In "Portfolios of the Poor," Daryl Collins, alongside his co-authors, embarks on an eye-opening journey into the financial lives of the world’s poorest populations. Through meticulous year-long interviews with families in Bangladesh, India, and South Africa, the book shatters conventional wisdom about poverty and financial behavior. It reveals not a picture of chronic despair, but one of remarkable financial ingenuity and resilience. These households, surviving on an average of two dollars a day, navigate their financial scarcity with sophisticated strategies that would rival any modern financial planner. From intricate savings clubs to microfinancing, the stories within these pages illuminate the often invisible, yet highly effective methods employed by the poor to manage their meager incomes. "Portfolios of the Poor" is a testament to the endurance and creativity of the human spirit when faced with the direst of circumstances. It challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of poverty, financial management, and resilience in the face of adversity. Beyond its compelling narratives, the book offers profound insights into potential innovations in banking and financial services tailored for the world’s poorest citizens. This groundbreaking work is not only indispensable for professionals in development studies, economics, and microfinance but also offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in the global fight against poverty and in exploring the depths of human resourcefulness.