Foreclosure rates are showing a slight increase, which can be concerning for homeowners. While foreclosure rates remain historically low, this uptick serves as a reminder of the potential challenges. If foreclosure has not affected you personally, you might know someone who has been impacted. It’s important to understand that mortgage lenders generally prefer to help you keep your home rather than repossess it, as they are not in the real estate business. They are usually motivated to work with you to rearrange your financing so you can stay in your home and continue making payments.

Not even death can stop a determined thief. That is, the death of a targeted person. In fact, death is what the thieves are waiting for. It’s called “ghosting,” and it happens when a thief uses the identity of someone who has died to obtain credit and/or benefits and rack up bills. It is a growing problem, but not a new one.