Hello. I'm currently a student pilot that is very close to getting my PPL. I intend to go for my instrument rating as soon as possible after my PPL. I know that I have to have 50 hours XC time, which I will more than likely build quite fast because I am already planning trips with friends. My question is for the required sim/actual instrument time. How is the easiest and cheapest way to do it? If at all possible, I would like to avoid doing it with an instructor until I actually begin my formal instrument training, just to save cost. Any tips of advice?