According to the survey, almost half of Americans (45%) feel that 2017 was at least somewhat better than 2016 in terms of personal finances. Approximately one third (34%) earned more in 2017 than they did in 2016, 24 percent put more into savings in 2017 compared to 2016, and 21 percent improved their score over the past 12 months. However, only 16 percent reduced their total credit card debt, making debt reduction a priority in the year ahead.

Optimism in 2018

The survey found Americans generally have an optimistic outlook for 2018, with 67 percent expecting personal finances to improve over the next 12 months. Fewer than 10 percent of respondents said they expected their finances to worsen in the year ahead. Today's economic indicators could be contributing to the positive outlook, with jobless rates at a 17-year low, home prices steadily climbing in most markets and stocks continuing to rally. 

Millennials (aged 35 and under) were the most optimistic demographic. A full 79 percent expect their finances to improve this year. In contrast, only 55 percent of those older than 50 said they expect their finances to improve. There weren't many differences in optimism between the sexes: men were only slightly more pessimistic about their financial prospects than women.

Additional positive expectations for 2018 include:

• 46% expect income to increase

• 28% expect to pay off credit card debt

• 35% plan to make and/or stick to a budget in 2018

• 35% also expect to improve their credit score

• 18% expect to save for a down payment on a house

• 27% plan to build an emergency fund

• 26% expect to save for a savings/purchase goal

Making changes in 2018

The survey found that many people are planning on making some changes that may affect personal finances in 2018. Twenty-seven percent of respondents expect to purchase a new car in 2018. This was followed by 23 percent who plan to move or relocate sometime this year, 20 percent who expect to switch jobs and 13 percent who believe they'll become homeowners in 2018.

Financial concerns still loom

A sunny outlook for 2018 finances doesn't come without at least some financial concerns. Americans feel most uneasy about unexpected expenses (43%), followed by their ability to make ends meet (34%), which may be why 27 percent are hoping to build an emergency fund and 26 percent are hoping to put more into savings in 2018. Healthcare costs come in third place with 29 percent, although healthcare expenses ranked second (40%) for those over age 50.

The 35-and-under crowd echo the financial concerns of other generations, with 39 percent of millennials stressing about unexpected expenses and 30 percent worrying about their ability to make ends meet. 

Home prices expected to rise

When asked about what they thought would happen to house prices and rental where they currently live, more respondents expect home prices to rise, as opposed to remaining level or falling. The percentages were similar no matter the respondents' age or gender. Only 10 percent of respondents expect home prices to fall.

Separately, when asked what they were most optimistic about in 2018, only 8 percent of respondents said they were optimistic about home prices rising. But another 5 percent – prospective homebuyers, perhaps — said they were looking forward to home prices falling.

Paying off debt

Debt reduction is a priority for many Americans, with 36 percent of survey respondents saying they'd use a $10,000 unexpected windfall to pay down debt. For contrast, 14 percent would invest the money, 13 percent would spend the money on family and 10 percent would use those funds for home improvement projects.

Despite some uncertainty about the specifics, Americans expressed that paying off debt was the financial matter they were most confident about accomplishing in 2018, outpacing that of controlling spending and increasing income. Thirty-one percent said they were confident they would pay off debt this upcoming year, followed by 27 percent who were confident they would reign in unnecessary spending and 19% who felt confident about receiving a raise. Most people chose the financial concerns they have the most control over (like controlling spending and paying down debt) than more economic matters that were largely out of their control (like home prices and financial market performances). 

Debt consolidation on the mind of many, but methods unclear

When asked if they thought they might consolidate the debts this year, 13 percent of Americans were considering debt consolidation.

But when those 13 percent were asked if they knew where they would obtain the financing for the debt consolidation, most respondents didn't know. Only 40 percent of those looking to consolidate their debt knew where they would go to accomplish that task (the most popular choice was going to a bank or credit union).