Even YOU can do this

My post today is inspired by Advergirl's recent post on Kiva.org. 

First a little background info on Kiva. Their goal is to alleviate poverty in developing countries by offering the world's first person to person micro-lending site. It works by lenders (you, yea you) browsing profiles of entrepreneurs in need of funds to start or continue their business. After specifying the amount you would like to lend, Kiva's micro-finance partners then distribute the loan funds to the entrepreneur. Over a specified period of time, the entrepreneur repays the loan to the lenders. Once the lender receives their money back they have the option of withdrawing their funds, re-lending to someone else in need or donating it to Kiva. 

The last person I lent to was trying to expand her farm to surrounding villages. Since then, I've decided to re-loan my money to other entrepreneurs. Kiva makes it so easy. I also love Kiva because you feel a personal connection with the people you lend to. Kiva gives you the opportunity to connect with other lenders, receive updates and messages from entrepreneurs and hear personal stories of success.  A few of Kiva's corporate sponsors include: Google, Starbucks, YouTube, Facebook, Think MTV, and Yahoo. (there are a lots more). I've also noticed pre-roll ads on Hulu. Here's a list of their field partners.

As a college student, I know what it's like to eat ramen for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 3 straight months. I know what it's like to "check out" random student clubs on campus just to jack a free meal. And what its like to not do laundry for 5 weeks since I couldn't find enough quarters. 

However I also know what it's like to spend way too much money on a dress I didn't really need and am only going to wear once. And how I rationalize buying an entire table a round of drinks since I "just got my paycheck". Or how I tell myself it's okay to drive to work because it's so effing cold outside today (hey it IS Minnesota). 

The coolest thing about Kiva, is that you can lend for as little as $25. That's a purse you didn't need, extra three drinks you shouldn't have had and a movie you and your bf (or bff) could have rented instead.  In the spirit of Blog Action Day, what are some things you would be willing to give up, so that others can succeed?