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.
(..) I used Sandy's place to mix the stuff. Even with Sandy snorting more than she mixed, I saw this was a good business. I made $ in my second week. I had a down payment on my house and things were rolling. All I had to do was once in a while tell Sandy I loved her. It was perfect. (..)1990 Goodfellas