A budget is a plan (for the future). The budget does not reflect how the money was actually spent (in the past).

Former securities dealer Walter Burien has discovered that the true financial picture of a government is to be found in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. (You haven't heard of this? I can't imagine why not. Wasn't it taught in high school?)

Mr. Burien says that our governments have managed our money very well and have built up, in total, a huge sum. It's not all in once place--it's in many investment funds.

http://www.cafrman.com

to find out more google these terms:
"walter burien"
cafr
"comprehensive annual financial report"