Backyard Bankers
Immigrants, money clubs, and the pursuit of the American dream
Discover the world of immigrant ‘money clubs’ in the US. Learn how groups of migrants and refugees creatively pool resources to first survive—putting food on the table—then thrive as they expand their businesses and invest in real estate. From modest set-ups in Iowa to intricate systems in Boston, grassroots money clubs drive immigrant success through thrift, accountability, and smart lending.
Representing members from Latin American, African, and Asian communities, money clubs draw on grit and ingenuity to build financial stability and meaningful connections in a new land.
Published: 2025
Pages: 126
eBook: 9781788534260
Paperback: 9781788534246
Representing members from Latin American, African, and Asian communities, money clubs draw on grit and ingenuity to build financial stability and meaningful connections in a new land.
Acknowledgements | |||
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Introduction: A few definitions | |||
Chapter 1: The social life of money | |||
Chapter 2: Case studies of clubs with Asian roots | |||
Chapter 3: Case studies of clubs with African roots | |||
Chapter 4: Case studies of clubs with Latin American and Caribbean roots | |||
Chapter 5: Clubs as a development strategy | |||
Concluding thoughts | |||
Further reading | |||
Relevant local organizations |
Jeffrey Ashe, Adjunct Associate Professor, Columbia University, Director: Grassroots Finance Action.
Sr. Lecturer, The Fletcher School of Global Affairs, Tufts University.