Hi and welcome to longlocks.
I don't know what you consider non-spendy so I'm just going to share what I use.  I currently use all devacurl products: low poo, one condition, be leave leave in conditioner, angell gel and let it be moisture lock.  I also us the heaven in hair deep treat.

Of Ouidad's products, I pretty much just use the deep treatment now.

Check out www.naturallycurly.com for more products and information.

It will take a while to get your curls into shape once you are on the curly path.  I recommend reading "The Curly Girl Handbook" by Lorraine Massey.  Not only do we curlies need different products, we need different techniques for cleansing and caring for our locks!

I love that book, and lend to other curlies frequently.

I've been buying my products online but I recently discovered that my local Ulta sells it for the same price.

I understand about the mom not knowing thing.  I wore my hair in lots of layers for years just to control it. 

I suggest starting as soon as possible so that as the length comes the hair will be properly moisturized.  I think for me, getting the moisture in took a long time once I started using the Curly Girl method.  I have consistantly good hair days becasue of it.

I've had to trim off about 6 years worth of growth because of the lack of moisture when that hair was growing.  The sooner you start taking care of those ends, the longer they will last and look good.