Fast-food chains offer value pricing promos all the time. Choose a certain entrée and side, get a drink or dessert for a small amount more.

Insurers, too, often discount prices for customers who buy more than one service. Get home and auto insurance from a single carrier and save 5% on each.

Maybe lenders, especially banks, could try something similar with student and auto loans. Here’s how it would work: The student secures his college loan with ABC Bank. At the outset, ABC Bank lets him know that if he finances his vehicle with the bank, he’ll receive a rate discount on the auto loan.

Then, when the auto loan is paid off ― which would likely happen before the student loan is repaid ― the graduate would earn a free month’s payment on his student loan. Tie the products together, and keep offering small discounts ― checking or savings account, anyone? ― and you’ll score a customer for life.