One of the more interesting loan-related pieces of financial news to crop up lately is the idea of micro-loans to the poverty-stricken of the world. Through organizations like Kiva.org, you can be a "banker to the poor," providing loans that help (mainly women) those in places like Africa and Asia get the funding they need to establish local businesses and work their way out of extreme poverty. You feel good, and you earn money on the small interest that you receive from the micro-loans. This YouTube video explains the concept of micro-loans to the poor: