Building instrument time for the IR
 

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?

Building instrument time for the IR
 

If anything I would do your formal IR training before you try to practice some of the stuff during the 50 hrs cross country. Getting students to unlearn bad habits they developed trying it on their own or from some else is really hard,

Ah. That makes sense. "Oh. I just learned (through formal training) how to shoot an ILS. The airport I'm flying to has an ILS. Let me shoot it for practice, even though this is a VFR XC". I guess I never thought of it that way. Thanks for the input!

If you do have part 141 school in your area, I recommend to do IR training with them. First, there is no 50 X/C hours requirement and second you could finish it with 35 IR hours instead of 40. All in all for me it was cheaper than flying around trying to build those X/C .

Unlarge, thank you for the tip. I wasn't aware of the reduced requirements for the 141 school. I do believe I have one 141 school in my area. Can I start at the 141 with my PPL, or do I have to start the 141 program with 0 hours?

We have two 141's in my area and they will let you start IR program after you get your PPL. Check with your local school though. As others have said, don't waste your money practicing IR before you start training. You might find out you aren't picking it up as fast as you thought you would and end up going way over 40 hours anyway. Wait until after you get your IR and start building some actual. That will be money well spent.