Canadians show increased interest in high-interest car title loans amid recession

Canadians show increased interest in high-interest car title loans amid recession

There are better options when bills can’t be met, Betz said, and they should start with seeking help from an organization such as his which offers free credit counselling advice

CALGARY – If internet search trends are a window into the minds of consumers, then a recent report suggests that a growing number of Canadians are considering some ill-advised financial options, observers say.

The Boston-based marketing firm that studies internet search trends said Canadian searches for payday loans, meanwhile, fell by 43 per cent to 22,900 from 39,700 during the same period, which was marked by millions of people losing their jobs as non-essential stores and industries were forced to close in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“The most surprising thing we noticed was an increase in search demand for car title loans which is, I think, quite unique for Canada compared to the United States, where we didn’t see this type of increase,” said Eugene Levin, chief strategy officer for SEMrush, in an interview.

He said he doesn’t know why U.S. searches didn’t also rise but suggested a possible explanation for the increase in searches for car title loans and corresponding drop in payday loans in Canada could be that the potential applicants have a car but no job. (more…)

Continue ReadingCanadians show increased interest in high-interest car title loans amid recession

Some policymakers choose blanket forgiveness, which includes the fresh appeal of simplicity

Some policymakers choose blanket forgiveness, which includes the fresh appeal of simplicity

Education loan forgiveness remains a definite possibility, however, intentions to forgive $10,100000 (or $fifty,000) away from everybody’s financial obligation try neither really targeted neither a remedy to have future beginner borrowers. Eg a policy do head a bigger show off cash so you’re able to low-earnings people and youngsters away from colour and might be reproduced heading forward to create school less expensive for future pupils.

But blanket forgiveness is usually regressive, providing the equivalent amount of recovery (and often way more) so you’re able to individuals having graduate degrees and you will higher profits because having difficulties consumers who don’t complete a degree system.

This means that, certain recommend focused forgiveness, generally centered on most recent otherwise earlier in the day affairs. Even if having fun with most recent things looks user friendly, you’ll find cons. Recent borrowers’ latest profits tend to vary a great deal once the they browse early field transitions, may not mirror future lifestyle money (such as for instance, scientific students during the a residency or legislation people inside an excellent clerkship), and may also be difficult to gather study on the. (more…)

Continue ReadingSome policymakers choose blanket forgiveness, which includes the fresh appeal of simplicity