Consumers got even more perspective on the tough economy this week in the form of a report showing that foreclosure rates have made a triple-digit jump since 2006.

According to the latest figures from RealtyTrac, foreclosure actions on housing units nationwide jumped 81 percent in 2008, and were up 225 percent since 2006. That means nearly two percent of all U.S. housing units were subject to some kind of foreclosure action in 2008.

A jump was especially pronounced in December's foreclosure activity, leading to some speculation that state efforts originally intended to reduce the number of foreclosures had merely delayed the inevitable for some homeowners as unemployment and other economic figures continued to worsen as well.

"There was no way we were expecting a near-record month, and I believe January will be a record-setting month. We're in for a very difficult year," Rick Sharga of RealtyTrac was quoted as saying in a separate report from USA Today.

With foreclosure levels and unemployment figures still on the rise, the worst of the recession may not be over for many Americans. Along with careful budgeting and planning, other strategies like payday loans may also be helpful to those struggling to make payments on time and avoid setbacks like late fees.

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