Microfinancing.  This is a relatively new term that means lending a small amount of money for someone to get a business going so that they can support themselves.  This is an amazing concept, and it really works.  But how do we find people to help?  Now there is a wonderful website, Kiva.org, that introduces us to entrepreneurs all over the world who are looking for loans.  You’ll read stories of start-up businesses in Mexico, Nigeria, Cambodia, Paraguay, and more.  The total loan amount may be for as little as $200, and yet it makes all the difference in the world to these people, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty.  And, we may lend as little as $25, because all of those loans add up when more people get involved.  This is how it works:  First you scroll through the list of businesses in need, and see which one you would like to help out.  Then you make a loan using your credit card and the PayPal system.  You will hear back periodically from the business you sponsor with a progress report.  When your loan is repaid, you can either withdraw your funds or re-loan to a new business.  99% of the loans are repaid in full! This is a great way for us to help out, and make a little money go a long way. Kiva.org