Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Broke, USA summary
Gary Rivlin
Brief summary
Broke, USA by Gary Rivlin sheds light on the predatory lending industry and its impact on low-income communities. It exposes the dark side of financial capitalism and calls for reform to protect the most vulnerable.
Topics
Table of Contents
Broke, USA
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Poverty Industry
In Broke, USA, Gary Rivlin takes us on a journey through the poverty industry, a multi-billion dollar business that preys on the poor and financially vulnerable. Rivlin begins by introducing us to the world of payday loans, a form of short-term borrowing that often comes with exorbitant interest rates. He delves into the history of these loans, tracing their roots back to the 1980s and highlighting their devastating impact on low-income communities.
Rivlin then shifts his focus to the world of subprime mortgages, another financial product that targets those with poor credit. He explores the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis, revealing how predatory lending practices played a significant role in the collapse of the housing market and the global economy. The author also introduces us to the individuals and institutions that profited from these risky loans, shedding light on the darker side of the American Dream.
The Rise of Poverty Inc.
As we continue our exploration, Rivlin introduces us to the entrepreneurs and corporations that have built their fortunes by catering to the poor. He takes us inside the world of rent-to-own stores, where low-income consumers can lease furniture, appliances, and electronics at inflated prices. He also examines the booming business of tax refund anticipation loans, a service that allows individuals to receive their tax refunds early, albeit at a steep cost.
Rivlin argues that these businesses, collectively known as Poverty Inc., thrive on the financial struggles of the poor. They offer quick fixes and instant gratification, but at a high price. The author also highlights the role of government policies and regulations, or lack thereof, in enabling these predatory practices to flourish.
The Human Cost of Poverty
Throughout Broke, USA, Rivlin doesn't just focus on the financial aspects of poverty; he also emphasizes the human toll. He introduces us to individuals who have been trapped in a cycle of debt, struggling to make ends meet while being bombarded with offers for high-cost financial products. We hear their stories of desperation and resilience, shedding light on the harsh realities of living in poverty in America.
Rivlin also examines the impact of the poverty industry on communities as a whole. He argues that these businesses drain resources from low-income neighborhoods, exacerbating economic inequality and perpetuating a cycle of poverty. The author's portrayal of these communities serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of financial exploitation.
Seeking Solutions
In the final sections of the book, Rivlin explores potential solutions to the problems posed by the poverty industry. He highlights the work of activists and organizations that are fighting against predatory lending practices and advocating for fairer financial services. The author also calls for stronger consumer protections and regulations to curb the worst excesses of Poverty Inc.
Ultimately, Broke, USA serves as a wake-up call, urging us to confront the harsh realities of the poverty industry and its impact on the lives of millions of Americans. Rivlin's powerful narrative sheds light on a shadowy corner of the financial world, challenging us to rethink our assumptions about poverty, wealth, and the American Dream.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Broke, USA about?
Broke, USA by Gary Rivlin delves into the world of predatory lending and the financial industry that profits off the poor. Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, Rivlin exposes the harsh realities faced by low-income Americans and the systemic issues that perpetuate their financial struggles. This eye-opening book sheds light on a pressing social issue and calls for change.
Broke, USA Review
Broke, USA (2010) sheds light on the predatory lending industry in America and the devastating impact it has on low-income individuals. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Eye-opening exposé: It uncovers the hidden realities of payday lenders, pawnshops, and other financial institutions, revealing the dark underbelly of the American financial system.
- Meticulously researched: Rivlin's in-depth investigation presents a wealth of facts and statistics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
- Human stories: Through personal accounts and interviews, the book humanizes the victims of these predatory practices, making it a powerful and poignant read.
Who should read Broke, USA?
- Anyone interested in understanding the complex and often predatory world of financial services for low-income individuals
- Readers looking to explore the impact of economic inequality on communities and individuals
Categories with Broke, USA
Book summaries like Broke, USA
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Broke, USA FAQs
What is the main message of Broke, USA?
The main message of Broke, USA is the exploitative nature of the poverty industry in America.
How long does it take to read Broke, USA?
The reading time for Broke, USA varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Broke, USA a good book? Is it worth reading?
Broke, USA is a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the financial struggles of everyday Americans. It's definitely worth reading for a deeper understanding of poverty in the USA.
Who is the author of Broke, USA?
The author of Broke, USA is Gary Rivlin.
What to read after Broke, USA?
If you're wondering what to read next after Broke, USA, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
- The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Business Adventures by John Brooks
- The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
- More Money Than God by Sebastian Mallaby
Featured Titles
- AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership
- Beating the Street
- Buy Then Build
- Death by Meeting
- Dividend Investing Made Easy
- Essential Mathematics for Market Risk Management
- Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
- Financial Institutions Management
- Financial Planning & Analysis and Performance Management
- Foundations of Real Estate Financial Modelling