Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Immigrant communities from all over the world have brought a similar grassroots savings technique to the US, under various different names. La tanda is a way for groups of people to save money together, without involving the banks.
This story originally aired on Making Contact. A shorter version was broadcast on AARP radio in November 2009.
