NEW YORK - The number of households facing the foreclosure process more than doubled in the second quarter compared to a year ago, according to data released Friday.

Nationwide, 739,714 homes received at least one foreclosure-related notice during the quarter, or one in every 171 U.S. households, Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac Inc. said.

California Foreclosures

 A modification to an existing loan made by a lender in response to a borrower's long-term inability to repay the loan. Loan modifications typically involve a reduction in the principal balance, interest rate or an extension of the length of the term of the loan. In some cases a different type of loan or any combination of the three. A lender might be open to modifying a loan because the cost of doing so is less than the cost of default or foreclosure.

That vow of for better or worse also meant that you share in whatever debts you and your spouse accumulated in the marriage. Mortgages and credit cards are usually the biggest joint debts. You are both responsible for anything you have signed together like joint tax returns, joint credit card debts, joint mortgages or loans. If your spouse is spending money recklessly after you file for divorce, file a motion with the court explaining what is happening and ask for an early hearing.

Little amounts can make a large difference to your finances.

As gasoline and food prices continue to rise, the squeeze to make family budgets balance each month becomes more of a struggle. After the big savings have been found and taken, smaller savings have to be found to make ends meet.

This can be frustrating as it can feel like everyone is being nickled and dimed to death. That's why it's important to realize how these small amounts can make a huge difference in your overall financial health.