Two late fees in April ($34.50) are avoidable. Set autopay for the minimums on both cards this week. Every late fee is money thrown away.
Phillip's $5,000/month Zelle covers this. Tight but manageable — don't let BofA checking drop below $2,000. Three months until MaryRuth's changes everything.
With rental starting Jan 1, 2027 and $500/mo savings buffer: BofA clears September 2026, JetBlue clears January 2027. The March 2027 bonus (~$12K net) then clears Phillip's SW card ($7,800) and starts an emergency fund. Total CC interest paid: ~$2,118.
November 2023 documented fall + $0 in 2024 earnings + ODI 72/100 permanent disability classification by Dr. Chhatlani. Back pay estimate ~$40,788 at approval. Apply September 2026 after Dunn and Byrnes close. See SSDI page for full timeline and passive income rules.
Financials
| Stream | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Gillen PA | |||||
| Commercial Management Fee | $1,250 | $0 | $50 | $250 | $1,550 |
| Brokerage / Commission | $1,805 | $1,428 | $0 | $0 | $3,233 |
| Consulting Income | $0 | $0 | $2,314 | $2,484 | $4,798 |
| PA Total | $3,055 | $1,428 | $2,364 | $2,734 | $9,580 |
| Personal | |||||
| Funeral Home Income | $1,615 | $549 | $112 | $0 | $2,275 |
| Phillip Reimbursements | $1,631 | $1,667 | $1,650 | $1,650 | $6,597 |
| PA→Personal Alloc. | $645 | $645 | $645 | $645 | $2,581 |
| Personal Total | $3,891 | $2,861 | $2,407 | $2,295 | $11,453 |
| Category | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Impact PA Expenses | |||||
| Rent & Occupancy (25.3% alloc.) | $815 | $957 | $2,234 | $1,472 | $5,478 |
| Office & Technology | $1,278 | $675 | $668 | $881 | $3,502 |
| Phone (PA) | $258 | $259 | $276 | $276 | $1,069 |
| High-Impact Personal Expenses | |||||
| CC Interest (dead spend) | $892 | $870 | $783 | $884 | $3,429 |
| Condo Maintenance Fee | $997 | $997 | $0 | $997 | $2,990 |
| Gifts (Mar anomaly $5,050) | $26 | $65 | $5,050 | $18 | $5,158 |
| Travel | $192 | $88 | $169 | $704 | $1,153 |
| Medical | $57 | $315 | $456 | $282 | $1,110 |
Debt Paydown
| Month | Event | PNC *0339 | BofA *1324 | JetBlue *7412 | Total CC |
|---|
Phillip confirmed ~$12,000 net after taxes. Arrives mid-March 2027. Priority order:
| # | Use | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Phillip's SW Card (2025 tax debt) | $7,800 |
| 2nd | Any remaining CC balance | up to $4,200 |
| 3rd | Emergency fund start | Remainder |
What Does This Look Like?
Homestead exemption lost: Must notify Broward County Property Appraiser. Taxable value rises from ~$493K to ~$544K. Additional tax: ~$83/month (+$1,001/year). Insurance: HO-6 homeowners policy replaced by DP-6 landlord/dwelling policy — estimated +$47/month. Tenant must carry renters insurance. Require it in the lease. Combined: AOTP rental carrying cost is ~$3,677/month vs $3,547 as primary residence.
Per Broward County records, AOTP was transferred to the "Phillip E Derby and John J Gillen Revocable Trust" via intrafamily deed dated Jan 7, 2026 (recorded Mar 31, 2026). Before listing: (1) Confirm with AOTP HOA that the trust as owner can rent the unit and check minimum lease term rules. (2) Verify with a real estate attorney that the trust agreement permits rental income. (3) Confirm landlord insurance is available under trust ownership.
June 2026 statement confirms: Principal $776.39 · Interest $779.46 · Escrow $994.11 (property taxes + homeowners insurance). Balance: $325,340.93. Rate: 2.875%. Payoff: December 2050. Escrow balance: $8,946.90. The escrow will need to be adjusted when you switch to a landlord policy and lose homestead.
| Month | Event | CC Remaining | For Debt | Savings |
|---|
Disability Scenario
SSDI 2026 — What You Need to Know
Your May 25, 2026 SSA statement confirms: $3,399/month if you became disabled right now — verified, no projection needed. Your 2022 peak earnings of $147,000 significantly boosted this above the 2022 figure of $2,720. Note that the retirement benefit projections on this statement are lower than 2022 because SSA now assumes you continue earning only $6,056/yr (your current PA income) — that is a projection artifact and does not affect the SSDI figure, which is locked to your past earnings record.
| Income Type | Counts Against SSDI? | 2026 Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-2 / Salaried job | Yes — SGA | $1,690/mo gross | Above this = ineligible or benefits stop |
| Self-employment (PA) | Yes — SGA (net) | $1,690/mo net | Net profit after expenses counts; can keep PA if under limit |
| AOTP Rental Income | NO ✓ | No limit | Passive income — does not count as SGA. Use property manager. |
| Investment / Interest | NO ✓ | No limit | Passive — not SGA |
| Phillip's income | NO ✓ | Not counted | SSDI is not means-tested — spouse income irrelevant |
| Property management (active) | Gray area | Depends | If you're actively managing = potentially SGA. Consult attorney. |
| Period | SS-Taxed Earnings | Medicare-Taxed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–2000 (combined) | $34,442 | $34,442 | Early career — ~$3,444/yr avg |
| 2001–2005 (combined) | $168,879 | $168,879 | $33,776/yr avg — growing |
| 2006 | $48,546 | $48,546 | |
| 2007 | $58,123 | $58,123 | |
| 2008 | $77,372 | $77,372 | |
| 2009 | $56,353 | $56,353 | |
| 2010 | $57,845 | $57,845 | |
| 2011 | $60,781 | $60,781 | |
| 2012 | $66,334 | $66,334 | |
| 2013 | $74,966 | $74,966 | |
| 2014 | $83,664 | $83,664 | |
| 2015 | $61,968 | $61,968 | |
| 2016 | $67,500 | $67,500 | |
| 2017 | $81,191 | $81,191 | |
| 2018 | $78,196 | $78,196 | |
| 2019 | $81,001 | $81,001 | |
| 2020 | $108,763 | $108,763 | Strong year |
| 2021 | $124,364 | $124,364 | Peak year on record |
| 2022 | $147,000 | $150,252 | All-time peak year · boosted SSDI to $3,399 |
| 2023 | $31,526 | $31,526 | Transition year post-WW |
| 2024 | $0 | $0 | Gap year — note: lowers retirement projection |
| 2025 | $6,056 | $6,056 | Early PA consulting · SSA assumes this continues |
| Total SS-Taxed (all years) | $1,574,870 | $1,578,374 | $95,087 SS taxes paid by you |
| Milestone | Amount |
|---|---|
| Claim at 62 (earliest) | $1,814/mo |
| Claim at 67 (full retirement age) | $2,576/mo |
| Claim at 70 (maximum) | $3,195/mo |
| Phillip spousal benefit at FRA | $3,399/mo |
| Total family max (survivors) | $5,947/mo |
| SSDI if disabled now (2022) | $3,399/mo |
As your spouse, Phillip is entitled to spousal Social Security benefits at his full retirement age — up to $3,399/month based on your record. This is independent of whatever Phillip earns on his own record. Worth factoring into long-term retirement planning.
ODI 72/100 = Severely Disabled — this is a physician classification, not just a score. Dr. Chhatlani's permanent disability designation based on the ODI is core medical evidence. The evidence chain is compelling: November 2023 documented fall → income collapse ($147K in 2022 → $31K in 2023 → $0 in 2024) → MRI May 27, 2026 confirming new L3-L4 herniation with nerve root impingement → ODI 72 classified as permanently disabled. The rheumatology appointment July 22 (Dr. Srivastava), hEDS workup, POTS threshold met, and Mayo Clinic waitlist all add weight.
Florida's initial approval rate is ~32%. Most applicants are denied initially and win on appeal. Back pay is awarded to your onset date once approved. Do not apply while earning above $1,690/mo from active work — it makes the application harder. A disability attorney costs nothing upfront (contingency, max $9,200 if you win).
The SSDI application process takes 1–2 years. You should pursue MaryRuth's and/or another role while the application is in process. If approved, benefits begin 5 months after onset date. The financial model only uses SSDI as a standalone scenario — in reality, if MaryRuth's works out, SSDI becomes secondary protection.
The AOTP rental at $4,500/month is 100% passive income and does not count toward SGA. Combined with $3,399 SSDI and up to $1,690/mo in PA consulting (net), you could have $10,390/month in income — and Phillip's $9,067 net on top — without affecting your benefits. That's $19,457/month combined before any debt payment. This is the most important structural advantage in the SSDI scenario.
Phillip's Full Picture
| Expense | Current (1BR) | With John (2BR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,450 | $2,200 | Phillip's estimate for Dallas 2BR |
| Car Lease | $350 | $350 | No change |
| Electric | $50 | $70 | Slightly higher with both |
| Internet | $60 | $60 | No change |
| Total Dallas | $1,910 | $2,680 | +$770/mo increase |
| Period | Monthly | Role | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now → Jul 2026 | $5,000 fixed Zelle | Household survival | Replaces ad hoc; stops late fees |
| Aug 2026 (Scen 1) | $5,000 → CC debt | Debt fuel | John's income covers living; Phillip attacks CC |
| After CC cleared | $5,000 → LOC or savings | Wealth building | $60K/yr toward $177K LOC or emergency fund |
Monthly Update
| Period | PA Rev | PA Exp | Pers Rev | Pers Exp | Zelle | CC Total |
|---|
Ask Etelka to use: Gillen_PA_MMYYYY.xlsx and Gillen_Personal_MMYYYY.xlsx — delivered by the 10th of each month. Phillip's ledger: Phillip_Ledger_MMYYYY.xlsx.
PA Passive Income Strategy
2.5% commission · John keeps 85% / broker retains 15% · Hired Realtor gets 50% of John's share for showings, walk-throughs, and contract work
| Listing | Sale Price | Gross (2.5%) | John 85% | Broker 15% | Realtor 50% | PA Net | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunn | $980,000 | $24,500 | $20,825 | $3,675 | $10,413 | $10,413 | August 2026 |
| Byrnes | $300,000 | $7,500 | $6,375 | $1,125 | $3,188 | $3,188 | Summer 2026 |
| Klementz | $700,000 | $17,500 | $14,875 | $2,625 | $7,438 | $7,438 | April 2027 |
| Total PA Net — All Three Listings | $21,039 | 2026–2027 | |||||
| Year | Income Stream | Gross to PA | PA Net (K-1) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||
| 2026 | Management — Plaks + Caprio | $1,800 | $1,800 | No Realtor split on mgmt fees |
| 2026 | Dunn listing (August) | $20,825 | $10,413 | $980K × 2.5% × 85% ÷ 2 Realtor split |
| 2026 | Byrnes listing (summer) | $6,375 | $3,188 | $300K × 2.5% × 85% ÷ 2 Realtor split |
| 2026 PA Total | $29,000 | $15,401 | ~$1,283/mo average | |
| 2027 | ||||
| 2027 | Management — Plaks + Caprio | $1,800 | $1,800 | Recurring base |
| 2027 | Klementz listing (April) | $14,875 | $7,438 | $700K × 2.5% × 85% ÷ 2 Realtor split |
| 2027 PA Base Total | $16,675 | $9,238 | ~$770/mo average (pre-SSDI) | |
| Income Type | SGA? | Amount | Why It Works (or Doesn't) |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-1 distribution from PA (S-Corp) | NO ✓ | ~$938/mo (2027) | Passive S-Corp income — not earned wages if not materially participating |
| Monthly mgmt fees (Plaks/Caprio) | GRAY AREA | $150/mo | Small enough to be under SGA limit regardless — but document as advisory |
| AOTP rental income | NO ✓ | $4,500/mo | Passive rental — use property manager to keep it clean |
| Listing presentation / negotiation | RISK | ~$4,725/listing | If SSA views this as active work, it counts — K-1 structure mitigates but not eliminates risk |
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Documented onset — Nov 2023 fall | November 2023 | Documented fall + income collapse · $147K→$31K→$0 earnings record |
| Physician permanent disability classification | May/Jun 2026 | ODI 72/100 — Dr. Chhatlani classifies as permanently disabled |
| Apply for SSDI | September 2026 | After Dunn + Byrnes close — earned income drops to ~$150/mo (mgmt only) |
| SSA 5-month waiting period | Oct 2026 – Feb 2027 | Based on onset date — no benefit payment during this window |
| Earliest first payment (best case) | March 2027 | If approved immediately — rare (~32% initial FL approval rate) |
| Realistic first payment (after appeal) | Late 2027 – 2028 | Most denied initially · Reconsideration + ALJ hearing = 12-24 months |
| Back pay lump sum (at approval) | ~$40,788 | 12-month lookback from Sep 2026 application × $3,399 · wipes remaining CC debt + starts emergency fund |
A documented fall in November 2023 combined with a dramatic income collapse is exactly the kind of evidence the SSA looks for. Your earnings tell the story without you having to argue it: $147,000 (2022) → $31,526 (2023) → $0 (2024) → $6,056 (2025). That is a person who could not sustain Substantial Gainful Activity. A disability attorney will likely argue November 2023 as onset.
The SSA's 12-month lookback rule means back pay is typically limited to 12 months before your application date — so if you apply September 2026, back pay starts September 2025. At $3,399/month × 12 months = ~$40,788 lump sum at approval. That pays off any remaining CC balance and funds the emergency reserve in one shot.
An Oswestry Disability Index score of 72/100 falls in the Severely Disabled category (61–80 range). When your physician uses this score to classify you as permanently disabled, that is medical opinion evidence — one of the most weighted categories in an SSDI evaluation. Pair this with the MRI confirming nerve root impingement, post-fusion adjacent segment disease, POTS meeting clinical threshold, suspected hEDS, and the 2024 year of $0 earnings, and you have a multi-system, multi-provider picture that is difficult to deny on appeal.
| Period | Income Sources | Monthly In | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug–Dec 2026 (applying in Sep) | Phillip + PA mgmt + 2026 listing proceeds winding down | ~$9,200 | ~$7,003 |
| Jan–Feb 2027 (AOTP rented, no SSDI) | Phillip + AOTP rental + PA mgmt | $13,717 | $3,223 |
| Apr 2027 (Klementz closes) | +$7,438 one-time boost | +$7,438 | Lump sum |
| Mid-2027+ (SSDI approved, optimistic) | SSDI + AOTP rental + PA K-1 + Phillip | $17,904 | $7,410 |
| 2028 (SSDI approved, realistic) | Same as above + back pay lump sum | $17,904 + back pay | $7,410 ongoing |
| Income Source | Type | Monthly | Annual | SSDI-Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSDI benefit (verified May 2026) | Federal benefit | $3,399 | $40,788 | YES ✓ |
| AOTP rental income (Jan 2027+) | Passive rental | $4,500 | $54,000 | YES ✓ |
| PA K-1 distributions | Passive S-Corp | ~$770 | ~$9,238 | LIKELY ✓ — attorney review |
| Phillip net contribution | Household | $9,067 | $108,804 | Not counted for SSDI |
| Total Household (post-SSDI) | $17,736 | $212,830 | Structurally sound |
Updating your website title to "Real Estate Consultant" is not just branding — it actively reinforces the SSDI case. You are positioning yourself as an advisor who provides expertise, not an active agent who performs physical real estate services. Consistent use of "Consultant" in your contracts, website, business cards, and email signature creates a documented paper trail that supports the passive/advisory classification if the SSA ever reviews your work activity. Keep that title everywhere.
You mentioned Phillip having "a larger presence" in the PA. This needs careful structuring. If Phillip becomes an active owner or officer of John Gillen, P.A. and earns income through it, that could complicate the SSDI passive income analysis. Phillip's involvement is best structured as either a silent investor or not formalized at all — keeping him separate from the PA entity protects John's passive income designation. Discuss with a disability attorney and a CPA before making any changes to PA ownership or officer structure.
The SSA has broad discretion to evaluate whether work activity constitutes SGA. The K-1/passive structure described here is based on general SSDI rules and is a reasonable, well-documented approach — but it is not automatic protection. A disability attorney who handles both the SSDI application and the business structure review is the right person to sign off on this before you proceed. Most work on contingency with no upfront cost.