Finally, after having three children, a girl and two boys, the family decided to move to New Jersey, where John was hired as vice president at a local bank. In the time that he was working at the bank, barely more than a year, John was unable to accomplish the tasks set before him by his boss. John had accomplished getting the family heavily into debt. His mortgage, the food bill, clothing, utilities, and even the milk bill became monthly costs that he could no longer meet. To make matters worse, John was then fired from his job.
His neighbors considered him to be an odd man. For example, he would cut his grass in a shirt and tie, often even a business suit. He did not socialize. His activities at home consisted of chores, reading then bible, and playing board games with a military theme. Helen became very ill, and hospitalization was recommended for an illness that had been exacerbated by the venereal disease she contracted from her first husband, and her progressive alcoholism. Becoming bedridden, the household was being maintained by John and the children, especially their daughter, Patty.
Patty was now a teenager. She was the exact opposite of her father. She became involved in the drama club. Eventually, Patty's grades began to drop. John believed it was due to her alleged involvement in the occult, Satanism, and recreational drugs. John constantly chaffed at his daughter's rejection of the religious beliefs of Lutheranism. He pleaded with her to return to their restricted way of living. Helen was of no help in the family's life. His two sons were only minor problems at this time. John's time at home was centered on Helen, Patty, and the family's financial survival. After being fired from the bank, John started working as an insurance salesman, but this too resulted in a loss of income, adding to the already existing financial woes of the family.
John List started to debate the best ways to rid himself of the impending doom of financial ruin.