Savings Groups: Lessons from History, Literature, and Film

This article shows how the activities undertaken by Savings Groups have their antecedents in history and in popular culture. The affordable credit of Savings Groups dates back to the Credit Unions, exemplified by the film A Wonderful Life. Emergency safety nets were provided by the Friendly Societies in 19th Century England and brought to life in stories by Charles Dickens. Collective buying power was started by Trading Cooperatives, the original being the Rochdale Partners in 19th Century England. Examples from the field show how these financial innovations continue to transform lives through the Savings Groups that we help set up as part of our WASH+ Approach.