Smoke.

I have a 1997 Ford Escort, {stick shift}this morning I drove home from Delaware and the car was fine when I turned the car off I noticed a smell like melting plastic. Strong in the car. About two hours later I drove the car again. White smoke came out thick from under the glove box and the car stalled, it will turn over but not start. I need to have it fixed but as a single mom with two kids and one job I would like to know what it is so I do not get ripped off. That has happened before and cost me Christmas money. I hope you can help.