Bankruptcy filings in Wisconsin jumped around 30% in the first quarter of the year as higher fuel and good costs continue to pressure consumers. Meanwhile, rising mortgage payments and lower property valuations have taken away much of the cushion that consumers often rely on in tough times. The figures aren't that different from the national average, however, which saw a 27% increase from January through March compared to the same period last year. Court records showed that there were 4,570 bankruptcy petitions in Wisconsin through March.

Many consumers are beginning to feel the heat as a perfect storm of factors combined to cause troubles that are too great to handle. Higher fuel costs were sparked by the lower dollar and supply problems abroad. Meanwhile, higher food costs come amid a world food shortage sparked by the incentives offered for corn being used in ethanol. The corn being used for the gas is being taken away for usage in food, which includes usage in corn and beef products. Meanwhile, continued housing troubles have eliminated the ability to draw on home equity lines of credit and resulted in higher monthly payments.