Loans That Change Lives

I know that many people already know of Kiva, but just in case you haven't heard of this fantastic way to help others I have to spotlight it today. Kiva is an online program where anyone can make a loan to help people across the world.

Each loan is limited to $25 but you can make as many loans as you want to. There is no interest earned but you aren't losing your money either. After the loan is paid back (rather quickly in most cases) you have the option of taking your money back or reinvesting the money into a loan for another person.

After looking through a long list of people who are looking for loans, you decide who you would like your money to go to helping. Each proflie list their name, where they are located, why they need the loan, the total loan amount they are seeking & a bit about themselves or their business's background. The hardest part for me is deciding who to loan money to. There are so many worthy recipiants!

My first loan has been completely repaid & I am looking at my second one. These are great gifts for the person who has it all & wants to help others. I have given a $25 loan certificate to a friend who sincerely appreciated it. Its like giving money, but less tacky. (Not saying that I think giving money is tacky, I welcome it, just sometimes it doesn't feel quite right.)

So check Kiva out. You will be glad you did.