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

The State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 Study

Canadians are warming up to alternative lenders, but remain skeptical. When they’re in need of a loan, a majority of Canadians now look to online lenders as a viable alternative to traditional financial institutions, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study conducted by online comparison service Smarter Loans.

Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 – Insights for Lenders

Interest in alternative lending products is growing steadily in Canada, and as more consumers explore available options they are generally finding the information, products and level of service they are looking for, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.

Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 – Insights for Auto Financing and Equipment Lenders

Alternative financing is steadily gaining popularity in Canada, but those offering auto or truck and trailer financing solutions still need to catch up with other online providers, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.

Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 – Consumer Insights

Canadians are warming up to alternative lending options in recent years, with more turning to online vendors for services ranging from mortgages and car loans to business and equipment loans, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.

The Business of Creative Financing

There used to be a mere few options available to get financing for major ventures. The choices were traditional borrowing from a financial institution or from family and friends. Today, there are unlimited ways to get financing for any purpose. Creative financing has opened the doors for consumers who want or need an innovative way to get money to fulfill their dreams.

Smarter Loans Identity Theft Series (Part 2 of 3) – How Child Identity Theft Affects Credit

In Part 1 of the Smarter.Loans Identity Theft Series, the ways in which people are robbed of their identity, signs of identity theft, and actions that victims can take were explored. In this second installment, the financial crime of child identity theft will be covered. As with adults, thieves steal identity from children to get credit like auto loans, mortgages and charge cards in the child’s name, among other reasons. They have no intention to repay, which ruins a child’s credit before it even gets started.

Smarter Loans Identity Theft Series (Part 1 of 3) – How Identity Theft Can Ruin Credit and Finances

This is the first in the Smarter.Loans series of articles on the topic of a real 21st century threat to credit and finances; namely, identity theft. Night and day, news reports worldwide broadcast the devastating consequences of this crime such as bad credit, lost time and money, stress and much more.

Guide to Getting a No Credit Check Loan

Misfortunes such as sudden job loss, poor health, and the death or illness of a spouse do happen, oftentimes quite suddenly. At times like these, monthly bills continue to come in the mail; food and other necessities won’t wait either.  When these problems arise, even someone with good credit for many years can find their finances in shambles. These types of scenarios present the need for a loan without a credit check.

mortgages in Canada

Qualifying for a Mortgage in Canada and the U.S.

Buying a home is a major expense; for most consumers it is the largest financial investment they will make in a lifetime. People that paid for their homes with cash make up the minority of homeowners. Simply put, having ready money to purchase a home is an ideal situation but is out of reach for most people. The path to owning a home more commonly involves qualifying for a mortgage.

Inside the World of Merchant Cash Advances

After being denied six business loans, Rhonda realized that because her business was new, most banks would not offer her enough financing to start her new venture. However, she had heard about an alternative to traditional lending known as a merchant cash advance, or MCA. Encouraged, she took off in the direction of getting funding via an MCA. And she is not alone; millions of start-ups and established businesses take advantage of the benefits of this type of financing. But before they do, they must understand the ins and outs of merchant cash advances.

The Types of Buses that Can Be Financed

The bus trade has increased by leaps and bounds since 1662 when Blaise Pascal launched the first horse and buggy bus line. Even the 1830 steam powered bus designed by Sir Goldworthy Gurney would not compare to the 21st century transportation goliaths of the present day.

Guide to Getting a Personal Loan from a Private Company

A personal loan is an ideal solution for people who need quick cash to cover expenses due to any number of issues. They can be used for anything from bills or educational costs to major ventures such as home improvement. A personal loan from a private vs public lender poses a unique set of circumstances.

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.

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).

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.

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.

What is a Title Loan - Smarter Loans

What is a Title Loan?

Title loans let individuals get cash in exchange for the lender holding title to the vehicle until it is repaid. And the cost for these loans is many times over the cost of the average installment loan.

Veteran Loans - Smarter Loans

Home Loans for Veterans

Veteran home loans come with distinct advantages for men and women who serve, or have served, in the military. These loans are also available for reservists, active duty service members, and National Guard members.

Equipment Loans and Equipment Financing - Smarter Loans

How Equipment Loans Work

Learn all you need to know about getting equipment financing in Canada. Pros and cons, how the process works and where to get fast equipment financing.

emergency loans - smarter loans

How to Get an Emergency Loan

Each day, thousands of people suddenly face a financial crisis that forces them to look for emergency loans. It is very stressful to get broadsided by a serious situation in which money is needed immediately but no ready cash is available.

minority business loans - smarter loans

Business Loans for Minorities

Finding Minority Business Loans in Canada Canada is a country known for its diverse population and multiple cultures. This has a positive impact on the country when it comes to living, entertainment, education, and business. Minority owned-businesses are widely accepted and welcomed in Canada.  Because of this, the government offers several ways to assist minority…

business credit cards - smarter loans

Business Credit Cards

Get the Best Use Out of Business Credit Cards Most business owners have run into sudden unexpected expenses and could use business credit cards to tide them over. Equipment malfunctions, an abrupt rise orders to be filled, or any number of crises can send daily operations into a tailspin. Fortunately, business credit cards and other…