Today, Thanksgiving Day, is the official start of the holiday season. It’s quite appropriate, since four inches of snow fell last night in Michigan. Over the next month and half we will all be pre-occupied trying to find gifts for everyone on our Christmas list.

Are you on your own list? If so, what gift are you going to buy yourself? You should consider buying a new car before New Years Day. Auto sales have slowed and there will be many great automobile bargains this holiday season.

If you have credit problems, the holidays will be even a better time to buy a new or used car. Traditionally, lenders lower their credit requirements to meet year end goals. So if you’ve tried in the past but have been unable to get an auto loan, you may be pleasantly surprised if you re-apply before the end of the year.

We’ve all worked hard this year. Make sure you reserve a spot under the Christmas tree for your gift, preferably a new or used car.