I tested this with huge colonial powers like France, Great Britain and Spain. It seems even though I completely lower the colonial, military and naval maintenance, the yearly loss is still very significant (from around -900 to -300). I am wondering how useful colonies are if this is the case. It seems minting is the only way to keep the finances in the green. Even so, I'll bet inflation will destroy the country sooner or not later. The colonial powers at later dates even have most if not all of the infrastructure at home and some in their colonies. It it even mitigating the costs much? Why would one even want colonies if this is the case? It seems like a lot of work for no gain.