What is a budget surplus, and what to do

with the term "budget" is more or less familiar, though very common primitive idea of ​​him as a sum of money to the treasury, which can be spent this year.This is actually a plan of income and expenses for a period of time, usually a year.It can be balanced, deficit or surplus.


The Russian budget developed by the Ministry of Finance, according to three readings in the State Duma.Every year, we see battle unfolding between MPs of different factions in the course of its discussions.More often the bone of contention is becoming a pre-planned surplus of the federal budget for next year.Let's face it.

What is the budget surplus?In simple terms, it is a surplus.At first glance, such a situation can not but rejoice.If we earn more than you spend, it's great!On the other hand, let's see what's behind those dry words, income and expenses.First formed mainly due to two items: the sale of natural energy resources (oil and gas) and the taxes collected.Where to spend money?Everyone has heard such a phrase as "public sector" - a non-productive sectors of society, such as health, education, the military, science, social protection, law enforcement, governance and the like.Thus, the answer to the question of what a budget surplus, is becoming more pronounced.Under the conditions of our country, this means higher taxes, a large number of sold natural resources and undeveloped, unfunded budgetary sphere, annually gutted, despite the existing laws on the minimum percentage to be allocated to them.In this regard are clear and parliamentary battles over the issue.

Another logical question arising from the country's population, about where to go in surplus money.There is a so-called "stabilization fund", where the accumulated surplus oil revenues.In vernacular, it is money for a "rainy day."On July 1st 2013 the fund is more than 84 billion. Dollars, about 4.2% of annual GDP of the state.The funds from this fund are placed in foreign assets, while the private economy is experiencing a lack of investment.On the one hand, to think about the future, of course, necessary, especially as the deficit - we know what is.The budget surplus is generated by high oil prices, but is it worth it to sell in such a quantity to keep profits in the stash?

As an illustration of this behavior let me give you a simple parable.The owner grew a good crop of potatoes.Some of it he sold to buy other essential goods, to pay the bills.Then he decided to sell more to save money for the future, who knows what.In the end, the middle of winter, he ran a private potatoes, he had to get his stash and buy the potatoes from a neighbor, but is more expensive.Thus, what is the budget surplus for this host is clear, it means not working.Although in comparison with the state this example is too simplistic, it shows the basic principle of the allocation of funds.It would be understandable if Russia did not have problems with health, education and so on, but if any need for profitsirovanii very questionable.

According to statistics, the country with a budget surplus - is the oil exporters.Developed countries have a stable budget deficit of several percent of GDP, which is spurring the government to search for a new best forms of economic organization and management of the economy.

Thus, the deficit and surplus of the state budget - a controversial concept.Under certain conditions, this positive factors, in other - negative.They can not reflect the overall economic situation and standard of living.On the question of what a budget surplus for the country, we can answer - it's advanced features, but used or not is decided individually by each government.