Chapter 11 - The mortgage was already becoming a problem
Vivian’s finances were worse than I knew.
Not bankrupt.
Not destitute.
But strained.
Mortgage:
$3,480 monthly.
Property tax:
Nearly $19,000 annually.
Insurance.
Landscaping.
Repairs.
Utilities.
My father’s life-insurance proceeds had been smaller than family believed because part went toward business obligations.
Vivian still had:
Retirement accounts.
Investment income.
Jewelry.
A valuable home with equity.
She could afford life.
She could not comfortably afford that particular house without reducing lifestyle or selling assets.
My monthly mortgage support had allowed her to pretend no adjustment was necessary.
When I warned her I planned to stop after the new year, she panicked.
Not because I owed her.
Because she had built her budget around my generosity.
Then Christmas.
May you like
“Not this time. Pay off the mortgage yourself.”
I had accidentally struck the real pressure point.
