The Origins of the Word “Mortgage”

The Origins of the Word “Mortgage”

I ran across a little piece of information recently that stopped me in my tracks. Did you know that the word mortgage translates to death contract (or pledge) in French? Wow! If you are anything like me, that provokes a strong emotional reaction.

To me, debts are a powerful tool, like a sharp knife. It can be used as a tool, but it can also cause great damage and so they must be used cautiously and respect for the power they imply. And a mortgage is a good example of that power — the power to get you into a house now, while also creating a responsibility that will last for thirty years.

I’ve read that a mortgage is so called because the deal dies either when the debt is paid, or when payment fails, which makes some sense, and is a bit less dramatic than the implication. But I don’t think it is an accident that such dramatic language is used to describe a debt. Does the term “death contract” change how you feel about your debts?

Share this article
Cecilia Case
Cecilia Case
Cecilia is a money coach, a speaker and the founder of Bountiful Money, LLC. She believes that money intertwines with nearly every aspect of our lives, and its power can make it an intimidating problem to fix. Cecilia uses a direct but gentle method of exploring your past, understanding your values and goals, and helping you find your own path to money health and success. You can heal your relationship with money, and find peace and prosperity in your personal finances! You can connect with Cecelia at http://www.facebook.com/ceciliacase
Share this article
Get the app

Easily create a payoff plan and stick to it

Debt Payoff Planner makes it easy to understand the steps you need to take to become debt-free, and clear to see the progress you are making
Become debt-free
Debt Payoff Planner makes it easy to understand the steps you need to take to become debt-free, and clear to see the progress you are making
Download Debt Payoff Planner on Google Play

Get the app that helps you easily create a payoff plan and stick to it

Related

Is Financial Independence Your Goal?

Financial Independence. Retire Early. If you’ve spent any time researching personal finance, you may have come across these terms, or the combined term – FIRE.

Start a Hustle for Extra Income

Extra income can help you speed up your debt payoff. This article highlights six side hustles to earn extra income without a lot of time.

Easily Create a Plan to Become Debt-Free

See how good it can feel to take control, have a plan, and see the progress you are making.

Select your version

To complete this action, please click on the image that looks like the version you are using.

DPP1

(legacy)

DPP2

(modern)

Select your version

To complete this action, please click on the image that looks like the version you are using.

DPP1

(legacy)

DPP2

(modern)