reading! And feel free to spread the word!!

http://www.kiva.org/lender/erin3278

PS, If you sign up be sure to tell them that I sent you :)

This is a must read!!!

If you haven't checked out Prosper yet you seriously need to for a few reasons but mainly:

INVESTMENT:
If you want to invest in something or someone and want great returns this is an opportunity for you and while the risk varies you can invest small increments of $25. People referred to as "Lenders" bid for the right to buy a portion of the loan that is funded to a borrower or a group of borrowers. People with excellent credit history get the best rates, but even those can sometimes be high because of the bids pooled together. Usually funding is for 3 years but some investors have made 15% ROI. Plus you can avoid the retail banks and broker fees associated with online trading or investments and get higher return for your buck than a brokerage account, without the headache of a financial crisis. Or just as a hedge to your regular portfolio.

BORROW:
If you need an emergency loan and don't want to go to a loan shark or a pay advance place that charges astronomical interest and fees then check out Prosper. Depending on your credit score/history they may be able to fund you a loan in as little as 3-7 days. Just create a profile, have them verify your identity and then post what you need the money for, the terms you are looking for, and how long you need to repay the loan.

LEND:
People have created groups that pool resources and money together to lend to others. Although acting similar to lending/banking company you do not need a license because technically you are an investor purchasing the rights to the debt and not creating or originating the debt.