For most new car buyers, the question of whether or not to finance their purchase is academic — with the average new car price approaching $30,000, some sort of loan is usually necessary.

The first step to getting a good deal on a new or used car is to be informed before you negotiate with a dealer. New and used car cost guides are available in bookstores, libraries, and online. These will help you research prospective models, their factory invoice prices, and the costs of various options.

In addition to saving for retirement, there may be several other major financial goals you’ll need to juggle in a lifetime.