According to a study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, many Americans do not collect unemployment benefits for which they are eligible. In fact, the unclaimed benefits on average are much larger than any overpayments. By not collecting unemployment benefits, Americans are essentially saving the U.S. government money.

Whether or not collecting unemployment benefits is good or bad is obviously based on the individual. However, the fact that Americans aren’t using the resources they are eligible for, despite bad times, generates an even bigger idea: What are some other ways Americans can pull the U.S. government out of a slump by seemingly small acts? Here are a few to note:  Continue reading →