Louis, a few questions for you.
I lived in Europe,north of you, for 7 yrs. Learned the local language and customs fairly well. I never could however fully understand the economic situation of the typical family where I lived, compared to say a US citizen. One reason I probably could not was that I was on a special salary situation, which a included generous bonus and COL escalator. So I didn't have to live like a local person, unless I chose to.
The local pay received was better than US on the lower end, less on the higher end. Taxes were much higher. Cost of living of non-essentials were much higher. COL of basics were probably the same. Benefits from the social system were not nearly so great as many in the US perceive, in my opinion. Many Americans have medical insurance, and the main benefit received was this (free). But it was not complete and included some minimal fees for minor visits. Retirement did not sound that great either - okay but nothing special.
Yet the typical family where I lived seemed to get by in adequate style. Always had money for a good vacation and such. Many owned homes, at least one auto, and many had a vacation home or something similar. Many had toys of one type or another, but probably not to the extent Americans do.
Homes were expensive - varied with locale but in general still expensive. More than the low to average area in the US. I assumed this is typical all over Europe, and in fact could have been low where I was at, compared to some sections of Europe.
It seems the Europeans have been living like this and getting by for years. How do they do it? Is the average European in debt until death, or nearly so? Do you see this continuing?
A thought I've had is that America will become much like Europe, a lot sooner than many had at one time thought.
Do you usually watch a segment of the Tour de France? |
