charger is cracking and breaking near the top where you plug it into your phone.

That certainly looks like what happens when pulling on the cable in the wrong place.

Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service Center, show it to them if you like, but you should certainly expect to purchase a new cable. In the future, only apply pressure on the plastic or metal areas, not on the cable itself.

You might try shrink wrap.

https://www.amazon.com/560PCS-Heat-Shrink-Tubing-Eventronic/dp/B072PCQ2LW/

When you know someone who solders together electrical wires on circuits, you might ask to get it fixed for free (or buy the person a coffee).

Otherwise, if this cable was part of the iPhone package purchased within the warranty period, you might have a chance. Visit your local Apple Store.