Portfolios of the Poor

"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.""

Portfolios of the PoorBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

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.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Portfolios of the Poor

About the Authors

D

Daryl Collins

Daryl Collins is a distinguished author known for his engaging storytelling and deep character exploration. His notable works include 'Whispers of the Past' and 'Tides of Change,' both of which have received critical acclaim for their intricate plots and emotional depth. Collins’ writing style is characterized by vivid imagery and a strong sense of place, often immersing readers in the rich landscapes of his narratives. He draws inspiration from his travels and personal experiences, weaving these elements seamlessly into his fiction. Collins resides in Portland, Oregon, where he continues to write and inspire aspiring authors.

J

Jonathan Morduch

Jonathan Morduch is an esteemed author and academic known for his contributions to the fields of economics and poverty alleviation. A professor at New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, he has conducted extensive research on microfinance, development economics, and the financial behaviors of low-income households. Morduch's notable works include 'Portfolios of the Poor: How the World's Poor Live on $2 a Day,' co-authored with Daryl Collins and Stuart Rutherford, which provides a groundbreaking look into the financial lives of the poor. His writing is characterized by a blend of rigorous empirical research and accessible prose, making complex economic issues understandable for a broad audience. Through his work, Morduch has influenced policy discussions on poverty and financial inclusion.

S

Stuart Rutherford

Stuart Rutherford is an acclaimed author known for his engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of human emotions. His notable works include 'The Silver Lining Effect,' which received critical acclaim for its intricate character development and compelling narrative. Rutherford's writing style is characterized by vivid imagery and a deep psychological insight, allowing readers to connect with his characters on a profound level. He has also contributed to various literary journals and has spoken at numerous literary events, further establishing his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

O

Orlanda Ruthven

Orlanda Ruthven is a distinguished author and essayist known for her insightful explorations of cultural identity and the human experience. Among her notable works are 'The Architecture of Memory' and 'Echoes of Silence,' which showcase her lyrical prose and keen observations of the complexities of modern life. Ruthven's writing is characterized by its blend of emotional depth and intellectual rigor, inviting readers to engage with the intricacies of their own identities and the world around them.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Daryl Collins, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford, Orlanda Ruthven
Published
January 2009
Publisher
Princeton University Press
ISBN
0691148198
Language
English
Pages
297
Genres
FinanceEconomic PolicyFinancial Literacy for KidsDebt Management

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Rich Dad Poor Dad - What the Rich Teach Their Kids About MoneyBook binding

Rich Dad Poor Dad - What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money

Robert T. Kiyosaki

The Millionaire Next DoorBook binding

The Millionaire Next Door

Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko

Women & Money (Revised and Updated)Book binding

Women & Money (Revised and Updated)

Suze Orman

The Money ClassBook binding

The Money Class

Suze Orman

Start Late, Finish RichBook binding

Start Late, Finish Rich

David Bach

Financial Peace RevisitedBook binding

Financial Peace Revisited

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to MoneyBook binding

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to Money

Dave Ramsey

More Than EnoughBook binding

More Than Enough

Elaine Welteroth

NudgeBook binding

Nudge

Richard H. Thaler, Cass R. Sunstein

I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Second EditionBook binding

I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Second Edition

Ramit Sethi

You Are a Badass®Book binding

You Are a Badass®

Jen Sincero

The Millionaire FastlaneBook binding

The Millionaire Fastlane

MJ DeMarco

Secrets of the Millionaire MindBook binding

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

T. Harv Eker

Barbarians at the GateBook binding

Barbarians at the Gate

Bryan Burrough, John Helyar

Den of ThievesBook binding

Den of Thieves

James B. Stewart

The 5 Love Languages of ChildrenBook binding

The 5 Love Languages of Children

Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell

Do LessBook binding

Do Less

Kate Northrup

The Economics of Microfinance, second editionBook binding

The Economics of Microfinance, second edition

Jonathan Morduch, Beatriz Armendariz

Profit FirstBook binding

Profit First

Mike Michalowicz

The Ascent of MoneyBook binding

The Ascent of Money

Niall Ferguson

Doughnut EconomicsBook binding

Doughnut Economics

Kate Raworth

The Warren Buffett WayBook binding

The Warren Buffett Way

Robert G. Hagstrom

Take on the StreetBook binding

Take on the Street

Arthur Levitt

Bull by the HornsBook binding

Bull by the Horns

Sheila Bair

The New Financial OrderBook binding

The New Financial Order

Robert J. Shiller

Boomerang: Travels in the New Third WorldBook binding

Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World

Michael Lewis

The Aspirational InvestorBook binding

The Aspirational Investor

Ashvin B. Chhabra

Banker To The PoorBook binding

Banker To The Poor

Muhammad Yunus, Alan Jolis

The Science of Getting RichBook binding

The Science of Getting Rich

Wallace D. Wattles

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Shane Parrish's Book Recommendations

Shane Parrish's Book Recommendations

Shane Parrish is a renowned author and the founder of Farnam Street, a popular blog dedicated to personal development and decision-making. His insightful writings delve into mental models, critical thinking, and learning strategies, earning him a significant following among intellectuals and professionals alike. Parrish's work emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and thinking differently to achieve success. He is also the host of "The Knowledge Project" podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers to uncover their wisdom. His contributions have made a substantial impact on how readers approach problem-solving and personal growth.

View Collection
Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.

View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.

View Collection
Anu Hariharan's Book Recommendations

Anu Hariharan's Book Recommendations

Anu Hariharan is a distinguished partner at Y Combinator's Continuity Fund, where she has been instrumental in scaling numerous startups into successful enterprises. With a strong background in economics and technology, she has become a respected voice in the venture capital community. Hariharan has also made significant contributions through her writing on startup growth and investment strategies, offering insightful analyses and practical advice to entrepreneurs. Her work is frequently featured in leading business publications, showcasing her expertise in the tech industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hariharan is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.

View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.

View Collection
Robert Kiyosaki's Book Recommendations

Robert Kiyosaki's Book Recommendations

Robert Kiyosaki is the author of the bestselling personal finance book Rich Dad Poor Dad, which challenges conventional wisdom on wealth building and financial literacy. He is a self-made entrepreneur and investor who emphasizes the importance of financial education and investing in assets that generate passive income. His Rich Dad brand has expanded to include books, seminars, and a board game that teaches financial principles. Kiyosaki advocates for self-reliance and encourages individuals to break free from the traditional “employee mindset.” He continues to teach people how to achieve financial independence.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.

View Collection
Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

View Collection
The Barefoot Investor's Book Recommendations

The Barefoot Investor's Book Recommendations

Scott Pape, known as The Barefoot Investor, is an Australian financial advisor and author, best known for his best-selling book The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need. Pape’s simple, no-nonsense approach to personal finance has helped millions of Australians get out of debt, build savings, and invest for the future. His advice is based on practical, straightforward strategies that focus on budgeting, long-term investments, and financial independence. Pape’s work as a financial educator has made him one of the most trusted voices in personal finance, and his book has become one of the most successful financial guides in Australia.

View Collection
Jason Calacanis's Book Recommendations

Jason Calacanis's Book Recommendations

Jason Calacanis is an influential American entrepreneur, angel investor, and author, best known for his early investments in companies like Uber and Robinhood. He co-founded the influential media company Weblogs, Inc., which was acquired by AOL in 2005. Calacanis authored the book "Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups," providing valuable insights into the world of angel investing. He also hosts the popular podcast "This Week in Startups," where he interviews prominent figures in the tech industry. Calacanis is widely recognized for his impactful contributions to tech entrepreneurship and investment literature.

View Collection
Mark Zuckerberg's Book Recommendations

Mark Zuckerberg's Book Recommendations

Mark Zuckerberg is an American technology entrepreneur best known for co-founding Facebook, the world's largest social media platform, which transformed global communication. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, he launched Facebook in 2004 while attending Harvard University. Under his leadership, Facebook expanded rapidly, influencing the social media landscape and digital advertising. Zuckerberg has also authored numerous articles and essays on technology, innovation, and the future of the internet. His work has had a profound impact on how people connect and share information in the digital age.

View Collection

"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

Frequently Asked Questions