Poor in US behind most G-7 nations in bank participation

Washington

MARISSA Tobin has lived most of her 37 years without a bank account. "I was irresponsible," said Ms Tobin, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky. "I would pay my bills, but I would just spend the rest of my money."

She needed to establish a financial history to qualify for a loan to start a catering business, so Ms Tobin opened accounts this year under a "Fresh Start" banking programme that aims to help those who had mismanaged finances. Her savings, while still limited at about US$500, are growing.