There are a lot of places to get a loan today.  You aren't just stuck going to banks.  We've all seen the ads for sites like lending tree so I won't include those links here.  Below is a basic list of items to consider and things to look for along a few links to other online lenders.

Check your credit score

Before shopping for any loan, be sure to check your credit report and score. Report or dispute any inaccuracies that may hurt your credit rating. Also, with report in hand you cna determine the biggest drags on your credit and fix them before applying for a loan. Lenders largely base the rates they charge you on your credit score.

Saving Money on Car Loans

Independent financing

Dealer financing can be more expensive than auto loans through banks. The dealer may make more profit from the financing than from the sale of the car. Obviously the best way to get the best deal is by doing your homework. Come to the dealer with multiple loan offers in hand and ask them to beat the best offer. If they can't beat the best loan then go with the best offer you have.

Do not get suckered into buying a car or taking a loan based on the monthly payment.

Comparing Loans

You can save a lot by shopping around for the best auto loan. But trying to compare loans can be confusing.

Different lenders offer different kinds of loans and loan features.  The lenders use different terminology and charge different fees (with different names). The lowest monthly payment doesn’t necessarily indicate the least expensive loan.  The length of the loan must also be considered.

To make the comparison easy, focus on a few key attributes.  Here is a list of some of the metrics you should consider:

1. Total up-front fees:  The name is irrelevant, whether the fee is called a loan origination fees or a processing fees it still costs you money.  What matters is the total cost to you.  Add up all the fees and charges for each loan then compare.
2. Annual Percentage Rate (APR):  This number includes the interest rate on the loan plus all lender fees and charges.  The APR represents the true annual cost of the loan (expressed as a percentage of the principal of the loan).  Obviously, the lower the APR, the better.  The federal government requires all lenders to calculate the APR the same way so it should be a true cost measure across the loans.
3. Total cost of the loan:  All Monthly Payments + Fees + Charges = Total Cost over Life of the Loan.  Calculating this total cost will show you how much more expensive a low monthly payment over 10 years will be when compared to higher monthly payment over 3 years.  If possible, avoid longer-term auto loans. Because a car depreciates very quickly.  For longer term car loans You will be underwater for most of the loan's life.
4. Prepayment privileges:  You can save a lot in interest if you can pay your car off faster.  You may ask "Why would I do this?"  Typically, I will get a monthly payment lower than I can afford.  That way if an unexpected expense comes up I just make the low monthly payment.  If nothing happens - as with most months - a make a higher payment.  This pays down the principle faster and save me money over the life of the loan.  Make sure your loan allows you to do this and pay attention to how many times a year the loan will allow you to do this.
5. Early-discharge penalties:  Unexpected things happen.  My minivan was stolen and rather than make payments on that car for the next 3 years we used the insurance money to pay it off.  This saved us money on the interest.  Personally, I wouldn't take a loan that penalized me for an early payoff or early-discharge.

A home is expensive. The mortgage is even more so. You will likely be stuck with the mortgage you choose for at least a few years. It is not to be taken lightly. Don't let your dreams of your new home blind you to the cold business facts you need to consider.

Here are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a mortgage:

1. Principal: the amount you are borrowing. Each lender will tell you how much they are willing to loan you. This puts a cap on the price of the house you can afford. My own experience (from several years ago) was that the amount that lenders would loan me was at least twice as much as I was comfortable borrowing. Just because they will lend it to you doesn't mean it is a good idea for you borrow that much.
2. Type of mortgage: You can get a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage comes with less risk than an adjustable rate in that the rate is fixed and so are you monthly payments. An adjustable rate mortgage is a gamble. If the rates stay low you will have paid less in interest than someone with a fixed rate. However, should rates go up you monthly payment will as well. This can spell disaster as it has many over the last couple of years.
3. Interest rate: As stated in the auto loan section, the best way to understand the overall cost of a loan is to compare its APR. The APR takes into account the interest rate and the loan’s other costs. The feds make sure everyone calculates it the same. Adjustable rate mortgages will changes over time. The interest you pay at any given time is based on a 3rd party rate + a margin interest rate. The 3rd party is typically the federal governement.
4. Monthly payment: You have to live with the monthly payment every month so be sure you are comfortable with it. Don't get suckered by a low monthly payment that is interest only. People made that mistake during this latest housing boom on the assumption that their houses would be worth more a year or two later thereby providing them with a profit should they sell the house. Then rates went up, housing prices fell, and people were stuck.
5. Term: This is the length of the loan in months or years. Shorter terms means higher monthly payments but typically lower interest rates. And given that you are paying for a lot less time/interest the total cost of the loan is less for shorter terms.
6. Discount points: Discount points allow you to pay a lower interest rate by paying down a little more principal. The rate for your mortgage will go down about 0.25% for every 1% of the principal you buy down. The longer you plan on keeping your home the more it makes sense to buy discount points.
7. Lock-ins: It’s a good idea to ask your lender to lock in your rates for a specified period, often 30 to 60 days.  The interest rates for your mortgage can change while you are working out the details.  If you want to lock in your rate, ask whether there will be a fee, if it is refundable, and get the agreement in writing.
8. Closing costs: Lenders charge several fees when closing mortgage deals which can add thousands of dollars to your borrowing costs. Ask your lender, or loan broker, for a good faith estimate of these costs (they are required by law to provide one).  Ask for an explanation of any charges you do not understand.