Everyone is looking for the easy out here. This pilot is JUST a private pilot working on their instrument. "Working" being the operative word and everyone is giving alternatives that defeat the regulations already established and even his abilities as a pilot. How much instrument time does he have? Three hours...maybe. How much actual? Probably not enough.

1. If you have problem with marine layer, then watch the weather, talk to ATC and have an out if you can't get in there VFR...or better yet, don't go. You know your area best. If you have to, go to an alternate VFR airport. You have a cell phone. Land where it is safe and call for a ride.
2. Get your instrument rating. Again, if you have the possibility of fog or IMC weather, and you plan on flying into it often, you will be doing yourself and your passengers a huge favor by getting your instrument rating.
3. If there is no ILS and a GPS is all you have, it better be IFR certified because if you screw up, well, it could be ANOTHER senseless NTBS report. Don't risk it.
4. Keep your skills sharp. If you can't fly actual IFR often or fly an approved simulator, then get a safety pilot and simulate the conditions and have an out. Or go flying with an instructor and work out different solutions.
5. Stay up on your IFR Proficiency

Jeffrey