Putting the US Budget into Perspective

Let’s see how the U.S. Budget stacks up to a household budget, shall we?

In order to compare apples to apples, we are using the numbers based on the same fiscal year – 2009, since that is the most current set of numbers available from the IRS. We will show you how the U.S. budget stacks up to recent proposed budget cuts.

[TaxMama Note: something like this has been circulating on the Internet for some time. I’ve just verified and updated the numbers – and given you links to the sources I used. Even humor should be based on truth.]

1. U.S. Tax revenue (FY2009):     $2,330,000,000,000  
2. Federal  budget:      $3,107,000,000,000 
3. New debt:                 $ 777,000,000,000  (difference between line 1 and line 2)
4. National debt 2009:       $11,910,000,000,000 
5. • Recent budget cut (current year):   $38,000,000,000  

 

Now, remove 9 zeros and pretend it’s a household budget.

1. Annual family income:                $23,300
2. Money the family spent:              $31,070
3. New debt on the credit card:       $7,770 (difference between line 1 and line 2)
4. Outstanding balance on credit card:  $119,100
5. Your  Total proposed budget cuts:                                    $3,800

Sorta brings the issue “home” doesn’t it?

Incidentally, this budget perspective is often sent around the Internet in relation to this appeal to reform Congress – and the benefits and compensation received by our legislators. While it may be all in fun, I do think it’s a great idea, don’t you?