Friday, August 31, 2012
Michigan Powerball winner announced as Don Lawson, 44, from Lapeer
LANSING, MI -- The winner of the Michigan Powerball $337 million is Don Lawson, 44, of Lapeer.
"I fell backwards and I kind of lost my breath."
He is a 44-year-old railroad worker from Lapeer.
The winner was announced Friday morning at a press conference at the Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing.
Lawson aforementioned he can still be an equivalent person.
"I'm a rich person currently however i will still eat McDonald's. I don’t like filet."
The winning price tag was oversubscribed at the Odish Family Market and Sunoco petrol station on the northside of Lapeer.
A photo of the price tag and therefore the giant check were displayed because the winner was declared.
Lawson aforementioned he might barely breathe once he won. He unbroken moving the price tag round the house for guardianship before taking it to the bank.
"Everybody simply started returning to the house. (I place the ticket) on my Bible. I put to sleep my couch. it had been on prime of my white goods," he said.
He has 2 kids and has lived in Lapeer for ten years, and may be a Arkansas native. He worked the late shift at at a railroad company, he said. He aforementioned he quit his job the day he recognized he won.
He had a pleasant sense of humor.
"Does that return tax free?" he joked with Lottery Commissioner Scott Bowen UN agency place the name on his check. "My name goes there."
Local, state and national media all converged on the lottery headquarters in Lansing to be told UN agency the winner was. the tiny area was jam-choked with media.
The winning {ticket|price tag|price price tag} had all the numbers correct -- thusle} ticket within the nation to try and do so -- within the August. 15 drawing. it's the biggest prize ever given get into the Michigan Lottery's history. The winning numbers were 06-27-46-51-56 with a Powerball of twenty one.
It is the third largest in Powerball history and seventh largest in U.S. history.
The winner has the choice of taking a payment payment of $241 million or taking yearly payments. Taxes can take an enormous chunk out of that.
Powerball is contend in forty two states, and Washington D.C. Per lottery rules, the winner needs to be known. Lottery officers say they require to point out those that they really disclose the money prize.
The store can get a $50,000 money payment for commercialism the price tag.
Lapeer was buzzing on August. sixteen with the media attention -- all the Flint-area TV stations were there likewise because the metropolis TV stations and newspapers. farewell America even sent a crew from Chicago.
Workers from McLaren Lapeer, that is adjoining, were reckoning on curiously in the slightest degree the media attention. everybody was talking concerning the lottery, and inquisitive simply UN agency the winner was.
That question was answered on weekday.
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MEDICINAL USES OF BANANA FRUIT
Anaemia: High in
iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin
in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This
unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet
low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat
blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration
has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims
for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure
and stroke.
Brain Power: 200
students at an English school were helped through their
exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break and
lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has
shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning
by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High
in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore
normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without
resorting to laxatives.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst
people suffering from depression, many felt much better
after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan,
a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin
- known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally
make you feel happier.
Hangovers: One
of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana
milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach
and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood
sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your
system.
Heartburn: Bananas
have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer
from heart-burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar
levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before
reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected
area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find
it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas
are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found
pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate
and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers
found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure
jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced
food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels
by snacking on high carbohydrate foods (such as bananas)
every two hours to keep levels steady.
PMS: Forget the
pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates
blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they
contain the natural mood enhancer, trypotophan.
Smoking: Bananas
can also help people trying to give up smoking, as the high
levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 they contain, as well as
the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body
recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium
is a vital mineral, which helps normalise the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water-balance.
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby
reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced
with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According
to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine"eating
bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death
by strokes by as much as 40%!
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling"
fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature
of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant
women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool
temperature.
Ulcers: The banana
is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only
raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic
ulcer cases. It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces
irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Warts: Those keen
on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill
off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on
the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin
in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
CCTV current job vacancies
CCTV current job vacancies
CCTV-News is currently expanding and is seeking experienced, dynamic and professional applicants for the following job vacancies:
Reporter for Features Department, China Insight
Job Description:
* Conducting research;
* On-camera reporting and interviewing;
* Writing scripts;
* Voicing scripts;
* Generating new programme ideas.
Qualifications:
* Native English speaker;
* University bachelor’s degree or above;
* Minimum 2 years working in the media industry, preferably in television;
* Excellent writing skills;
* An interest in all aspects of Chinese society;
* Confidence in front of the camera;
* Able to work under pressure to meet deadlines;
* Prepared to travel within China and to work irregular hours;
* Good team player;
* Prepared to relocate to Beijing;
* Ability to speak Mandarin is an advantage.
To apply, please send a clear head shot, two writing samples and a recent copy of your CV to: cctvnewsfeatures@cctv.com or chinainsight1002@hotmail.com
Anchors for News, Business and Sports Programs
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speaker;
* University bachelor degree or above;
* At least 10 years broadcast journalism experience, preferably with internationally renowned media organizations;
* At least 5 years experience of dedicated anchoring within one of the above three specialist fields;
* Knowledgeable and curious about China and its social issues;
* Thorough knowledge of television production techniques, both studio-based and in the field;
* Strong ability to broadcast unscripted and improvise during passages of changing and breaking news;
* Strong research skills;
* Calm under pressure.
To apply, please send a CV and work samples to: jobs@cctv.com
News Editors - Dialogue
Dialogue is the flagship topical talk show on CCTV News, with lively studio debate focusing on international and domestic news, politics and current affairs.
Job Requirements:
* Planning future coverage;
* Proposing and researching ideas, discussion topics and guests;
* Writing, producing and editing clear, incisive and relevant supporting news packages;
* Booking and pre-interviewing guests;
* Producing and directing from the gallery;
* Copy-editing scripts written by Chinese writers and anchors and recording voice-overs when necessary.
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speaker;
* University bachelor degree or above, preferably in international relations, politics, economics, sociology, or communications;
* Minimum of 10 years experience working in the media industry;
* A deep understanding of international current affairs;
* Good communication and research skills;
* Strong knowledge of television production techniques;
* Demonstrably excellent writing skills for television news;
* Strong attention to detail;
* Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure;
* Able to work flexible and irregular hours;
* Good team player.
To apply, please send a CV and other supporting documents to: jobs@cctv.com
International Desk Assignment Editors
Job Requirements:
* Planning future international coverage;
* Monitoring international breaking news;
* Coordinating with international reporters based around the world;
* Assisting chief editors and program directors on assignments for overseas reporters;
* Chasing stories from overseas reporters and monitoring their workload;
* Assessing the work of overseas reporters;
* Assisting with logistics and local support for overseas reporters;
* Assisting with the editing of scripts filed by overseas reporters.
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speaker or proficient in written and spoken English;
* University bachelor degree or above;
* Minimum 5 years experience as a producer or news planner, preferably with internationally renowned media organizations;
* Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities;
* Strong awareness of international news and current affairs;
To apply, please send a CV and other supporting documents to: jobs@cctv.com
News Editors - CCTV News Current Affairs
Job Requirements:
* Planning future coverage;
* Proposing and researching stories;
* Writing, producing and editing feature-length stories for broadcast.
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speaker, fluent in Mandarin;
* University bachelor degree or above
* At least 10 years broadcast journalism experience;
* Knowledgeable and curious about China and its social issues;
* A flair for identifying compelling angles focused on political, social, and economic issues;
* Thorough knowledge of television production techniques, both studio-based and in the field;
* Able to work flexible and irregular hours;
* Good team player.
To apply, please send a CV and work samples to: jobs@cctv.com
Newsroom Copy Editors
Working in the newsroom on hourly bulletins and rolling news, covering ever-changing domestic and international situations, breaking news and significant global events.
Job Requirements:
* Helping Chinese writers and non-native English speaking reporters present concise and expressive stories, by offering help and advice on grammar, content and flow, editing and re-writing scripts where necessary;
* Writing creative and snappy hourly news headlines;
* Fact-checking;
* Writing breaking news stories;
* Voicing packages and sound-bites;
* Writing and producing news stories when required;
* Writing live subtitles in the gallery when required.
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speaker;
* University bachelor degree or above;
* Minimum 5 years experience working in the media industry;
* Demonstrably excellent writing skills for television news;
* Good broadcast voice;
* Strong attention to detail;
* Strong awareness of international news and current affairs;
* Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure;
* Able to work irregular hours, including nightshifts;
* Good team player.
To apply, please send a CV and other supporting documents to: jobs@cctv.com
Copy Editor - Culture Express
Culture Express is CCTV News’s daily round-up of the latest arts and culture stories from China and around the world.
Job Requirements:
* Helping Chinese writers and non-native English speaking reporters present concise and expressive stories, by offering help and advice on grammar, content and flow, editing and re-writing scripts where necessary;
* Writing creative and snappy headlines;
* Fact-checking;
* Voicing packages and sound-bites;
* Writing and producing stories when required;
Qualifications, Skills and Desirable Qualities:
* Native English speakers;
* University bachelor degree or above;
* Minimum 5 years experience working in the media industry, the arts industry, or the cultural industry;
* Strong general awareness of the arts and current affairs;
* A flair for creative concise writing;
* Good broadcast voice;
* Good team player.
To apply, please send a CV and other supporting documents to: jobs@cctv.com
CCTV-Français is looking for you!
You are a native French speaker and proficient in English as well. Graduated, preferably with a degree in journalism or communication and are interested in China.
If you are interested in this unique experience and want to be a part of growing organization then we invite you to join our team.
Please contact us by sending an email to the following address: francais@cctv.com
Apple vs. Samsung legal battles
Apple vs. Samsung legal battles summarized
Posted: Aug 31, 2012 11:18 AM Updated: Aug 31, 2012 11:18 AM
National NewsMore>>
Quake off Philippines spurs small tsunami; 1 dead
Pentagon weighing options against ex-SEAL author
Army not changing physical fitness test _ for now
Sheriff: Man stole doctor's ID, saw 500 patients
Ex-Mich. rail worker claims $337M Powerball prize
AP National News VideoMore>>
Fact Check: Paul Ryan ignores parts of his own record
Officials may breach levee as Isaac storms inland
Republicans ready to roll, but Isaac clouds tone
Earthquake swarm puts California town on edge
Folks seek shelter along low-lying Louisiana
By The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) - Apple Inc. of the U.S. and Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea are embroiled in legal battles in 10 nations over intellectual property, spanning dozens of cases. Here are details of some of the bigger legal fights:
- In the U.S., Apple scored a major victory on Aug. 24 when a jury found Samsung had "willfully" copied Apple's iPhone and iPad, and awarded Apple $1 billion in damages. Apple is now requesting eight Samsung products be banned from the U.S. market. A hearing was rescheduled for Dec. 6.
- In South Korea, the court on Aug. 24 dismissed Apple's claim that Samsung copied the look and feel of the iPhone and the iPad in a ruling widely seen as a victory for Samsung. Still, the judges issued bans on some Samsung and Apple products. It found that Apple illegally used Samsung's wireless technology while Samsung violated Apple's patent related to the way mobile devices notify users when an image reaches to the end.
- In Japan, the Tokyo District Court denied Apple's claim on Aug. 31 that Samsung infringed upon Apple's patent to have mobile devices and personal computers "synchronize" or share data with each other. Other cases in Japan are still pending.
- In Germany, a Dusseldorf court said last month Samsung's Galaxy Tap 7.7 imitated Apple's design in an "unacceptable manner" and ordered European sales stopped. But the court said another Samsung tablet computer no longer infringed Apple's iPad patents or designs after making enough changes. Other cases are still pending.
- In Australia, Samsung became free to sell its Galaxy tablet computers after the country's highest court dismissed Apple's appeal in December 2011. But separate legal battles are ongoing over various patents.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Posted: Aug 31, 2012 11:18 AM Updated: Aug 31, 2012 11:18 AM
National NewsMore>>
Quake off Philippines spurs small tsunami; 1 dead
Pentagon weighing options against ex-SEAL author
Army not changing physical fitness test _ for now
Sheriff: Man stole doctor's ID, saw 500 patients
Ex-Mich. rail worker claims $337M Powerball prize
AP National News VideoMore>>
Fact Check: Paul Ryan ignores parts of his own record
Officials may breach levee as Isaac storms inland
Republicans ready to roll, but Isaac clouds tone
Earthquake swarm puts California town on edge
Folks seek shelter along low-lying Louisiana
By The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) - Apple Inc. of the U.S. and Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea are embroiled in legal battles in 10 nations over intellectual property, spanning dozens of cases. Here are details of some of the bigger legal fights:
- In the U.S., Apple scored a major victory on Aug. 24 when a jury found Samsung had "willfully" copied Apple's iPhone and iPad, and awarded Apple $1 billion in damages. Apple is now requesting eight Samsung products be banned from the U.S. market. A hearing was rescheduled for Dec. 6.
- In South Korea, the court on Aug. 24 dismissed Apple's claim that Samsung copied the look and feel of the iPhone and the iPad in a ruling widely seen as a victory for Samsung. Still, the judges issued bans on some Samsung and Apple products. It found that Apple illegally used Samsung's wireless technology while Samsung violated Apple's patent related to the way mobile devices notify users when an image reaches to the end.
- In Japan, the Tokyo District Court denied Apple's claim on Aug. 31 that Samsung infringed upon Apple's patent to have mobile devices and personal computers "synchronize" or share data with each other. Other cases in Japan are still pending.
- In Germany, a Dusseldorf court said last month Samsung's Galaxy Tap 7.7 imitated Apple's design in an "unacceptable manner" and ordered European sales stopped. But the court said another Samsung tablet computer no longer infringed Apple's iPad patents or designs after making enough changes. Other cases are still pending.
- In Australia, Samsung became free to sell its Galaxy tablet computers after the country's highest court dismissed Apple's appeal in December 2011. But separate legal battles are ongoing over various patents.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
10 Things You Have To Do In Bed
10 Things
You Have To Do In Bed
Last week, John “Mind Of Man” DeVore
warned us not to compliment a man when his is naked. Noted, buddy. But I
have to say, as a woman, and a whole lot
of one at that, even though you’ve already taken me home and gotten
me naked, I still need to hear that you are ready for this jelly. Say something
nice. Otherwise, I’ll think you’re not telling me how nice my booty is because
you don’t like what you see. I swear, I’m not normally so insecure, but when I
drop my dress, you need to start the sweet talkin’. Even if it’s a lie and
you’re glad I turned the lights off, just tell me I’m pretty. You gotta do
that, gentleman, and eight more things during sex besides get off …
1.
Take Some
Initiative: Don’t just do what you know is
going to get me off. Have fun, show me what you like to do to me. Don’t simply
go through the motions.
2.
Kiss Something
Besides My Mouth: My lips are like one percent
of me; your kiss feels good on the other 99 percent.
3.
Take All Your
Clothes Off: Shirt, shoes, no service. I
want it off. I want it all off!
4.
Make Some
Noise: You don’t have to impersonate
R. Kelly, but please let me know when and where I’m pleasing you.
5.
Watch The Hair: Unless you’re pulling it intentionally, please don’t
pin my hair down accidentally. It hurts and I don’t want to ruin the mood by
complaining about it.
6.
Look Me In The
Eye: We don’t have to lock eyes
forever, but a solid check-in makes me feel desired and gives me the chance to
flash you a sexy look.
7.
Focus On The
Sweet Action: Don’t be high-five-ing
yourself in the mirror, writing your grocery list in your head, etc. I’m right
in front of you, and I’m naked. Focus!
8.
Ask Me What I
Like: You might really like what I
say.
9.
Let Me Know
What You Like: If I’m sleeping with you, I
want to make this fun for everyone. So, don’t be shy, boys.
Buying A Car: 12 Mistakes To Avoid
Buying
A Car: 12 Mistakes To Avoid
A car is an
important aspect of life, and most people want a vehicle that is reliable,
comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
Below are 12 mistakes to avoid when buying a car:
Mistake 1: Not doing your homework
The Internet has democratised the car-buying process. Now, anyone can get access to facts and figures about vehicles, features, pricing and financing. There’s no reason to step foot in a dealership without having first researched vehicles and their competitors. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong car for your needs
With all of the choices available on the dealer’s lot, you have to have a very good idea of how you need to use your car so that you can find a car that suits your needs. How often will you really carry seven passengers in that big SUV? Don’t saddle yourself with a car that only suits occasional needs — you’ll do better matching your general needs, and renting a vehicle for the special occasions, like family road trips. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 3: Skimping on the test-drive
Many car buyers fail to spend enough time behind the wheel to really get familiar with a vehicle’s performance and features. A thorough test drive
should include a wide range of conditions, including bumpy back streets and smooth highways. The time to discover that your car is noisy and harsh at 65 miles per hour is not after you’ve already taken delivery. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 4: Buying new when used would do
A vehicle is not an investment. Local car dealers say that vehicles depreciate in value quickly, so when you buy a new vehicle, you can expect it to continuously decrease in value. Every potential new car buyer should consider used vehicles before buying. Certified Pre-Owned programs by many of the manufacturers have raised the bar for used cars. Most include a detailed vehicle inspection and refreshing, along with an extension of the new car powertrain warranty that might run up to seven years/100,000miles. Used car financing is cheaper than ever before – in many cases competitive with new car financing.
Mistake 5: Succumbing to feature creep
“Feature Creep” is when added optional features suddenly become necessities the longer the car-buying process goes on. A buyer who enters the process convinced that the stock radio is sufficient finds that only the latest surround sound/factory navigation system will do, and that leather seats are a necessity. Make a list of the features that you absolutely must have, and don’t allow new features to creep onto your list unless they are within your budget. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 6: Rushing to buy
Cars are commodities, and there will always be another one coming down the road. This much is certain. So don’t rush into the purchasing decision.
Take your time, even if it means that you have to rent a car for a few weeks in order to bridge the gap between your old car and your new one. Car dealers love buyers who are in a hurry — it shifts the negotiating leverage toward the dealer because the buyer is much less likely to walk away without making a deal. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 7: Blowing the budget
You’ve done your research. You’ve arranged for financing. You’ve assessed your needs. Then, you go to the dealership and get talked into a car that
costs way more than you’ve budgeted for. Stick to your budget, make sure that you can afford the car that you’re buying, and avoid buyer’s remorse. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 8: Failure to pre-shop for financing
Once the dealer’s F&I (Finance and Insurance) guy gets his hands on you, the opportunity for mistakes escalates. If you haven’t taken the time to pre-shop for financing at your personal bank or credit union before you step into the dealership, you are ripe to be pushed into financing that profits the dealer more than it helps you pay off your debt. Know how
much you qualify for, and what interest rates you can get on your own. Better yet, arrive at the dealership with a loan pre-approval in hand. Then,
you will be in a position tow assess the offer that the F&I guy slides across the desk. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 9: Trading in your old car
This is a big mistake that will always cost you money. Even if you owe money on your old car, you’ll do better selling it on your own, or even selling it to a dealer, if you don’t get involved in the trade-in process. Trading in your old car gives the dealer one more opportunity to profit on your convenience, and a chance to muddy the waters on the details of your new car purchase. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 10: Focusing on the payment
The most important part of the financial transaction is the purchase price. When you focus on the payment, you’re leaving yourself open to getting
locked in to loan terms that are not as good as you might qualify for. You may get that N50,000 per month payment, but you may wind up paying
an inflated percentage rate for a longer term than you hoped. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 11: Leasing instead of buying
Leasing makes sense for a lot of buyers, however, it advisable that you only lease after consulting your accountant to make sure that you are a candidate for tax benefits — very few of us are. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 12: Not taking into consideration other costs
The actual cost of the vehicle is important, but what is often overlooked are all of the hidden long-term maintenance and insurance costs that go along with a vehicle. Keep in mind that car insurance premiums typically increase with the value of a vehicle, so buying a more expensive vehicle will increase your annual insurance costs. This can amount to thousands, if not millions of naira per year. (About.com)
comfortable, and maybe even a bit stylish. The vehicle choices are almost endless, so finding the right combination of wants and needs with an affordable price tag can be challenging.
Below are 12 mistakes to avoid when buying a car:
Mistake 1: Not doing your homework
The Internet has democratised the car-buying process. Now, anyone can get access to facts and figures about vehicles, features, pricing and financing. There’s no reason to step foot in a dealership without having first researched vehicles and their competitors. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong car for your needs
With all of the choices available on the dealer’s lot, you have to have a very good idea of how you need to use your car so that you can find a car that suits your needs. How often will you really carry seven passengers in that big SUV? Don’t saddle yourself with a car that only suits occasional needs — you’ll do better matching your general needs, and renting a vehicle for the special occasions, like family road trips. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 3: Skimping on the test-drive
Many car buyers fail to spend enough time behind the wheel to really get familiar with a vehicle’s performance and features. A thorough test drive
should include a wide range of conditions, including bumpy back streets and smooth highways. The time to discover that your car is noisy and harsh at 65 miles per hour is not after you’ve already taken delivery. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 4: Buying new when used would do
A vehicle is not an investment. Local car dealers say that vehicles depreciate in value quickly, so when you buy a new vehicle, you can expect it to continuously decrease in value. Every potential new car buyer should consider used vehicles before buying. Certified Pre-Owned programs by many of the manufacturers have raised the bar for used cars. Most include a detailed vehicle inspection and refreshing, along with an extension of the new car powertrain warranty that might run up to seven years/100,000miles. Used car financing is cheaper than ever before – in many cases competitive with new car financing.
Mistake 5: Succumbing to feature creep
“Feature Creep” is when added optional features suddenly become necessities the longer the car-buying process goes on. A buyer who enters the process convinced that the stock radio is sufficient finds that only the latest surround sound/factory navigation system will do, and that leather seats are a necessity. Make a list of the features that you absolutely must have, and don’t allow new features to creep onto your list unless they are within your budget. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 6: Rushing to buy
Cars are commodities, and there will always be another one coming down the road. This much is certain. So don’t rush into the purchasing decision.
Take your time, even if it means that you have to rent a car for a few weeks in order to bridge the gap between your old car and your new one. Car dealers love buyers who are in a hurry — it shifts the negotiating leverage toward the dealer because the buyer is much less likely to walk away without making a deal. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 7: Blowing the budget
You’ve done your research. You’ve arranged for financing. You’ve assessed your needs. Then, you go to the dealership and get talked into a car that
costs way more than you’ve budgeted for. Stick to your budget, make sure that you can afford the car that you’re buying, and avoid buyer’s remorse. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 8: Failure to pre-shop for financing
Once the dealer’s F&I (Finance and Insurance) guy gets his hands on you, the opportunity for mistakes escalates. If you haven’t taken the time to pre-shop for financing at your personal bank or credit union before you step into the dealership, you are ripe to be pushed into financing that profits the dealer more than it helps you pay off your debt. Know how
much you qualify for, and what interest rates you can get on your own. Better yet, arrive at the dealership with a loan pre-approval in hand. Then,
you will be in a position tow assess the offer that the F&I guy slides across the desk. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 9: Trading in your old car
This is a big mistake that will always cost you money. Even if you owe money on your old car, you’ll do better selling it on your own, or even selling it to a dealer, if you don’t get involved in the trade-in process. Trading in your old car gives the dealer one more opportunity to profit on your convenience, and a chance to muddy the waters on the details of your new car purchase. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 10: Focusing on the payment
The most important part of the financial transaction is the purchase price. When you focus on the payment, you’re leaving yourself open to getting
locked in to loan terms that are not as good as you might qualify for. You may get that N50,000 per month payment, but you may wind up paying
an inflated percentage rate for a longer term than you hoped. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 11: Leasing instead of buying
Leasing makes sense for a lot of buyers, however, it advisable that you only lease after consulting your accountant to make sure that you are a candidate for tax benefits — very few of us are. (Forbes.com)
Mistake 12: Not taking into consideration other costs
The actual cost of the vehicle is important, but what is often overlooked are all of the hidden long-term maintenance and insurance costs that go along with a vehicle. Keep in mind that car insurance premiums typically increase with the value of a vehicle, so buying a more expensive vehicle will increase your annual insurance costs. This can amount to thousands, if not millions of naira per year. (About.com)
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