A simile is comparing something with something else using 'like' or 'as' (for example - I swam in the sea like a fish or my room is like a tip).
A metaphor is a word or phrase that compares something with something else (for example - his heart is metal or my room is a tip). Hope this makes sense!
1. The road was as curvy as a snake - Simile
2. My mum told me that my room is like a pigsty - Simile
3. Mike is like a scared kitten as he enters the haunted house - Simile
The "mortgage crisis" could be one of the existing problems that should be provided with a solution accross the country. I hope my answer has come to your help. God bless and have a nice day ahead! Feel free to ask more questions.