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

Smarter Loans Identity Theft Series (Part 3 of 3) – Theft Prevention Advice for Credit Protection

In this third installment of our Identity Theft Series will provide practical prevention suggestions and outline what is being done to combat this illegal activity.

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.

Searching for a Loan Online

Searching for financing and banking products, such as loans, is a breeze for anyone with online access. Borrowers whiz through the process of finding a lender, applying for a loan, approval, and cash-in-hand -sometimes in a 24-hour period. Online lenders are alternative providers of secured and unsecured loans. And they have become stiff competition for…

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.

Ways to Use Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards come with advantages and disadvantages just like all other forms of credit such as bank loans, mortgages, and personal loans. Having a credit card was primarily a sign of status many decades ago. Today, it can be a necessity in some circumstances in addition to the convenience of its use.

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.