Millions of businesses and individuals across the United States and the globe are in financial turmoil. Problems with money are universal.

But for the family in jeopardy of losing their home, the recession has become very personal. The words of 18th century German author Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe express the sentiment of home quite well, and are timeless, "Be he a king or a peasant, he is happiest who finds peace at home."

It is impossible to find peace at home when you cannot afford to pay the mortgage. Feelings of despair and fear at the thought of losing their home can destroy the peace of families. The good news is that there is a solution. Getting foreclosure help in the form of loan modification is a real and viable option for homeowners.

One thing to remember is that foreclosure is not the option most lenders prefer. It is an expensive and drawn out process, not just for the homeowner who is in trouble but for the banks and mortgage companies as well. What created the recession in the first place was the staggering amount of foreclosures on the market. Government has even intervened in the form of president Obama’s home rescue plan.Homeowner foreclosure is not an option anyone wants.

However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to get the ball rolling when it comes to seeking foreclosure help. The biggest key to getting foreclosure help-avoiding foreclosure-is facing the problem head-on, early, and understanding what options are available. Get help before foreclosure becomes an option.

The first step in understanding is to become educated. Learning exactly what home loan modification entails; how the process works and its benefits, will empower the homeowner and make getting foreclosure help a much simpler, less stressful affair.

The following are major benefits of mortgage loan modification:

With foreclosure help in the form of loan modification, the lender can add any past due balance of the mortgage to the end of the contract.

The option to have your loan period extended is often in place.

The lender may reduce the interest rate below the market rates

The terms of your loan will be changed to a sustainable and affordable payment.

Remember the old adage, "Forewarned is forearmed." Be prepared. Before you discuss loan modification with your lender you should already have the following:

A complete and accurate loan modification application

Your financial statement

Verification of income

A hardship letter explaining why loan modification is needed and deserved

Getting foreclosure help in the form of mortgage loan modification lets you start fresh. Your lender offers you a clean slate, allowing you to save your home and your credit rating, resulting in peace of mind for you and your family.