As we embark on dramatic changes to our economy and social fabric, I thought it would be interesting to track the large numbers we toss about these days.

BIG NUMBERS

M = Millions

B = Billions

T = Trillions (million X million)

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

2009 stimulus package $ 787B

Federal spending in FY2009: 4+T, 28.5% of GDP, highest level since WWII

Federal deficit: 2008 - $459B; 2009 - $1.845T

Federal revenues $2.5T in 2007, 18.8% of GDP

FY2010 Federal budget sent by White House $ 3.6T

Federal debt outstanding $11T (Mar 2009)

Interest on federal debt $412B per year

TAXES

Gross tax gap: taxes owed vs. paid $ 345B; estimate collectible $100B

Total income taxes $2.1T

Individual incomes taxes $1.1T (2006)

Paid by top 5% - $616B (Earn over $153k)

AUTOMOBILES

Loans to date to GM & Chrysler: $17.4B

Cars produced in US: 10M for 2009 vs. peak of 16M

US ECONOMY

Gross Domestic Product: 2009 - $14T

Value of US commercial real estate $ 6.5T; related mortgage debt $3.1T

Consumer home equity loans $1.1T; default rate 3% prox

ENERGY

Cost of President’s cap and trade program – $646B over 10 years

Cost per family of four - $4,500 per year

RECESSION

Loss of value from stock prices and home values - $12T

Effect on consumer spending - $600B

Unemployment rate 8.1%

Number unemployed – 5.7M

Last major recession: 1982 – unemployment 12.5%