Unemployment is down, and barring a huge blowup in Europe’s or China’s economies, it should continue trending down in 2012. This means that more people will be able to meet their monthly financial obligations, making the new year less stressful than 2011. Fewer late or missed payments also equates to positive information being relayed to consumers’ credit reports on a more consistent basis, which will eventually result in higher credit scores. As your credit score not only determines loan eligibility and rates, but also your ability to lease a car, get a nicer apartment, qualify for an unsecured credit card, lower your car insurance premiums, etc., higher scores will make the new year a little easier for many consumers.
Robert Galbraith/Reuters/File
