Some financial experts say unemployment is likely to remain high in 2012, but they also expect the new year to bring a stronger economy and housing market and even higher raises for workers. YNN's Tara Lynn Wagner filed the following report.

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The crystal ball that drops in Times Square may ring in a new year, but it doesn't show the future. However, financial experts are offering up a few predictions for 2012.

Donna Rosato, a senior writer at Money Magazine, says a poll of her readers found many are worried the United States will slip back into a recession.

"But really, it's not as bad as people think or are feeling," says Rosato.

When it comes to the job market, while Rosato says unemployment will likely remain high, "probably in the eight percent range," she also says a shortage of skilled workers means jobs are out there.

However, applicants need to have the right qualifications.

"It's good to know what it is in demand in your profession, and if you don't have that skill, brush up on it," says Rosato. "Go back to school, get a certification, whatever it might be."

For those lucky enough to have a job, Rosato sees sunnier skies and bigger paychecks ahead.

"Raises are back. Almost 95 percent of companies say they are going to give out raises in 2012," says Rosato. "Now the raises are still modest, but it's better than what we've seen in the past few years, which is minimal to none."

Next up, the housing market has been bleak for the last few years, but it may turn around. Rosato says the market has truly hit bottom and can only go upward.

"In 2012, we really expect the slide in home prices to stop. We're going to see stabilization. That's really the word," she says.

Since mortgage rates are not expected to go up any time soon, 2012 could be a great year to buy.

Of course, in order to buy a house, people need a down payment. While saving money is and has been a top priority for many Americans, they are not really being rewarded for their efforts.

"The average yield or interest that you're going to get paid in a bank account is less than 0.2 percent, so you're really not earning any money on your money," says Rosato.

Her advice is for people to look at online banks, which tend to offer higher interest rates on savings accounts.

While she suspects the stock market will remain volatile in the new year, on the whole her economic forecast for 2012 is decidedly brighter than in years past.

"It's not boom times again, but you can definitely feel a little bit more confident about your finances in 2012," she says.