There's a good agency in my area that has free, short classes about financial subjects and money management. They cover all sorts of things from making a budget to improving your credit rating to learning about home mortgage loans.

If you could find something similar in your area, it could be very helpful for you. Usually if you call United Way at 211, they will know if an organization with free classes like that exists in your area.

I am on disability, too, and know that the low income is so hard to stretch to make it meet your needs. I never ask my mom to help because I'm afraid that she will either say "no" or that it would cause a big fight.

Just taking care of your own finances probably will not fix all the problems between you and your mother, but it can get rid of one source of disagreement.