Portfolios of the Poor Book Summary - Portfolios of the Poor Book explained in key points
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Portfolios of the Poor summary

Daryl Collins Jonathan Morduch Stuart Rutherford Orlanda Ruthven

How the World’s Poor Live on $2 a Day

3.3 (22 ratings)
10 mins

Brief summary

"Portfolios of the Poor" by Collins, Morduch, Rutherford, and Ruthven is a pioneering study that delves into the financial lives of the world's poor. Through detailed research, it offers insights into their hardships, coping mechanisms, and financial behavior to provide actionable solutions for the same.

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    Portfolios of the Poor
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    Key idea 1 of 4

    Though lacking a stable income, those living in extreme poverty have strong, effective money management skills.

    When we hear about people living in extreme poverty – subsisting on a meager $2 a day – it’s easy to assume that they’re leading the toughest lives out there. And this is only the first assumption we tend to make about the world’s poorest people.

    We also often assume that people with little money spend any and all cash as soon as they get it. But that’s not true. People living on an average of less than $2 a day usually set aside a small amount of savings – a nest egg for covering unforeseen expenses and tiding over periods without income.

    For instance, Hamid, who lives in Bangladesh, always keeps a little cash on him for emergencies, stashes enough money at home for food and also puts aside the necessary amount for making improvements to his home.

    But since most of the world’s poorest people are illiterate, they keep track of and manage their finances through oral communication with their friends and families. For example, a husband might tell his wife that he’s trying to save money for their children’s school supplies, and that he’s going to take a job at a local store to earn some income and borrow the remainder from their neighbor. Now that she knows his plan, the man’s wife can remind him to stick to his commitments.

    In fact, the ability to manage money in such ways is absolutely key for extremely poor people. Because their income is usually irregular, paying back loans is a real difficulty. For instance, farmers earn practically all their yearly income during two or three peak months of harvest and virtually nothing for the rest of the year. Naturally, it’s difficulty for them to stay on top of monthly payments during periods of low-income, a fact that makes good money management vital to their success.

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    What is Portfolios of the Poor about?

    Portfolios of the Poor (2009) details the creative financial strategies that the world’s poorest people use to get by. These blinks explain how people with no educational background whatsoever manage their finances.

    Portfolios of the Poor Review

    Portfolios of the Poor (2009) explores the financial lives of the world's poor and provides invaluable insights into the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to manage their money. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • The book offers a rare glimpse into the financial realities of the poor, shedding light on their daily struggles and resourcefulness.
    • Using extensive research and data, it dismantles common stereotypes about poverty and showcases the complexity of poverty dynamics.
    • Through its compelling stories and in-depth analysis, the book provides a foundation for understanding poverty and inspires empathy and thoughtful discussions.

    Who should read Portfolios of the Poor?

    • People who want to understand the realities faced by the world’s poor
    • Those seeking productive ways to end poverty

    About the Author

    Daryl Collins is the senior associate at Bankable Frontier Associates in Boston. She was responsible for organizing the latest version of the financial diaries in South Africa and holds both a B.Sc., and an M.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics.

    The other three authors, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford and Orlanda Ruthven, are all experts in economics with international experience, primarily in microeconomics.

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    Portfolios of the Poor FAQs 

    What is the main message of Portfolios of the Poor?

    The main message of Portfolios of the Poor is that understanding the financial lives of the poor can lead to better solutions for poverty alleviation.

    How long does it take to read Portfolios of the Poor?

    The estimated reading time for Portfolios of the Poor is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Portfolios of the Poor a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Portfolios of the Poor is worth reading as it offers valuable insights into the financial challenges faced by the poor and presents potential solutions for addressing poverty.

    Who is the author of Portfolios of the Poor?

    The authors of Portfolios of the Poor are Daryl Collins, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford, and Orlanda Ruthven.

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