Tips on jobs, deeds and flying

For more information on managing your largest investment, check out Gerri Willis' "Home Rich," now in bookstores.

• Hiring holds steady
• Half of 'rescued' borrowers still default
• Job outlook gets gloomier
• Where the jobs are
• Where the jobs are

Issue #1: America's Money - Everyday on CNN

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- CNN's Gerri Willis answers viewer's questions on "recession-proof" jobs, how a "deed in lieu" affects your credit rating, and how to get the best deal on airfare.

1. What jobs or industries are more "recession proof" than others? - Vikki, Florida

In reality, no job is "recession-proof," but there are industries that fare better than others, even when the economy is suffering.

Security jobs - from transportation security to computer security specialists are one of those according to Challenger, Gray and Christmas.

One recent report estimates that the government will need to fill 83, 000 jobs in the next two years.

Healthcare is another fast-growing area. Physical therapists, home health aides and medical assistants are all in demand. Plus, employers are upping the perks including tuition and relocation reimbursement and increased time off.

And finally education is a good area - 2.8 million new teachers are going to be needed over the next eight years.

2. I own a property in Florida that is not moving like I want it to. My question is about the 'Deed in Lieu' option. Does it show up as a foreclosure on my credit? If not, how will it affect my credit? - Aaron

A deed in lieu is just as devastating to your credit score as a foreclosure says John Ulzheimer of Credit.com.

It will show up on your score as a deed in lieu of foreclosure. But a deed in lieu - basically when you voluntary give the keys to your lender - is a more noble way of losing your home, and lenders will view that more positively than if you went through with a foreclosure, and had to be forced out of your home.

Some of you were asking how a loan modification affected your credit score. Well, your credit score doesn't reflect the terms of your loan, so as long as you've been current with your payments, a loan mod won't have any affect.

However, the sad fact is that most lenders won't do a loan mod unless you've already missed payments. And it's up to the lender to report late payments or delinquencies.

3. In order to get the best price, when is the best time for me to book a flight for my Christmas vacation? With the current economy, I'm worried that the price will go up instead of down by the end of the summer. - Tiffany, Arizona

You have a right to be concerned. There have been 21 airfare hikes since the beginning of January according to Rick Seaney CEO of Farecompare.com, a consumer airline ticket research Web site. And we're likely to see more hikes by the end of the year.

Airlines are also cutting 10-15% of their domestic flights. Normally, it would be a bit early to shop for holiday travel, but this year, it's a smart move.

If you see a good price, lock it in. And then, keep track of your flight and make sure the airline doesn't cancel it later on advises Seaney.