Buyer Beware

In today's world, where there is so much information out there, it seems as though it is becoming all the more important to be an informed consumer.

I make this comment in large part not just because of recent scandals surrounding Enron and Bernie Madoff but rather because a few a weeks ago, I was in the market for a new vehicle, but approached the situation in a way that was anything but well-informed and believe you me, I learned the hard way.

I went into the car dealership not having a clue about the financing process or what to expect, but somehow I thought I was going to walk away from the dealership a happy customer. Boy, was I wrong, ladies and gentlemen. I had no idea about how financing worked or what to expect. 

Yet, even though my experience wasn't too pleasant, I recognize that this doesn't necessarily mean I don't have some words of wisdom to share with others that may help them, below you will find some tips and insights I have gleaned from my experience, I hope this can be of assistance to you:

Know what you want (cost, mileage, reliability, fuel efficiency)
If you don't know what you want, how will anyone else? So first thing first, define what you are looking for before you get onto the lot.

Have a list of questions/ concerns
After you determine what you want, now is the time to prepare some well-thought out questions or concerns that you can  pose to the sales person upon arriving at the dealership. For instance, if you have questions about financing the process, then now is the time to raise these concerns.

Understand the role of the salesperson

The salesperson's role is to sell cars, point blank, plain and simple. So be mindful of that in your dealings with them.

Bring someone with you
Two heads are better than one as the saying goes. When all else fails bring along a friend or third party that can see things you may have missed had you gone to the dealership solo. 

Be realistic and bluntly honest as it relates to your expectations (budget)
Its no use in pretending to be something you are not. If you're not a Rockefeller, I advise being honest and realistic in your expectations with the sales person so they can put you in something you can afford. 

Be aware of your credit score as this can impact interest rates
Your financing options and interest rates will be determined in large part by your credit score, so be aware of it. To get a free copy of your credit report visit Annual Credit Report's website. 

Be aware of or take into consideration auto insurance costs that will go along with your monthly premium

Carefully review any customer contracts/ loan agreements before signing the dotted line
Indeed, as the saying goes, 'the devil is in the details'. In other words, read your contract carefully as these documents are binding.

Properly file a report or complaint if you become the recipient of a lemon with Consumer Affairs

Poets Show Lighter Side of Trenton

TRENTON-- The week before last, I had a great opportunity to visit an open mic poetry event at First Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey. The event was hosted by Neikel Butler, the director of a poetry program at the Boys and Girls Club.

During this event, poets, young and old, recited their work. One in particular, Raul 'Polo' Cortes, took the stage and provided the audience with words of wisdom by saying that we need to renew the mind and keep the candle lit, metaphorically speaking. Another poet did a piece on 'pride' and recognizing the importance of practicing humility. Another poet said that it was important to be who you are, reminiscent of Shakespeare when he said, 'to thine own self be true'.

Another bard went on to chime in with a refrain, "I'm going to the bank, the bank, to invest in MY PEOPLE", something that is needed in a community like Trenton where people that 'make it' financially leave or flee instead of giving back.

All in all, it was a great Friday night that inspired me to keep fighting. Alas, living in a place like Trenton, I recognize that the city has seen better days and needs more events like this one that show its lighter side. All too many times, when people think of a Friday night in the state's capitol, they automatically think 'its gon' be some trouble'. And to be honest, who can blame them, when we hear stories from the Trentonian that report that there were eight (count them) eight people shot during Memorial Day weekend alone, it seems as though people's fears may be justified. Yet, I say that's only one side of Trenton.

There's a lot of positive things going on in Trenton. From Union Baptist Church's Quick and Clean Car Wash today to the Comedy Show they are having at the War Memorial, the people here in the city are moving and making things happen. I, for one, want to build upon that momentum and see more positive things happening. I am presently working on a Book Fest that is scheduled for sometime in July.

I think there is a real need to encourage people to read and imbibe in the written word, especially in the city of Trenton where the literacy rate is dismal according to the Times of Trenton. So I will keep you posted on this special event in July as new developments arise, so stay tuned...

Please see videos below:

Trenton Oh Trenton

TRENTON-- Early last week, as I was walking home from work one day, I noticed there were laborers doing construction work on North Warren Street. And for those that know the Warren Street I referring to, you know that driving down that street in your vehicle is not like 'Cruisin on a Sunday afternoon' as famed rhythm and blues crooner Smokey Robinson once said.

Its quite the contrary, driving on that road is like going through a collision course.The potholes on that street are deeper than Plato's Republic. All jokes aside, I do believe its a good sign that they are working on improving things in the city of Trenton.

This isn't the only sign of improvement I have stumbled across in my travels while living here in the city. Just the other day, I was coming from the Trenton Public Library on Academy Street and I took a glimpse of some of the great work that the S.A.G.E. Collective and Trenton Atelier are doing on East Hanover Street. From the looks of things, they are bringing artwork, greenery, and new life to a street that is notorious for drugs and panhandling. So, I want to say hats off to them for doing this kind of work. Along with this, I also see that the Big Easy Restaurant has in its own way brought new life to the city's downtown section with its ongoing shows and tasty delicacies.

Yet, at the same time, I also see some of Trenton's staple businesses closing up shop or relocating. As a case in point, one can look at historic Amefika's on Stuyvesant Avenue. This longtime Trenton favorite is no more. On top of this, another well known eatery, DeLorenzos pizza shop decided to close its doors in Trenton and re-open them in Hamilton near the AMC movie theater. Wait, there's more, the city's lone major hotel, the Marriott, is struggling mightily and can't seem to turn things around financially. I ask myself: what is one to make of these developments?

Indeed, the question becomes: what's going on? Lets face it, the city of Trenton needs jobs, jobs, and more jobs. This beloved city is plagued with violence, failing schools, and abandoned properties, Lord knows something needs to give. Granted, I don't pretend to have the answers, but I do think there has got to be a way to help revitalize a place like Trenton that has definitely seen its better days.

However, before any talk about wholesale changes to attract small business and entrepreneurship, I ultimately think we need to have a serious dialogue about individual change. Here what I mean is that we can't begin to see real change on the streets of Trenton until there is a real change within. Change within our families, change within our communities, change with our selves. Indeed, as Mahatma Ghandi once said, "you must be the change you want to see in the world".

Now, don't get me wrong, I recognize that I have my faults and I, too, am a work in progress, but I know there are some basic things I can do to make a impact despite my shortcomings, however small they may be. That is a big reason I want to continue raising questions and engage the community in an ongoing dialogue about the pressing problems of today.

But I recognize that's just my one part. In a body, I recognize that there are many individual parts or pieces that help it function and ensure its health. For example, your individual part maybe volunteering with the youth, another person's part may be rallying to stop the violence, while yet another person's part may be cleaning up their street. You name it, there's something out there that we can do. Every little bit counts, that's my story, and believe you me, I'm sticking to it.

And don't think you're alone, there are others already out there that are letting their light shine and bringing positive vibes. From Classics' Friday night game night to the S.A.G.E. Collective Grass for Ghandi Fundraiser, these are definitely signs of positive change. Let's build upon that momentum together. What do you say?