The down payment for your home purchase is topped up, and it’s finally the day you and your partner meet with a mortgage adviser. But something isn’t clicking.

When the adviser runs a credit check, your joint report comes back in shambles with unexpected outstanding debt. The adviser can no longer help you find a mortgage — and your partner is acting shifty.

“That meant their dreams of buying this house cratered immediately,” said Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada. “It was a massive transgression in terms of trust.”

Finding out your partner has been keeping financial secrets from you — whether it’s hiding debt, concealing big-ticket purchases, or an undisclosed bank account — can be hurtful and even a deal breaker for many couples. While it can be hard to trust your spouse again, expe

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