The number of U.S. mortgages that could be in foreclosure by 2012, depending on how bad the recession gets, according to a late-2008 report by Credit Suisse. In April 2008, the bank had forecast 6.5 million foreclosures.

Essential information: If you're struggling financially and are concerned about losing your home, read "Financial Traps Are Flourishing," from the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports. And if you're considering buying a property in financial distress, check out the advice in "How to Buy a Foreclosed Home."