Accidental Gods Playing the (New) Money Game - how to recreate sustainable money with Stef Kuypers of Happonomy
May 13, 2026
Stef Kuypers, researcher and creator of the Sustainable Money Model, explores reimagining money to encourage cooperation and resilient communities. He discusses demurrage (making money 'rot'), combining it with guaranteed income, and using board games and virtual simulations to let people experience alternative monetary systems. The conversation also covers local currencies, voting reforms, and practical ways to pilot change.
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Use Demurrage Plus Guaranteed Income To Stabilize Money
- Implement demurrage (a parking fee) so money gradually loses value if hoarded, motivating spending and smoothing price cycles.
- Stef proposes algorithmic monthly removal (e.g., 5%) plus regular guaranteed top-ups to maintain predictable money supply.
Bank Credit Creates A Perpetual Debt Cycle
- Current banking creates money via loans and destroys it when loans are repaid, embedding interest that requires perpetual money creation.
- Stef frames this as a Ponzi-like dynamic where interest payments force continual new credit and debt cycles.
Board Game Shows Money Changes Social Behavior
- Stef uses a board game that simulates two monetary systems; players in the demurrage world asked 'How can I help you?' more often.
- In the conventional-money round players mostly asked 'What do you want to buy from me?', showing rapid behaviour change within an hour.
