Hi lostandabove,
I am sorry you’re going through this. I know your mom’s messy, but that is so great that you have somewhere to stay!! For the house go to Flylady.net. You AND she can use it. Soon the house will take care of itself, you’ll see!
Your friends getting married? Well, two people supporting each other is half the work for each person. Right? It’s easier when you’re in a team. And the more they are supported by family or have some $$, the more they can literally “afford” to be a jerk. Not to be a marriage broker, but perhaps find someone you like to date, and one day get married yourself.
The thing to do right now is earn, save, AND invest your $$. Get some cash flow going, even if you’re working in a book store, say. Or, join the military where they pay you a stipend. Pocket it all away. Don’t spend it. Then invest it and don’t spend THAT either. For one of our kids we put some $$ away in the market. And now her college is paid for. That’s how much your $$ can grow in 20 years. After that you can live off it to a degree. But don’t touch the principal!!! If you and your mom can buy a rental or rent out a room (now she HAS to keep the house clean! LOL), that is income for you too.
There is no shame in couch surfing if you do it wisely. There is a light.
Good Luck!
Inky
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 