A Native American Applies for a Loan

An elderly Native American went to a bank asking for a $500 loan. A bank employee helped him fill out the application.

“What will you use the money for?” the banker asked.

“I want to buy silver, make jewelry, and sell it,” the man replied.

“And what do you have as collateral?” the banker asked.

“I don’t know what collateral is,” the man said.

“It’s something valuable that guarantees the loan,” the banker explained. “For example, do you have a car?”

“Yes,” the man replied. “A 1959 Chevrolet pickup.”

The banker shook his head and asked, “Maybe livestock? Do you have cattle?”

“I have a horse,” the man answered.

“How old is your horse?” the banker asked.

“I’m not sure,” the man said. “He has no teeth.”

Despite the unusual answers, the banker believed the man seemed honest and approved the $500 loan.

Some time later, the old man returned to the bank and handed the banker a stack of bills.

“Here’s the money I owe you,” he said.

The banker asked, “What will you do with the rest of your money?”

“I’ll keep it at home,” the man replied.

“Why not deposit it in the bank?” the banker suggested.

“I don’t know what a deposit is,” the man admitted.

The banker explained, “You put your money in the bank, we keep it safe, and whenever you need it, you can withdraw it.”

The old man thought for a moment and asked,

“Do you have anything you leave with me… to make sure I give your money back?” 😄