Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Senseq's Economic Stimulus Plan

As Barack Obama goes in to pass his bill for helping the economy, I have an idea I think can help us get back on our feet.

The problem with a bad economy is not that there is no money - its just that those who have money are sitting on it, and unwilling to spend. When everyone's saving money, it isn't getting passed around, and so people are not making any money to spend it.

Without going into details of economics - here's my idea in all its simplicity:

1. All wage earners should be given the option to earn more money - about 20% more - than what they are currently earning.
If they want to earn this extra sum, they need to agree to taking about 70% of their income in the form of gift cards or visa cards that will expire in a month's time.
2. This way, people can either decide to earn lesser and save. Or earn more and spend. They will still have the option of saving the remaining 30% of their income.
3. Some people may want to take advantage of this program by selling off these cards online. Well so be it. The money will still get spent.

Questions -
Who pays the 20% extra the people are getting?
The government and corporations giving the gift cards.
What happens if the gift cards expire?
Well - government coffers and corporate coffers continue to be filled.
How does this plan help?
Demand will go up for goods and services. People need to spend money - so people will have the opportunity to earn.

What do you think? Criticisms, comments?