I invest (actually, I look at it as charity) with Kiva. But I try to be careful on what countries I lend in. Some of the areas and “regional partners” have such high interest rates it’s almost like you’re ripping off the person trying to change their life. (And the kiva lender doesn’t see the interest – that goes to the regional lender.).

But I don’t look at it as investment. I look at it as a charitible contribution that gets reused over and over again. If I can help fund a small business that changes a family’s economic situation – that’s a good thing. And when I get the money back, I reinvest it again.

It fits my charitable goal of “helping hand” vs “handout” philosophy.