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Cabin
reply to post by IAMTAT
At least in my opinion certain taxes, especially consuming ones (sales tax) should be raised significantly. The problem in US is overconsuming largely due to the consumer prices (food, clothes, tech, gas etc) already being extremely low compared to salaries.edit on 25-10-2013 by Cabin because: (no reason given)
Cabin
In my current country for example people pay 21% income tax , 33% social security (employer pays on the income, so a total of 133% of my salary is the cost for my monthly employment for the company) , 3% unemployment insurance tax, 2% pension fund, 20% sales tax and these are among the lowest in EU.
IAMTAT
Is Harry Reid speaking the truth? Is EVERYONE really willing to pay more taxes?
Xcathdra
reply to post by IAMTAT
His reasoning is a bit off..
If everyone is willing to pay more in taxes then why are the Democrats pushing for government subsidies for themselves and staffers when it comes to Obama Care?
I really think it is time the American people push the reset button on our own government and vote these idiots out of office.
IAMTAT
Is Harry Reid speaking the truth? Is EVERYONE really willing to pay more taxes?
I know I'm not willing to. Our taxes have been raised to the point that we're considering moving.
“The only people who feel there shouldn't be more coming in to the federal government from the rich people are the Republicans in the Congress,” Reid said. “Everybody else, including the rich people, are willing to pay more. They want to pay more.”
-Harry Reid
Cabin
reply to post by Mikeyy
Cabin
In my current country for example people pay 21% income tax , 33% social security (employer pays on the income, so a total of 133% of my salary is the cost for my monthly employment for the company) , 3% unemployment insurance tax, 2% pension fund, 20% sales tax and these are among the lowest in EU.
The average net salary after taxes is 12k a year. Just a few examples of average prices. While certain prices are lower here, consuming costs a lot.
Gas - 7,3 dollars per liter
Jeans (medium - Levis etc) - 130 dollars
Pair of shoes (Nike etc) - 130 dollars
Utitilities costs (water, electricity, garbage, heating) for 900 square feet apartment - 270 dollars a month (1/3 higher cost compared to Illinois based on Numbeo)
Latest i-Phone - 1300 dollars
Rent - 500-1000 a month (3 bedroom apartment) depending on area where you live, 1 bedroom costs 250-500)
Food is slightly lower price in US, although not significantly (10-20%), although if compared to cheaper places in US like Walmart it costs more.
200 mbit internet with 100 channel TV- roughly 60 dollars a month- I dont know others, that is the one im using.
Cell phone - my costs - for 13 dollars a month I get unlimited internet, unlimited calls within same provider network, 4 cents a minute to other networks.
Americans do not have money laying around, although largely it comes from bad spending habits. Getting the latest tech, lots of pairs of clothes, in no other advanced nation people eat so much outside from home. Taking cars even for shorter trips, nearly every trip. Round here, to be honest, most people get by quite well. Most people can not afford eating outside a lot, so basically everybody cooks their meals at home. People walk, use public transport more, as gas costs quite a lot. Most people (at least the ones I know) do not bother taking a car for a one mile or shorter trip. There is far less debt compred to US. Credit cards are very uncommon, as people don´t like taking debt. It is not hard to get by with such salary (although I earn very well compared to average person round here), you just need to take a look at your expenses and not waste your money on pointless things a´la lots of sodas, snacks, lots of eating outside home, ordering food etc. Getting TV to every room, more than one car per family are not widespread, maybe 1/4 of households, if not less
bozzchem
Great topic!
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