Core Insights - The article emphasizes that credit scores do not reset with the new year, and many individuals may see a decline in their scores due to holiday-related debt [1][4] - Consistency in managing credit is more impactful than timing, with credit scores changing based on monthly debt activity reported to credit bureaus [2][3] Credit Score Fluctuations - Credit scores can fluctuate monthly based on updates to credit reports, with positive changes leading to score increases and negative changes resulting in declines [2][3] - A survey indicated that 79% of individuals planned to use credit cards for holiday expenses in the 2025 season, contributing to potential credit score drops [4] Strategies for Improvement - Individuals can adopt various strategies to improve their credit scores, especially after incurring holiday debt [5][8] - The AICPA survey found that 17% of respondents expect to take over six months to pay off holiday debt, highlighting the need for effective debt repayment strategies [8] Healthy Credit Habits - Long-term credit improvement requires consistent healthy financial habits, including making timely payments and avoiding high-interest debt products [10] - Options for debt management include consolidating debt with personal loans, cutting nonessential spending, and seeking credit counseling [10]