I’ve got a great idea on how to make a lot of money.

Offer a great, generous retirement plan that everyone must join. Take 12.4 percent from people’s paychecks and promise them large cash payments when they reach 62.

As the money comes in from your first customers, spend it on whatever you want. When it comes time to pay your customers, just pay them from the money you receive from new, younger customers.

If you have trouble attracting new younger customers, don’t worry, you can change the rules. You can raise the premiums or reduce the benefits.

It’s a sweet deal!

It’s also illegal. It’s called a “pyramid scheme” or a “Ponzi scheme.” You could go to jail.

If it’s a government program, it’s called Social Security.

George Mathews, Auburn