The status of the federal government's financial situation has got many people across the nation taking a second look at their own finances. All of talk about deficit spending and budgeting has many Floridian's realizing that their debt may be out of control. While bankruptcy protection may be one route, others want to find some alternatives first.

According to recent data collected by the credit tracking company, Credit Karma, Florida residents are working hard to pay off their credit card debt. In fact, the average credit-card balance in July was $6,442, a significant decrease from the same month last year when it was $7,726.

Credit counselors are some of the people who are best able to study debt trends, and they say that fewer people are seeking them for advice this year. Experts like financial planners attribute the new goal of reducing credit card debt partially due to the lowered home values and higher credit card interest rates.

Another credit counselor with CredAbility, a nonprofit assistance group said that people rely on their credit cards now more than ever. Even though they are letting their mortgages slip into default, their credit cards provide them with the opportunity to eat, to clothe their children. If their credit gets so bad they cannot use credit cards, the expert said many people would not know what to do.

Struggling alone is one of the worst ideas when faced with serious financial trouble, attorneys are one of the best ways to help you navigate your next step or figure out what can be done to change your situation and set you up for a better future.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Fearful Floridians pay down mortgages, credit-card debt," William E. Gibson, Aug. 17, 2011