What countries does the U.S. borrow from? Ask USA TODAY

(Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)

When you hear about the United States borrowing money, you probably assume that money is being borrowed from China. Would you be surprised to hear that the U.S. actually borrows the most from its own citizens?

If you buy a U.S. Treasury security or bond, you're essentially loaning the government money.

How exactly does this system work? Do we borrow from other countries as well? USA TODAY Money reporter John Waggoner answers these questions and more in the video below.

Have a question of your own? Send it to us using #askusatoday on Twitter, or via e-mail using askusatoday@usatoday.com.

Money reporter John Waggoner explains how the United States borrows from its own citizens in the form of securities and bonds. Have a question of your own? Send it to us using #askusatoday on Twitter.