The number of U.S. businesses and individuals filing for bankruptcy is rising, in part because of tighter lending standards that make it more difficult for small businesses and individuals to stay afloat. In April, 5,173 businesses filed for bankruptcy, a 49 percent increase from a year ago, reports Jupiter eSources LLC. Total bankruptcy filings, which include both businesses and individuals, rose 31 percent to 93,096 from the same period a year ago. Jupiter said it expects total 2008 filings to hit 1.1 million nationally, up from 827,00 in 2007 and 590,000 in 2006.

Last week's action by the Federal Reserve to cut its key interest rate fell on deaf ears as 30-year mortgage rates hit a seven-week high, according to Freddie Mac. The reason? Fears of inflation. A 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.06 percent last week, up from 6.03 percent the prior week, the highest level since they reached 6.13 percent in mid-March. Fifteen-year fixed rate mortgages fell slightly to 5.59 percent, down from 5.62 percent. The good news for buyers is that rates are still better than a year ago, when a 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 6.13 percent and a 15-year fixed went for 5.87 percent.