Among consumers managing debt, buying a home is a low priority

Credit score damage is a chief regret among consumers, but among financial goals it impedes, buying a home lies further down the food chain than other priorities, according to Debt.com.

Consumers' greatest financial regrets are related to credit scores, according to a recent survey by the debt-management and lead-generation company. Running up or maxing out credit cards was the main regret for 44% of consumers, and missing payments and damaging scores was the main regret for 23%.

"Credit scores impact many aspects of life from mortgages and auto loans to getting hired at a job you're applying for and in light of the recent data breaches it is not surprising that credit scores are a major concern," said Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com, in a press release.

Credit score damage

But when it comes to New Year's resolutions for 2018, home buying is a low priority when it comes to finances, according to the survey of more than 1,000 consumers.

While paying off credit cards ranks highest at more than 70%, buying a home ranks lowest at less than 12%.

Other financial goals consumers are more interested in this year include saving more money (67%), spending less and budgeting more (48%), stop using credit cards (31%), and start investing (16%).

Drawing only slightly more interest as a goal than purchasing a home is buying a car (a little over 12%) and paying off student loans (approaching 12.5%).

More than half of consumers in the survey skipped a question about whether they have met past financial goals, but among those who answered it, more than 36% said they have and more than 63% said they have not.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
First time home buyers Credit scores Credit cards Student loan debt Data breaches
MORE FROM NATIONAL MORTGAGE NEWS