Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Communities print their own currency to keep cash flowing

"A small but growing number of cash-strapped communities are printing their own money.

"Borrowing from a Depression-era idea, they are aiming to help consumers make ends meet and support struggling local businesses.

"The systems generally work like this: Businesses and individuals form a network to print currency. Shoppers buy it at a discount — say, 95 cents for $1 value — and spend the full value at stores that accept the currency."