Smarter Loans Staff

The Smarter Loans Staff is made up of writers, researchers, journalists, business leaders and industry experts who carefully research, analyze and produce Canada's highest quality content when it comes to money matters, on behalf of Smarter Loans. While we cannot possibly name every person involved in the process, we collectively credit them as Smarter Loans Writing Staff. Our work has been featured in the Toronto Star, National Post and many other publications. Today, Smarter Loans is recognized in Canada as the go-to destination for financial education, and was named the "GPS of Fintech Lending" by the Toronto Star in 2019.

Articles by Smarter Loans Staff

What Is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation involves merging any number of credit cards or other debt into a single loan. It is also called bill consolidation. The new loan is borrowed at a lower interest rate than the current debt. Consolidating debt is a finance strategy that saves money on interest and is more convenient for borrowers to pay one, rather than several, bills a month.

Financing Equipment vs Leasing Equipment

A broad spectrum of customers either finance or lease equipment for business or personal use. And the list of the variety of equipment available is seemingly endless. The determining factors of whether to lease or finance equipment include a) who is the customer b) what the equipment is needed for and c) how long or how often it will be used.

How to Get a Business Loan for a Restaurant or Bar

Anyone who aspires to open a restaurant or bar is in good company for sure. Worldwide, there are approximately 15 million thriving restaurants that rake in hundreds of billions of dollars annually. By some investment company accounts, bars and taverns in the U.S. alone grabbed $24 billion in 2015. This article points entrepreneurs in the right direction toward their own success.

Questions to Ask Before Applying for Small Business Loans in Toronto

While it’s possible to manage many expenses on a cash basis, there are times when a small business owner will seek some type of outside financing. Before submitting any applications, it makes sense to ask a few questions and use the answers for the good of the business. Doing so will make it easier to…

Truck Loans: Comparing the Merits of Fixed Versus Variable Rates

Vehicle loans are the one of the most common forms of financing. Terms may be as short as a couple of years or last for as long as six years. One of the decisions the buyer must make has to do with the type of interest rate. While a fixed rate installment loan is more well-known, it’s possible to secure a truck loan with a variable interest rate.

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What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?

Home ownership comes with a list of benefits which includes access to a home equity line of credit (also known as a HELOC).

Private Loans Canada - Smarter Loans

The World of Private Loans

Private loans come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for many purposes. They are termed private because the proceeds do not come from a government entity (common with student loans), or banks and credit unions (as do many business loans).

unsecured business loans - Smarter Loans

What is an Unsecured Business Loan?

Few banks offer unsecured business loans, especially to start-up companies or those with bad credit. However, there are ways to get unsecured loans from other sources as well, eliminating the need to put personal or business property at risk.

Working Capital Loans Canada - Smarter Loans

Staying Afloat with Working Capital Loans

Working capital loans are used to finance the daily operation of a business. They are not designed to buy long-term assets or to make investments. As such, the proceeds from a working capital loan can be the “bread and butter” of the business that keeps it functioning while the business experiences growth.

Boat Loans - Smarter Loans

How do Boat Loans Work?

Boat loans provide the funds needed to purchase a new or used boat for water activities like fishing, water skiing, sailing, and sometimes, living.