Going Through a Divorce? Don’t Let Your Credit Take the Hit

Tonia Jacobsen • April 1, 2026

Going Through a Divorce? Don’t Let Your Credit Take the Hit

Divorce is stressful enough without adding financial fallout to the mix. Between lawyers, paperwork, and emotional strain, it’s easy to overlook how a separation can impact your credit. But your financial future depends on protecting it now—because long after the dust settles, a damaged credit score can linger.

Here are a few smart steps to help keep your credit strong and your finances steady as you move forward.


1. Take Control of Joint Debts

When it comes to joint debt, both parties are equally responsible—no matter what your divorce agreement says. If your ex misses a payment on an account with your name attached, your credit takes the hit too.

Go through all joint credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Wherever possible:

  • Close joint accounts to stop future shared use.
  • Transfer balances to the person responsible for repayment.
  • Notify lenders in writing of any changes to account ownership.

Once everything is updated, pull your credit report after three to six months to confirm all joint accounts have been closed and reporting correctly. Mistakes happen—stay proactive to prevent surprises later.


2. Open Your Own Bank Accounts

Separation means financial independence, and that starts with your own banking. Open a new chequing account in your name only and redirect your pay deposits and bill payments there.

At the same time, close any joint bank accounts and change passwords on existing online banking and credit profiles. Even in peaceful separations, shared access can cause confusion—or conflict. Protect yourself by ensuring your money and information are secure.


3. Start Building Credit in Your Name

If most of your past credit was tied to your spouse’s name, now’s the time to establish your own. Apply for a small personal credit card or secured credit product. Use it sparingly and pay it off in full each month.

This helps you build a solid individual credit history, setting the stage for future goals like buying a home, refinancing, or starting fresh financially.


4. Keep an Eye on Your Credit

Monitor your credit report regularly for errors or unexpected changes. You can request free reports from both major credit bureaus in Canada—Equifax and TransUnion—once a year.

Tracking your credit isn’t just about catching mistakes; it helps you see your progress as you rebuild your financial independence.


Final Thoughts

Divorce can be emotionally draining, but protecting your credit doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a few careful steps now—closing joint accounts, building credit in your name, and monitoring your reports—you’ll safeguard your financial health and gain peace of mind as you start your next chapter.

If you’d like personalized guidance on managing credit during or after a divorce, reach out anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options.


Tonia Jacobsen

Mortgage Expert

GET STARTED

Monthly vs. Biweekly Mortgage Payments: Which Is Better?

By Tonia Jacobsen • September 23, 2026
How Mortgage Payment Frequency Affects What You Pay Over Time You’ve probably heard the saying that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. When it comes to your mortgage, there’s really just one certainty—you’ll repay what you borrow, plus interest. What is flexible, though, is how often you make your mortgage payments. And that choice can have a meaningful impact on how quickly you pay down your mortgage and how much interest you pay over time. The Six Mortgage Payment Frequencies Most lenders offer the following payment options: Monthly – 12 payments per year Semi-monthly – 24 payments per year Bi-weekly – 26 payments per year Weekly – 52 payments per year Accelerated bi-weekly – 26 payments per year Accelerated weekly – 52 payments per year Standard Payment Frequencies The first four options are designed to align with how you get paid. For example: Paid monthly? Monthly mortgage payments may make sense. Paid every two weeks? Bi-weekly payments can align nicely with your cash flow. With these standard options, regardless of how often you pay, the total amount paid over the year is the same —it’s simply divided into more frequent payments. What Makes “Accelerated” Payments Different Accelerated payments work differently—and this is where the real savings happen. With accelerated bi-weekly or accelerated weekly payments, you’re paying a slightly higher amount each time. That extra money goes directly toward reducing your mortgage principal, which lowers the interest you’ll pay over the life of the mortgage. A Simple Example Let’s assume a $1,000 monthly mortgage payment: Monthly: $1,000 once per month = $12,000 per year Semi-monthly: $500 twice per month = $12,000 per year Bi-weekly: $1,000 × 12 ÷ 26 = $461.54 every two weeks = $12,000 per year Accelerated bi-weekly: $1,000 ÷ 2 = $500 every two weeks = $13,000 per year With accelerated bi-weekly payments, you effectively make two extra payments per year without having to think about it. Those extra payments reduce your principal faster, which lowers interest costs over time. Accelerated weekly payments work the same way—you just make smaller payments more frequently. Why This Matters Long Term While it’s difficult to calculate exact savings due to variables like interest rates, terms, and amortization changes, maintaining an accelerated payment schedule over the life of your mortgage can reduce your amortization by up to three years and save a significant amount of interest. The Bottom Line Accelerated payments are a simple, automatic way to lower your overall cost of borrowing—without needing to make lump-sum payments or drastically change your budget. If you’d like to see how different payment frequencies would impact your mortgage specifically, feel free to reach out anytime. I’d be happy to walk through the numbers with you and help you choose the option that fits your goals.

How to Maximize Your Mortgage Renewal Opportunity

By Tonia Jacobsen • September 16, 2026
Your Lender Is Not Obligated to Renew Your Mortgage Many homeowners assume that if they’ve made every mortgage payment on time, their lender is automatically required to renew their mortgage at the end of the term. That’s a common belief—but it isn’t true. When you sign a mortgage, you’re agreeing to a contract for a specific term . Once that term ends, the lender has the legal right to either renew the mortgage or call the loan . There is no obligation to offer a renewal. In practice, most lenders do renew mortgages—but certain situations can prevent that from happening. Reasons a Lender May Decline to Renew A lender may choose not to renew if: Mortgage payments were missed during the term A bankruptcy or consumer proposal has occurred There is a separation or divorce Employment or income has changed A borrower on the mortgage has passed away The lender no longer prefers the property’s location or market The lender is no longer licensed to lend in Canada Even one of these factors can change how a lender views the risk. Why This Matters Because renewal is not guaranteed, waiting until the last minute can put you in a difficult position. Understanding this reality early gives you time and control. How to Protect Yourself at Renewal The best approach is to be proactive. Ideally, you should begin reviewing your options 120 days before your mortgage term ends . This gives you enough time to explore alternatives and make informed decisions—rather than reacting under pressure. Even if your current lender offers a renewal, that’s just one option , not automatically the best one. The lender that was right for you years ago may no longer offer the most competitive rate, terms, or flexibility today. The goal at renewal isn’t convenience—it’s reducing your total cost of borrowing and choosing terms that align with your current situation. Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional Working with an independent mortgage professional ensures someone is advocating for you , not the lender. Instead of being limited to one set of products, you can compare options across multiple lenders and choose the solution that best protects your interests. Final Thoughts Whether your lender is offering a renewal or not, the smartest move is to review all your options before signing anything. If your mortgage is coming up for renewal—or if you want to plan ahead—feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to help you protect your options and make a confident decision.