Credit wishes for the new year

According to an Experian press release this morning, 68% of consumers say they are optimistic about their financial situation in the coming year. This includes expecting a pay increase, promotion and credit score improvement. Is this just holiday optimistism or does this indicate serious New Year's resolutions?

Signs point away from serious resolutions. Further down in the survey, Experian mentions that 14% of respondents are paying only the minimum on their credit cards each month. That's double the number of people who were doing that last December.  At the same time, 53% of respondents think that gas and housing prices will continue to rise in 2006 and credit card debt has remained stable at about $4,000 per person.

What does this mean? While people feel optimistic about the coming year, it doesn't appear that they are making any real resolutions to help them achieve their financial goals. Instead of just feeling optimistic, why not create some real resolutions for 2006? Get started by reading more about improving your credit score, reducing your debts and checking your credit reports.