HERMAN CAIN, in spite of the scandals and drop in poll numbers, is still a viable candidate for the Republican party. And many still want to vote for him. Why? Maybe his likability, the fact that he is not a politician, or maybe because people simply don't like or trust the other candidates. But, whatever the reason, it appears he is fighting to get back on top.

But let's dig a little deeper into Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan to see what it's suppose to accomplish, and more specifically how it will impact the debt crisis and those who are struggling to put food on the table and trying to eliminate the mounting debt they face each day.

Okay, in a nutshell, here goes....

WHAT IS HERMAN CAIN'S 9-9-9 PLAN AND WILL IT WORK?

The 9-9-9 tax plan is structured to eliminate taxes on payroll, income, capital gains, and corporate profits. These would be replaced with a 9% tax on business, income, and sales. Many folks say they like it because it is very simple. Others say the plan is so simple that it just won't work. Even President Obama said the plan would put a burden on the middle class and working families, and many analysts and politicians are vehemently opposed to it. In any case, many are saying that at least Cain has a plan to back up what he is saying instead of just pointing out what is "broken" without offering an alternative. But, my friends, at this point in the game, it is really far too early to know if it will ease the burden of debt on the nation and on each of us individually.

REASON FOR MOST DEBT

That brings me to the subject of debt. Okay, so this economy has really taken its toll on many people around the globe. Few can deny that there is global debt crisis. Just this past hour my daughter came in the house and announced that the little boy who lived down the street moved in with the grandmother. The family lost their house to foreclosure. So now, not only will we lose a sweet little neighbor for my daughter to practice her ball toss, but another house in the neighborhood will sit vacant for who knows how long. There goes my property value again (sigh). The cost of debt is not just in numbers. It can also affect your health, your relationships, and it can negatively impact your ability to purchase in the future.

REALITY CHECK

Truth be told, no politician, government, or institution can change the way people view money and how they spend. Sure, this current economy has certainly left many without jobs or funds to pay for important things like insurance and transportation, but could it be that many find themselves in debt because of spending more than they have? And can it be that educating people about finances and how money works is far better than a government bailout?

It's interesting that most schools in the US do not teach students how to create and work within a budget, how to invest and save for the future, or even how to avoid debt and bad decisions in the first place. These same schools teach art, language and other noble and necessary subjects, but a finance course is invaluable in helping to equip students with skills for living debt free.

SOLUTION

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." (An English Proverb) Wouldn't you agree that if you were given the knowledge and tools to eliminate debt, and more importantly, how to prevent it in the first place, then you will probably make wiser financial decisions for the rest of your life? I know it sounds like a cliché, but knowledge is power. And to take it a step further, it's the application of knowledge that has the real power.

For example, ask yourself these questions.

1. Would it be better to file for bankruptcy or would a loan negotiation be a better choice?

2. If I could successfully negotiate a lower interest rate on my debt, would it negatively impact my credit score?

3. What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and what are the three most common violations of most debt collection agencies when trying to get folks to pay up?

4. If I owe a large amount of money to the IRS, is there anything I can do to get immediate relief?

5. What "tricks" do many mortgage companies play to avoid modifying a mortgage, and what steps can you take to stack the odds in your favor?

If you are struggling with debt, why not gain the necessary education and the proper tools so that you can get on the road to recovery. Living debt free is not just a dream. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and depressed and don't know where to turn. Don't go it alone - seek help. It won't be easy, but it will be well worth your effort when you can finally say about your finances, "I'm debt free, and boy does it feel good!"