Fannie Mae has created a way for some homeowners, trying to avoid foreclosure, to remain in their homes.

Under Fannie Mae's Deed for Lease Program, qualifying homeowners can transfer ownership back to the lender and then pay rent.

Several of the largest U.S. airlines have increased a surcharge for travel on the busiest travel days to $20 each way, up from $10.

If you plan to travel around the upcoming holidays, prepare to pay a little more -- again.

Several of the largest U.S. airlines have increased a surcharge for travel on the busiest travel days to $20 each way, up from $10.

The surcharges apply to a large number of flights within the U.S. on more than a dozen peak days around holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Senators have agreed to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.

Last week senators agreed to extend a tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of this month.

The tax credits would be available to homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes, according to a summary of the legislation being circulated among lawmakers.

As mortgage rates rise above 5%, and the expiration of the home buyer tax credit draws near, mortgage applications plunged last week.

The Mortgage Bankers Associate said mortgage applications fell 13.7% last week.

Uncertainty about a possible extension and expansion of an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers may be hampering the housing recovery.

The tax credit now can be claimed by anyone buying a home who has not owned one for three years and who closes the deal by Nov. 30.

Federal officials recently announced a new grant that will help the people of Colorado avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

The money will be used for counseling homeowners.

The federal government thinks the sessions could be the difference between foreclosure and retaining a home.

The grant was worth more than $615,000 and will be distributed all over the Front Range from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. It will also go to towns such as Canon City and Durango.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a noticed this week to airlines, that they may not arbitrarily limit compensation for passengers who purchase necessities because their baggage is lost or delayed.

Many airlines have polices that state they will reimburse a passenger for only buying necessities purchased more than 24 hours after arrival.

Those policies are in violation of DOT regulations.

The department’s policy requires that airlines cover all expenses caused by lost or delayed baggage up to $3,300 per passenger.

There is a definite strategy for saving money when it comes to planning 2010 travel. Experts say plan ahead on the flight. Wait to book your hotel, unless it’s a big city like New York.

Hotel rates this fall are down 16% and American Express Business Travel predicts hotel rates will be even lower in 2010, because travel demand is still being dragged down by the economy. 

But, when it comes to airfare, they are no longer dropping. That's because airlines have cut the supply of seats and number of flights.

Personal bankruptcies climbed above 1 million during the first nine months of this year. That's the first time the mark has been reached in the last four years, according to an industry research firm.

The number of personal bankruptcy is up 35% from the same nine month period last year, the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) said.

"Bankruptcy filings continue to climb as consumers look to shelter themselves from the effects of rising unemployment rates and housing debt," said ABI executive director Samuel Gerdano.

HomeSteps, a unit of Freddie Mac, is offering a great discount program on foreclosed homes if potential buyers make an offer on the property by Oct. 30.

The SmartBuy program offers a comprehensive two-year HomeProtect Warranty on major systems like the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, appliances and other key home components.

Qualified buyers can also get up to 3.5% of the purchase price toward closing costs.

And the HomeProtect program can also get you discounts on appliances, sometimes up to 30% off name brand products.

In recent months federal regulators and state attorneys general have aggressively been dealing with economic crimes aimed at consumers. Foreclosure rescue and other mortgage related scams have drawn increased scrutiny.