Amish economics is the antithesis of modern capitalism. And it works better.
Principles
No debts (except mortgage on land — paid off in 5-10 years). No credit cards. Cash. Live within means. Don't buy what you can't pay for today.
Business
Until 1970s: 90% farmers. Today: 40% farmers, 60% business. Furniture, construction, workshops, markets, bakeries, hardware stores. Bankruptcy rate: under 5% (vs 50% for normal small businesses).
Why Successful
Low overhead (no electricity, no cars, no advertising). High quality (reputation = brand). Family labor (no salaries). Community = support network (bankruptcy = community helps, bank doesn't foreclose).
Taxes
Pay all: income, property, sales. DON'T pay: Social Security (exempt since 1965 — don't receive pension or Medicare). This saves ~15% of income.
Insurance
None. No medical, no auto (no cars), no property. Community = insurance. House burned — they'll build a new one. Sick — they'll pay for treatment. This has worked for 300 years. Insurance companies are baffled.