While mortgage foreclosures continue to rise along with the growing unemployment rate, there are a few small rays of hope for homeowners in trouble -- and those looking to buy a home.

Q.What is your greatest concern for America's financial future?

The American public is starting to get more than mildly annoyed at those who tell them the economy is bouncing back.

Is there any way out of America's financial woes? If you stand back and take an honest look at the growing debt and the promises we've made, the situation seems hopeless. Not only have we promised baby boomers their Social Security and Medicare benefits, we're now close to adding health care for all, and money to buy a new car.

Since stock markets around the world all "crashed" at the same time, what's the point of international investing?

It was only five years ago that people were regaling me with their plans for "early retirement" at age 62, or 60, or even in their 50s! After all, back then, their 401(k) portfolio was soaring, and so was the market value of the family home.

If you're a senior fortunate enough not to need to withdraw money from your IRA, you get a special break this year. For this year only, those required withdrawals have been suspended. And even if you've already taken money out, you can return it to your IRA without penalty if you choose.