Read the fine print

A comedian once said, "there is never any good news in the fine print". Or something like that. There is truth to that statement. The fine print is usually disclaimers, exceptions, exclusions, and other legal sounding jargon which can often make a good thing, well, not so good. It's a way that companies protect themselves from lawsuits and loopholes. You see a lot of fine print in the automobile ads in the newspapers. Special financing, super rebates, extra good deals, are usually only for a limited selection of vehicles, for a limited time only, and for a limited number of people who can actually qualify for the deal in the first place. So why do they do it? Advertising! All car manufacturers and dealers want people to come buy their cars and trucks. They want you to think that they have the best deals in town. But in most cases, it's buyer beware. You might think the salesperson likes you but he likes himself better. He wants to make a sale to make money and possibly qualify for a sales incentive bonus. Right now, the Cash for Clunkers program is drawing in throngs of people to car lots all over the country. But, even though this is a government program, there is some fine print to be aware of: Waivers. Since some auto dealers have not been paid by the government for the rebates that they have passed on to the consumers, some dealers are now asking buyers to sign waivers stating that if the selling dealer does not get the government rebate, the new car buyer will either pay the dealer the $3500-4500, or return the car! Here are a couple of other things to be aware of when buying a new car in the Clunker program: 3 Clunker Traps Car Buyers Should Avoid

So do yourself a favor, read the fine print. You'll be glad you did!