Kurt Woock

Lead Writer & Content Strategist | Banking, Mortgages, Personal finance

Kurt Woock started writing for NerdWallet in 2021 and has covered mortgages, cryptocurrency, electric vehicles and small business software.

Prior to joining NerdWallet, Kurt worked for the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association and as a legislative editor for the Colorado General Assembly.

Kurt has a B.A. from Valparaiso University and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He lives in Chicago.

Credentials:

B.A. from Valparaiso UniversityM.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri

The latest from Kurt

First National Financial Mortgage Review 2025First National is one of Canada’s largest non-bank mortgage lenders.Read more

True North Mortgage Review 2025True North Mortgage is a mortgage brokerage with access to mortgages from large and small lenders.Read more

Line of Credit: What It Is and How to Use ItA line of credit is a flexible way to borrow money at interest rates that are usually lower than credit cards or personal loans.Read more

APR vs APY: The Difference Between Annual Percentage Rate and Annual Percentage YieldAn annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate charged on loans. An annual percentage yield (APY) is the rate of interest earned on investments.Read more

Should You Rent or Buy?Buying a home means more control and the ability to build equity. Renting is more flexible and might be cheaper. The best option depends on your personal circumstance and goals.Read more

What Is a Vendor Take-Back (VTB) Mortgage?With a vendor take-back mortgage, the buyer repays some, or all, of the mortgage directly to the seller.Read more

How Private Mortgages WorkHigher rates, increased risk. Is a private mortgage right for you?Read more

What Is a Subprime Mortgage?Subprime mortgages are an option if you can’t meet traditional qualification requirements.Read more

What Is a Tenants-in-Common Mortgage?Find out how to share the ownership of a property — and the responsibilities of paying it off.Read more

How Direct Deposit Works and How to Set It Up in CanadaDirect deposit is a fast, convenient alternative to waiting for a paper cheque to arrive in the mail, and it requires no work on your end after the initial setup.Read more

How to Pay Bills With Pre-Authorized Debit PaymentsUse pre-authorized debits (PADs) to set up automatic payments from your bank account to settle bills and other recurring expenses.Read more

How Business Loans Work in CanadaA business loan can help you maintain or grow your company. Common business loan options include startup financing, commercial real estate loans and equipment financing loans.Read more

How Contactless Payments Work in CanadaContactless payment allows you to make a purchase without physical contact with a machine or person. It became popular in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.Read more

What Is a Bank Institution Number?A bank institution number is a three-digit number that refers to a specific bank. You can find it at the bottom of your cheque.Read more

Foreclosure in Canada: How It Works and Steps You Should TakeYour lender can repossess your home if you miss mortgage payments. If you fall behind, communication is key.Read more

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