I know this is an old post, but, is nevertheless relevant today as people   
   still have the same pressures.  There is obviously some leakage here, because,   
   based on your description, something does not make sense.  Firstly, property   
   taxes are a charge    
   against the land just like the mortgage and have to be paid in full.   
      
   Secondly, I believe the person when she says she doesn't know where there   
   money goes.  I think the first step is to take the next 90 days, write down   
   everything they spend their money on.  They will then see where their money   
   goes.  Then, they can make a    
   budget adjusting what needs to be, such as essentials vs. nice to have.   
      
   Then, take that budget and go see a trustee in bankruptcy for a free   
   consultation in order to determine what is the best option for you.  Doing the   
   above will be well worth it and will put the person finally on the path of   
   fixing the problem, rather than    
   guessing at it.  IMO anyway.  http://goo.gl/UnYEb   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)