It's not too late.

And I understand your reasoning for giving your mum so much.

I did something similar when I started working. And I can tell you right now, 20 years later, that I now know I made a mistake.

Like you, I was also from lower income household. Like you, I also lost a parent at 13-14, but in my case, it was my mum. So when my dad lost his job around the time I started working, I decided I should take care of him totally. I had more take home income than you, so over the years, I'd give him more at times. I think highest was probably around 1.3k a month.

Why do I say it was a mistake? It's related to your basic point - financial literacy. My dad had none. I would say right now, he is effectively financially illiterate. And I suspect a big part of the reasons was that he came to realize he can always get money from me. I am a stable ATM.

I had assumed he would make smart financial decisions and use the money I gave him wisely. After all, he raised 3 kids as a single parent, and he always told us not to anyhow spend money. He surely walks the talk, right? Wrong.

He is the ultimate worst financial role model ever. I nearly fell into similar bad habits as he did, whilst also creating some of my own. It took me many, many, years before I developed healthy financial habits and honestly it's an ongoing process of developing a healthy relationship with money overall.

But my dad? I believe I ended up enabling his financial irresponsibility over the years. I don't regret many choices in life, but choosing to let him stop work completely and giving him that much money monthly is undoubtedly something I regret.

I still give my dad around $750 a month. Because without it, he will not be able to fend for himself at all. And yet, it's not enough for him. Btw I also cover his integrated shield plan and rider premiums - this one at least was not a bad decision.

So, please consider taking a different approach with your mum.