Mortgage delinquency rates and foreclosures have been on the rise, and with unemployment hovering around 10%, many more people may have trouble paying their monthly mortgage bills. TD Bank wants to help one of its customers achieve the dream of homeownership by giving them $250,000 towards their mortgage.

A gentle reminder in case you've forgotten: tax time is just around the corner, and Uncle Sam is waiting to collect his annual fee. Like a trip to the dentist, completing your taxes before the mid-April deadline is an unwelcome but necessary task, and avoidance only makes things worse. You may owe less than you think, however, or even be entitled to a refund. To avoid overpaying the IRS, make sure you know about these easily overlooked federal tax break options.

For many homeowners, the concept of refinancing the home mortgage may seem very appealing and just the answer in these times of economic turmoil. After all, who would not want the ease of lower monthly payments, the security of a fixed rate loan, or better yet, the thought of freeing up some extra cash for that much needed college education savings, new car, or home renovation? Indeed, there can be so many reasons why a “refi” would be an attractive option for cash-strapped and financially distraught consumers.  What many people fail to recognize however, is the reality that home refinancing is in fact, not a sensible move for everyone. While the numbers at a glance may appear promising, e.g. an interest reduction of 2%, there are still other factors to be considered.