As national debt debate rolls on, locals find their own financial fix

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - The debt debate continued in the nation's capitol on Thursday, as House Speaker John Boehner tried to win approval of his plan to avoid a government default. That scenario is playing out on a much smaller scale in the lives of many Americans. Some locals are finding fixes to their own financial problems, choosing to take a new path out of debt. Some of them believe the federal government should follow that lead.

Debt Helper credit counselor Andrew Bernstein said many people have no trouble getting themselves into debt and have nothing but trouble getting out. "They are just looking for any type of solution," said Bernstein. He said the personal debt problems that his clients face are playing out on a national scale in Washington D.C. While political maneuvering continues there, financial success stories are happening at home. People are choosing to change their financial course. "The usual thing is for people to look to the government. Maybe the government can look to the people," Bernstein said.

Just two weeks ago, Tange Henry decided to stop spending more money than she had. Now, she is aiming to save an extra $150 per month. "I'm taking the time to really take it seriously, and so far so good," she said. "I don't want a card. I don't want anything. I just want to save it and pay myself first," Henry added.

That is a change in mindset that Bernstein wants the federal government to adopt very soon. He said that would set an example for Americans, like Tange Henry, who are making the choice to dig themselves out of debt. "The government can take a lesson from the common people who are starting to save, starting to draw back on common spending," Bernstein said.

The debt debate continues in Washington. Threre was increasing support for House Speaker Boehner's GOP plan. That plan has slim chances for passage in the house, an expected defeat in the senate and President Barack Obama is threatening a veto. The deadline for a debt-limit solution is Tuesday.