Portfolios of the Poor: How the World's Poor Live on $2 a Day by Daryl Collins, Jonathan Morduch, Stuart Rutherford, and Orlanda Ruthven delves into the financial lives of the world’s poorest individuals. This insightful book reveals how people living on less than $2 a day manage their finances with remarkable ingenuity and resilience.

The authors conducted extensive research and interviews, documenting real-life experiences of poor families in Bangladesh, India, and South Africa. The book presents an eye-opening look at the complex financial strategies these individuals use to cope with daily challenges, save, and invest.

Through detailed case studies, the book illustrates how the poor engage in financial planning, risk management, and resource allocation. It challenges stereotypes by showing that even with limited resources, people can make informed financial decisions.

Portfolios of the Poor provides valuable lessons for policymakers, development practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the economic realities faced by the world’s poorest. It highlights the need for financial services tailored to the needs of the poor and underscores their capacity for financial management despite significant constraints.