Is December 31 Really the Best Day to Buy a Car? By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road I ’m sure you’ve all heard someone say, if you’re going to buy a new car, wait until December 31. Is this true? The answer is, yes, and no. The best time to buy a car depends on many factors. First is your immediate need for a new car. Is your vehicle looking at repairs that cost more than it’s worth? Is it still drivable? If the answer is no, then you need a car asap. Waiting till the end of the year makes no sense. If the car is still drivable and isn’t going to put you at risk, sure, you can wait. Second, is the car you’re looking to purchase a desirable model, one that is near the end of its lifecycle, or a completely new version? If so, you may get a better deal on the outgoing version, but you won’t on a new model - no matter what time of year it is. A Holiday Genealogy Journey By: Craig Smith / Exploring Your Roots Continuing with the holiday theme, let’s look at the significance of genealogy during the holiday season. The holidays are a perfect time to delve into your family’s history. As family members come together to celebrate, it’s an opportunity to share stories about your ancestors. Understanding where your family came from can help you appreciate the unique traditions and customs that have been passed down through the years. Sharing holiday recipes is always a great way to pass down traditions. In my family, our somewhat non-traditional Christmas Eve dinner has been passed down since I was a little tyke. To this day, my son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have the same dinner every Christmas Eve. It’s true that every dealership (as well as every manufacturer) wants to sell as many vehicles before reporting year-end sale figures. But they aren’t giving anything away at sub-bargain prices. It comes back to doing your homework before you buy, just as you would any time of year. Yes, there are some decent deals, especially for vehicles already on the lot, but keep in mind that car buying takes more than a few hours. If you are doing a trade, they will want to inspect it to make sure the value is there. Are your finances in order? Any credit glitch can hang up the deal, and instead of walking away with a vehicle on the 31 st , you’re out of luck on January 2. Plus, expect them to be busy, so patience will be a virtue. It’s smarter to go to the dealership any time in December when the sales have already started. They won’t be as rushed, you’ll have time to remedy any glitches, and you’ll still get a decent bargain. Good luck and happy shopping! BJ Killeen has been an automotive journalist for over 30 years. She welcomes all questions and inquiries, and can be reached at bjkdtr@gmail.com 36 December 2023 Even when we can’t be together, we use FaceTime to share our dinner every year. I always take the opportunity to explain to the youngsters the family tradition and how long we have been eating the non-traditional family meal. While the holidays are a great time for sharing traditions and family stories, it is also a great time to start your genealogical adventure. This is the best time of year to subscribe to online resources such as Ancestry and MyHeritage. Many of these commercial genealogy websites offer great discounts for monthly or annual subscriptions. Subscription discounts range from 20% - 40% off regular subscriptions. It is also a good time to sign up for DNA tests. DNA testing will help discover your genetic roots and connect with distant relatives. Websites like Ancestry, FamilyTree DNA and MyHeritage offer insights into your ethnic origins and can help you build a more comprehensive family tree. This holiday season, explore your family’s history, traditions, and recipes, and make new connections with your roots. I should also mention that researching your family tree can be fun and exciting. Happy holidays and happy hunting! Craig Smith is the President of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society. The Society meets on the third Saturday of each month at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson. Craig can be contacted at president@ccngs.org
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