7 percent

Number of U.S. homeowners with mortgages who were at least 30 days late on their payments in February, a 50 percent jump over a year earlier, according to Equifax, a leading credit bureau. The percentage of delinquent mortgages for people with subprime loans is significantly higher—almost 40 percent were at least 30 days behind on their loans in February.

(Home loans aren't the only area where consumers are falling behind on what they owe. In February, says Equifax, banks shuttered 8 million credit-card accounts, and about 4.5 percent of the balances on credit cards issued by banks were 60 days past due.)

If you're having trouble making payments on your mortgage, read "White House Launches Mortgage-Assistance Web Site" for details on MakingHomeAffordable.gov, where you can get free information on ways to reduce your mortgage payments and keep your home out of foreclosure.

Also get mortgage advice on DefendYourDollars.org, like this blog published by Consumers Union. e-mail | Twitter