Why is everyone so poor?

[unmerged(118154)]

I made a few adjustments to some of the economic effects (pulled citizen income to 10, changed some consumer needs slightly, etc), but after playing for a few decades, everyone in my country (and all other countries) seems to have no money at all!

Their survival needs are being met, everyday needs are partially met, and luxury needs are hardly met. The prices aren't too bad - grain is $1.5, beef is $6, fish $3.5, etc.

I haven't changed their needs too much - just moved some commodities from survival to everyday needs, and increased luxury needs slightly.

Does anyone know why this might happen - that my citizens have exactly zero money?

 

[Emp_Palpatine]

I don't know how your modding attempt might have affected the game mechanics, but here are some ideas.

- What's important for Pops is the fullfilment of their needs, not much cash reserves. Basic needs are ok for lower pop, all for higher classes. Money reserves come second, unless it's a Capitalist pop.
- You perhaps have a low income from your exportations. Remember that your pop earn money from your very own economical structures.
- Check taxes and tariffs.

 

[unmerged(17791)]

If the goods are available to be acquired, then the POPs seek to spend their money on getting all of their A) life, B) basic, and then C) luxury goods needs met. As you say, your POPs aren't getting all of the B and C they desire -- because they can't afford it. Thus, building cash is not the first thing on their minds.

Except for the rich (most likely), all your people are living paycheck to paycheck. -Which is a good thing, I'd say... better to have the money in your treasury, than have a bunch of nonsense like people buying new automobiles & airplanes, etc.

 

[beezneez]

you can reduce their taxes which will give pops more money. also, keeping tariffs high (getting positive money) makes goods cost more for pops. keeping them at zero makes goods cost their world market price for pops, and negative makes goods cheaper than than the WM price. this can have a big effect on how pops can afford goods.