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How Your Loans and Spending Habits Are Quietly Shaping Your Credit Score

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:49:40 GMT

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life — especially when it comes to getting a mortgage. But for most Canadians, how that number actually gets calculated remains a bit of a mystery.

Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Credit Score, Exactly?

A credit score in Canada ranges between 300 and 900 points. It's considered a predictor of how likely you are to pay your debt on time, and it directly affects a lender's decisions on loans, interest rates, and credit limits. The higher your score, the better.

In Canada, Equifax and TransUnion are the two primary organizations that collect data on consumer borrowing and provide credit scores to lenders. While both use similar inputs, their algorithms can differ — which is why your score may vary slightly depending on which bureau a lender checks.

Not All Loans Are Created Equal

You might assume that carrying a mortgage, a car loan, and a credit card all affect your score the same way. They don't.

Revolving credit products — like credit cards or a line of credit — can carry a higher influence on your credit score because they provide more insight into how you manage credit on a day-to-day basis. If you're regularly carrying a high balance or missing payments, that gets noticed quickly.

Instalment loans, such as auto loans, personal loans, or student loans, show your ability to manage a fixed scheduled payment. A mortgage, on the other hand, demonstrates your capacity to manage long-term balance repayment. Each type of credit tells lenders something different about your financial behaviour.

The Factors That Matter Most

Here's a breakdown of what actually moves your credit score:

1. Payment History

The biggest impact on your credit score comes from payment history — whether you're paying on time, and how long any bills have gone unpaid. Even one missed payment can leave a mark.

2. Total Amount Owed

This includes the total you owe across all creditors, how much you owe on specific types of accounts, and how much of your available credit you've used.

3. Credit Utilization

Your debt-to-credit utilization ratio — the amount you're borrowing compared to your total credit limit — matters significantly. Keeping that ratio below 30 to 40 per cent will help your score.

4. Length of Credit History

How long you've had credit products plays a role in your score calculation. This includes the age of your oldest account, your newest account, and the average age of all accounts. Closing old accounts can unintentionally lower your score.

5. Credit Inquiries

A credit inquiry for a new credit card or auto loan stays on your profile for six years. Checking your own score or getting a pre-approval doesn't affect your score — and when shopping for a mortgage, multiple inquiries are typically treated as a single event.

6. Unused Credit

Having a large amount of unused credit available can also negatively affect your score. Even if you don't owe anything on a $50,000 line of credit, a lender still has to factor in the fact that you have the capacity to take on that debt.

What This Means Before You Apply for a Mortgage

Your credit score doesn't just determine whether you're approved — it directly impacts the interest rate you're offered. A stronger score can mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your mortgage.

If you're planning to buy, renew, or refinance, it's worth taking a close look at your credit picture well in advance. Small changes — like paying down a credit card balance or avoiding new credit applications — can make a real difference in where your score lands when it counts.

Not sure where to start? Reach out — reviewing your financial profile before you apply is part of how we help you get the best possible outcome.

Have questions about your mortgage options? Get in touch today.

Keynote - How Emotional Connection Transforms Your Message

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:50:05 GMT

Keynote -

How Emotional Connection Transforms Your Message

The Power of Emotional Connection in Keynotes

In the world of presentations, there’s a story about a keynote speaker who prepared an incredibly detailed and well-researched speech full of facts, figures, and strategies. Despite all the effort, the audience seemed disengaged. After the talk, the speaker realized that the words shared had missed something crucial—a genuine emotional connection.

This story isn’t unique. Many presenters pour hours into their content, convinced that information alone will sway audiences. Yet, what truly moves people is how the message makes them feel.

The Shift From Information to Emotion

A memorable keynote isn’t just about what is said—it’s about what is felt. This insight changed the way presentations are crafted and delivered. Instead of focusing solely on bullet points and data, speakers started building emotional arcs, stories that resonate, and moments that invite empathy and reflection.

The shift requires vulnerability, authenticity, and a willingness to connect beyond the surface. When that happens, transformation begins—not just in knowledge, but in heart and action.

Creating Moments That Stick

A powerful keynote creates memories—emotional anchors that linger long after the event ends. It challenges perspectives, inspires hope, and fosters change. This kind of connection elevates a speaker from a storyteller to a catalyst for transformation.

For any business leader or entrepreneur, learning to weave emotion into communication is a game changer. It turns messages from forgotten slides into meaningful conversations that influence teams, clients, and communities.

Are presentations falling flat? It might be time to ask not just what is being said, but how it’s being felt. Because the greatest speeches don’t just inform—they transform.

Sign up for dougadlam.com newsletter and get valuable insights, from leadership to inspiration. We’d love to be part of it!

From Speaking Without Thinking to Leading with Impact: A Story of Transformation Through Intentional Communication

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:27:27 GMT

From Speaking Without Thinking to Leading with Impact:

A Story of Transformation Through Intentional Communication

Words can be powerful—sometimes too powerful to handle without thought. Consider a professional who often spoke impulsively, jumping into conversations without preparation, avoiding conflict out of discomfort. Early in their career, this approach led to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and stalled growth. It was clear that something had to change.

Then came a turning point. Through professional speaking training, their entire approach to communication was transformed—not just on stage during presentations, but in day-to-day business interactions and leadership moments.

The Hidden Power Behind Every Conversation

Communication is far more than passing information. It’s about connection, influence, and impact. The skillset that commands attention in a keynote—the art of storytelling, pacing, and presence—is equally vital in boardrooms, team meetings, and difficult conversations.

Imagine approaching tough discussions with calm confidence instead of avoidance. What used to be moments of dread become chances to clarify issues, build trust, and inspire action.

Growth Happens Outside the Comfort Zone

Avoiding difficult conversations is common because discomfort is natural. But those willing to face the discomfort head-on find tremendous growth. Preparing carefully, listening actively, and speaking with empathy gradually turns challenging talks into opportunities for stronger relationships. This shift not only strengthens leadership but fosters deeper connection across every interaction, personal or professional.

How Intentional Speaking Transforms Leadership and Life

In business, how one communicates shapes everything—from culture to collaboration, decision-making to innovation. The journey to intentional communication turns words into tools for motivation, clarity, and influence.

For leaders and professionals alike, embracing this journey means more than speaking well—it means leading with impact through every conversation.

Let us be part of your journey. Sign up for dougadlam.com newsletter and get insights, stories and more.

Fireside Chat with Sunco CEO, Michael Schoenberger For the National Sunco Team – sunco.ca

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:14:06 GMT

Fireside Chat with Sunco CEO, Michael Schoenberger
For the National Sunco Team – sunco.ca

Doug recently had the pleasure of joining Michael Schoenberger, CEO of Sunco Communications & Installations , for a candid and thought-provoking Fireside Chat hosted for Sunco’s national team. With over 20 years of experience providing business communication solutions across Canada, Sunco is known not only for its technical expertise but for its strong emphasis on people and connection—making this conversation all the more meaningful.

Together, Doug and Michael explored themes central to today’s fast-evolving business landscape: the power of human connection in a digital world, the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence, the importance of self-awareness in uncovering your unique superpower, and the impact of authentic communication in leadership and team dynamics.

Doug extends his sincere thanks to Michael Schoenberger for the opportunity to engage with the passionate and forward-thinking Sunco team. It was a privilege to contribute to a culture that values both innovation and the people who make it possible.

Impact Speaker – EO ONE Canada National Conference Presented by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Canada

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:08:33 GMT

Impact Speaker – EO ONE Canada National Conference
Presented by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Canada

Doug was honoured to deliver his signature keynote, "Exponential Entrepreneurship: Mastering the Art of Serial Business Growth," at EO ONE Canada—the annual national conference of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, bringing together over 300 entrepreneurs from across Canada and around the world.

Speaking to a room full of high-performing founders and visionaries, Doug took the audience deep into the mind of an exponential entrepreneur—someone driven not just to build multiple businesses, but to pursue them simultaneously with the intent of making a meaningful, lasting impact. Through authenticity and vulnerability, he shared the raw realities behind the entrepreneurial journey: navigating burnout, managing chaos, and overcoming the emotional toll of scaling ventures while staying mission-focused. At the same time, he illuminated the extraordinary rewards that come with choosing this path—clarity, opportunity, and exponential growth.

Doug extends his sincere thanks to the EO ONE Canada selection committee for the opportunity to share his journey, and to be part of such an energizing and purpose-driven gathering of entrepreneurial leaders.

Keynote Speaker – Entrepreneur’s Chronicles by EO Southwestern Ontario Hosted by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Southwestern Ontario

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:58:40 GMT

Keynote Speaker – Entrepreneur’s Chronicles by EO Southwestern Ontario
Hosted by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Southwestern Ontario

Doug was invited to deliver his signature keynote, "Exponential Entrepreneurship: Mastering the Art of Serial Business Growth," as the featured speaker at Entrepreneur’s Chronicles, an exclusive event hosted by EO Southwestern Ontario. Presented in an intimate setting of approximately 40 entrepreneurs, the event provided a powerful forum for honest, experience-based conversations about the entrepreneurial journey.

In this session, Doug pulled back the curtain on the complex reality of serial entrepreneurship—sharing candid stories of rapid growth, near-collapse, and the balancing act of managing multiple ventures simultaneously. He explored the emotional and strategic challenges of scaling, sustaining focus, and staying aligned with purpose amid high-stakes decisions.

Special thanks to Luke Shantz and Diane Stogiannes for the opportunity to connect with such a dynamic group of founders and share insights on the real rewards, challenges, and opportunities of building and growing businesses over time.

Keynote Speaker – The Gathering for Men's Mental Health In support of the Paul Hansell Foundation

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:50:19 GMT

Keynote Speaker – The Gathering for Men's Mental Health
In support of the Paul Hansell Foundation

Doug was honoured to be selected as one of six featured speakers at The Gathering for Men's Mental Health, an annual event held on Men's Mental Health Day. Hosted in support of the Paul Hansell Foundation, the event brings together voices committed to breaking the stigma surrounding men's mental wellness to over 150 attendees.

Doug delivered his signature keynote, "Building Resilience in the Game of Life: Lessons from the Ice to the Boardroom," sharing personal stories of navigating the intense highs and lows of both professional sports and entrepreneurship. Drawing on nearly 800 games as a hockey official and years of business leadership, Doug offered insights into the mindset, tools, and practices that fuel long-term resilience.

Special thanks to Brian Hansell, the Paul Hansell Foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

From Referee to CEO: Revolutionizing the Mortgage Industry with Doug Adlam

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:54:35 GMT

Doug Adlam is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and visionary leader with a passion for exponential growth and innovation. A lifelong ice hockey enthusiast, Doug honed adaptability and resilience early on, even officiating some of the NHL’s biggest stars as they rose through the ranks. Though he fell short of becoming a professional NHL referee, this early setback fueled his determination to embrace a life of growth and entrepreneurship. Doug has built and scaled multiple businesses, most notably in the mortgage and fintech sectors. He spearheaded the growth of his family’s business, Champion Mortgage, by an impressive 40X, which later joined forces with Axiom Mortgage Solutions and rebranded nationally as Indi Mortgage in 2024. As a co-founder of Finmo, a Canadian fintech disruptor, Doug played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the mortgage process, guiding the company to a successful acquisition by Lendesk in 2020. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Doug Adlam about revolutionizing the mortgage industry.

Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week’s show:

- How to use aggregation strategies, including partnerships and brokerage acquisitions, to drive exponential growth in the mortgage sector

- Why it’s vital to align with brokerages with a similar vision and approach.

- How success comes from pushing boundaries and never settling for mediocrity.

- Why the Canadian mortgage industry is still in its infancy.

- How challenging traditional business structures allow for the optimization of operations.

An Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for his Mortgage Business Success

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:38:59 GMT

Welcome to the first leg of the Ontario Roadshow Tour!

In this episode, we sit down with Doug Adlam, owner of Indi Mortgage, to discuss his journey in building a successful real estate business. Discover Doug’s strategies for transitioning into his own business, the importance of finding the right team synergy, and how to seize private mortgage opportunities.

Perfect for real estate professionals and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world success stories!

How an Award-Winning Broker Disrupted a Mortgage Tech Monopoly with Indi Mortgage's Doug Adlam

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:37:28 GMT

In this episode, we're joined by Canadian mortgage expert Doug Adlam. Doug is one of the Founders of Finmo from Guelph, Ontario, a fintech company which disrupted the Canadian mortgage industry in 2017, and was bought by Lendesk in 2020. An entrepreneur and public speaker, Doug started as a Mortgage Agent in 2008 at Champion Mortgage, and growing by 40x, it eventually lead to a merger with Axiom Mortgage Solutions which was re-branded nationally to Indi Mortgage - The Independent Mortgage Company in 2024.

In this episode we cover:

→ The research he does when looking at new tech, understanding contracts with brokerages and networks, and designing your business with an exit strategy.

→ What led to the founding of Finmo, how they stayed true to their company values, and why it was important to disrupt the Canadian mortgage tech industry.

→ The next tech disruption in mortgages, open banking, and the link between tech start-ups and regulations.

Why entrepreneurship in Canada has gotten so hard

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:35:45 GMT

Want to Keep Growing? Accept These 3 Truths About Entrepreneurship

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:30:50 GMT

Falling short of joining the NHL was a crushing blow. At 17, with aspirations of becoming a professional hockey player, I rapidly rose in the world of on-ice officiating. Having grown up around illness in my home, I understood early on how short life could be. I felt compelled to skate toward a career characterized by speed, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

A job getting paid to watch hockey legends come up through the ranks seemed like the perfect coalescence of my talent, skills, and fandom. But as it turns out, I wasn’t meant to be an NHL referee.