Tip: Nassau Bar helps against foreclosure

A new poll found that 61 percent of Long Islanders surveyed said it was "very difficult" or "somewhat difficult" to pay their rent or mortgage. And while there have been few studies on how the mortgage crisis has affected older homeowners, an AARP analysis in 2008 found that borrowers 50 and older held nearly 30 percent of delinquent mortgages. With home prices falling and unemployment rising since then, the problem now is probably worse.

If you are a Nassau resident facing foreclosure, get help from the experts. Volunteer lawyers from the Nassau County Bar Association are offering free one-on-one guidance at a clinic Feb. 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the association's headquarters in Mineola. Housing counselors from several agencies will be there to offer information about loan modifications.

Lawyers fluent in several languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese and American Sign Language, will be available. Reservations are required; 516-747-4070.