With National Parks and some businesses refusing to accept cash for goods and services, citizens with credit issues are turning to the first money: Wampum.

“I was so far in debt that I cut up my credit and debit cards like that guy on the radio said,” Harriet Spencer said. “But when we took a trip to Zion National Park the rangers turned us away because we tried to pay with money.”

At that point Spencer turned to new ATMs that accept cash and dispense wampum. Wampum was legal tender in the 1600s and that status was never repealed.

“We tried Zion again and when they turned down our wampum, I accused them of being racists. The rangers caved immediately.”

Mark Miward, V.P. of Global Asset Management for The First State Bank of Greater Idaho, provided guidance for those investing in wampum.

“First, avoid virtual wampum,” Miward cautions. “The bitwampum market is too volatile for the average investor. Second, only accept real wampum made from whelk shell or quahog. If the beads are glass or plastic, it’s counterfeit.”

Recently, Ron Paul endorsed the idea of a wampum based economy.

“The Northeastern Woodland Indians that created wampum are pretty near extinct so wampum should remain rare and hold its value. But gold is still better.”