I've struggled with money for decades, but after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I really needed help with financial management. And having a Rep-Payee is the best thing that's happened to me in awhile. A loved one decided to help me with Social Security. She is a great friend and close relative. When I asked Social Security to make my loved-one the rep-payee, it was approved. But, in the beginning, I drove her insane. I wanted to buy whatever my "wants" were. Shoes, clothes, games, useless meaningless items that I didn't need or I already had 2 of each electronic devices. I was given a credit card through her, and I bought cheap stuff, a soda for $2, on the credit card repeatedly, that was not approved by my rep-payee. I couldn't be trusted. So the card was taken away. And to this day, I pay cash money for everything, and if I didn't bring a receipt home for a purchase, my Rep-Payee would be furious. But she is true guardian of my SSI. We've had arguments about the same tedious purchases I would make. 

I understand now, and It took me over 7 years to learn from her. And it's not that she would never let me have cash; she allowed for expenses for a bowling in a league with friends, and with patience allowed me to by something for myself on occasion. She allows me gas and food money. But she is the strictest Rep-Payee, and I love her for it. I don't need two of everything. There's a difference between wants and needs. The time she puts into to doing my budget is much appreciated. And maybe someday, not tomorrow, but sometime in the near future, perhaps I could manage my cash again, like how it was before I had my first hospitalization and was diagnosed.

I hate cash, but I enjoy spending it. I don't believe in our current financial centralized system. I don't like the germs on cash. And I do not like the government printing more cash, only to cause inflation. I hope Bitcoin, and more crypto currencies take off! But I will be a better financial advisor of my own money. So, the challenge is to get a part-time job, try managing that money earned, while my mom continues to guard my SSI. I am blessed to have her! But to show her I'm responsible to go live in my own apartment, where I pay my bills, that's my journey of climbing up to the peak of the mountain.