This Thanksgiving, let’s try and think of some positives about the economy and give thanks.

1. Gas Prices

Gas prices are down almost 60% on average from their peak this past July. And for most of us this has become a blessing to our personal spending, especially for those that drive a lot. Over the past year, I was spending about $400 a month on gasoline, with the current prices I’ve now got another $240 of spending money each month.

2. Stock Prices

Pessimism in running rampant in the stock market and prices at trading at bargain prices. Yes, most of our portfolios are down at the moment, but we’ve also been given one of the best buying opportunities we will see for years to come. Buying some of the deeply discounted assets at the current prices will really pay off in the future.

3. The Unemployment Rate

Yes, the unemployment rate. As of October 2008, it’s currently 6.5% according to the U.S. Department of Labor. While the U.S. unemployment rate has been increasing, it is still about the same or lower than many other western countries. Such as the United Kingdon 5.8%, Italy 7.1%, Germany 8.1%, Spain 9.6%, and Canada 6.2%, although these unemployment statistics are not an exact science. The main point is that the employment rate is still relatively low. In the early 1970’s and early 80’s the unemployment rate in the U.S. reached 10% and higher, so a 6.5% unemployment rate means that there are still a lot of jobs out there to be thankful for.