Thinking about the financial benefits of leasing versus buying a car can feel like an overwhelming decision. Buying might mean plunking down a large amount of cash all at once, but you wind up with a car owned outright in the end. Leasing usually means smaller payments, but you’re stuck in a loop of always paying for a vehicle.

The good news is that there are a few car-buying basics that you can use to help guide your decision. As New York-based Certified Financial Planner Doug Flynn tells his clients, the best way to decide is to “make it a math decision.” By comparing costs on the specific car you’re considering side-by-side, you’ll be able to make the best choice for you and your family. We’ll walk you through the steps, whether you’re new to the car-purchasing experience or a seasoned buyer.

Want to find out more? Check out my story at LendingTree.