[laruss]

I have been using the same $500 I invested almost 2 years ago. One loan in particular is memorable to me. I will loan anywhere between $25 and $200 depending on the loan. This one was a woman who needed $150 to buy pigs, it was her first loan and I lent her the whole amount, she has paid it all back.

I typically loan to women and tend to lend more to agriculture or food needs.

I encourage everyone to use Kiva.

Kiva asks for a donation with each loan to help with the costs, they have it set at 15%, I always lower mine to 5% so that I have more to invest in the people who need it. You can choose 0%, but I know that Kiva also has expenses.