Is life rigged against the poor? Despite a Hollywood star’s recent campaign to stop loan sharks, many at the bottom of society feel trapped in poverty.
Actor pays off his neighbours’ debts
Unfair: "Hard-working people, who are doing their absolute best" can end up with unmanageable debts due to our financial system, says Michael Sheen (above). Glossary
Debt - When you have borrowed money and need to pay it back.
Loan sharks - Moneylender who charge very high rates of interest, often illegally.
Michael Sheen - A Welsh actor born in 1969. He is known for his theatre roles and screen work, and even appeared in Twilight.
Interest rate - The amount that a bank pays a customer to deposit their money in their bank account. Commercial banks deposit money with the central bank, so the higher the central interest rate, the more money they have to pay in interest to their own customers, and vice versa. As a result, commercial interest rates usually follow the central bank's rate.
Einstein - Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was the most influential scientist of the 20th Century. His theory of relativity made the development of nuclear power - and the nuclear bomb - possible.
Compound interest - The interest paid on not only the initial amount borrowed, but any previously accumulated interest.
Aristocrats - Members of the highest social class, who are often rulers or people with inherited titles.
Inherited - Receiving something, often money or property, that is passed down to you from someone who has died (usually parents or other relatives).