I had the bank 'stop payment on' the check. = I had a 'stop payment' (order) put on the check. [=I told the bank not to take money from my account to pay for the check]
Their family is struggling to 'meet the payments on' their house. = They're struggling to keep up (with) their 'mortgage payments'.
They agreed to pay $1,000 a year for five years and then make a 'balloon payment' of $50,000 at the end of the term.
(..) It's a simple routine involving lasers. - Cool! - However, it is rather expensive, and we must insist on a cash payment up front. - Cash? - Mm-hmm. Thank God for Homer's Christmas bonus. - Ay, caramba! (..)1989 TvShow: The Simpsons Title: Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire Season: 1 Episode 1