It can be much quicker and easier to get a loan if you’ve already dealt with the financial institution in the past. Especially if you’ve had a previous loan and have already paid it off. But, quicker and easier might not always be worth the extra money you’ll end up paying by the time the loan is paid off.

When you have to borrow money to make a purchase, you should always get quotes from several places. If it’s a long term loan such as a home or a vehicle, even a small percentage of differences in interest charges can literally save  you thousands of dollars over the term of the loan.

Also, be sure that you read all the fine print and the agreement before you sign anything. While some lenders may advertise a low interest rate that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you’ll get. Often, the interest rates will actually be higher than advertised depending on your credit score.