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- Tan France, the host of “Queer Eye”, said he observed four important differences in money between Americans and Brits.
- He doesn’t get why Americans need to file their taxes or use credit so much.
- France is also dissatisfied with the US’s healthcare system.
Tan France’s memoir, “Naturally Tan“” is an unexpected, but refreshing source of personal financial advice and information.
The “Queer Eye” host wrote that he was raised in a conservative Pakistani family with his parents, who taught him to be a good citizen. Avoid using credit cardsAll costs. Later in life He married Rob, his husband.She grew up in a Mormon home that held the same values of modesty and practicality as her parents.
He advises readers in the book to Save a portion of your paycheckNo matter what happens. France claims that fashion is not an investment piece and regrets spending so much on certain trends when he was younger.
France, who moved to the US to be with his husband Rob, also writes about the American money norms that gave him pause when he landed across the pond — and how he adopted some and not others.
1. People drive bigger, more expensive cars
France states in the book, “When my family first moved here, we didn’t get the appeal of a car with 75 seats.” It was amazing to see how many SUVs are here. He was also amazed at how Americans judge each other based on what type of vehicle they have, and how recent it is.
Reminiscing about his London days he said, “Back home in England, if your car is five to ten year old, it’s considered new and you’ve done well.” He noticed in America that many people associate expensive cars with success and self-worth.
He added, “As you’re saying this, actually I am currently purchasing an SUV.” “I’m an American now, and I want a large car too!”
2. Americans have so much credit
France’s parents taught him to not spend money he had not earned. It’s the one money lesson that he believes he learned throughout his life, and he would repeat it. Americans however have a different relationship than Americans with credit.
France wrote, “On the whole if you have money to buy stuff in America, you can do so.” You can also buy stuff if you don’t have any money in America.
France, referring back to American car culture said that he couldn’t understand why Americans would do this. Get a loanIt is tempting to purchase fancy cars, even if the older models are still in good condition.
3. Taxes filing
France is puzzled by the American government’s belief that people can file their taxes themselves.
He wrote, “It’s odd to leave taxes in people’s hands.” It’s extremely complicated. You can make mistakes and they will be all over your head like mad. It was something I assumed must be taught in school because it is something that everyone must learn. But no. You have to find it.
According to the Group for Low Income Tax ReformPeople with a standard 9-5 job in the UK do not need to file any tax returns because their employers deduct their tax payments from their salaries.
4. Deductibles for health insurance
France criticizes openly the book American health insurance system. He said, “There’s so many problems in your system. You end up paying for your treatment and your drugs And insurance. It makes no sense. It is costly, but the biggest problem I have with it is the fact that you must pay a deductible. I’ve never heard the term deductible in my home country.
It frustrates him that Americans, Rob and him, have to spend thousands of dollars on medical care in addition to what they’ve been paying for many years. France was a businessman who sought out independent health insurance before joining “Queer Eye.” He was unable to afford more than $1,000 per monthly, and he had to pay a deductible.
France writes: “It is the best con but it’s perfectly lawful.”
