The government released the news of the national mortgage settlement late last week.  The question is:  is this going to really help anyone?  The settlement sounds wonderful with the big numbers but when you think of all the people it has to cover, the numbers get small fast.  Those whose homes were foreclosed on in MN will get about $2000 a piece, is that enough?  If you are upside down on your mortgage you might get as much as $17,000 but how far will that go?  The program does not cover Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans and only applies to qualifying loans with the 5 big banks.  In the end, 60-70% of people with a mortgage will not benefit from this plan.  What do you think?  Is this going to help people, is it a political ploy, will it stimulate the market or is it too little too late?  For more information on the settlement, click here.