Portfolios of the Poor Book Summary

"Portfolios of the Poor" unveils the hidden financial lives of the impoverished, diving into their complex strategies for managing money in a world filled with instability and uncertainty. The authors, through in-depth interviews and case studies, reveal how the poor navigate financial challenges, using unique savings and credit methods that defy conventional wisdom. This eye-opening exploration challenges stereotypes and presents a surprising picture of resilience and resourcefulness. With poignant insights and compelling narratives, it invites readers to rethink the nature of poverty and the economic systems that surround it. Discover how the choices made by those at the bottom of the economic ladder can shed light on broader financial issues facing society today.

By Daryl Collins, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford, Orlanda Ruthven

Published: 2009

""The financial lives of the poor are not a mystery; they are a complex tapestry woven from dreams, struggles, and resilient choices.""

Book Review of Portfolios of the Poor

In this work, the authors report on the yearlong 'financial diaries' of villagers and slum dwellers in Bangladesh, India, and South Africa. The stories of these families are often surprising and inspiring.

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"The financial lives of the poor are not a mystery; they are a complex tapestry woven from dreams, struggles, and resilient choices."

Portfolios of the Poor

By Daryl Collins, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford, Orlanda Ruthven