> I own a cheap old car and prefer to fix it myself if I can (...) probably worth more than a professional would have cost.
Maybe! It all depends on whether or not you would actually do something more productive with the time. If you were to write a book or work on your company or take an extra job with those hours, sure, pay the professional. But if, instead, you were going to be watching TV instead, then you are way ahead. You have learned a skill, which can save you in the long run, even if you pay (you know if you are getting a good service and not being gouged, etc).
Having a cheap car – as long as it's not a lemon – is a good thing.
> I'm afraid to make investments fearing that the market could crash the second I enter it
Ok, that is a problem. Keep hoarding cash if it makes you feel better but take a portion and invest. Once you have managed to save enough to have 3-6 months expenses covered, you should be investing the rest. That's how you get out of shitty jobs, specially later in life. Markets generally recover and have for a century. If this stops we'll have bigger problems (and not investing doesn't shield you from them).
Maybe! It all depends on whether or not you would actually do something more productive with the time. If you were to write a book or work on your company or take an extra job with those hours, sure, pay the professional. But if, instead, you were going to be watching TV instead, then you are way ahead. You have learned a skill, which can save you in the long run, even if you pay (you know if you are getting a good service and not being gouged, etc).
Having a cheap car – as long as it's not a lemon – is a good thing.
> I'm afraid to make investments fearing that the market could crash the second I enter it
Ok, that is a problem. Keep hoarding cash if it makes you feel better but take a portion and invest. Once you have managed to save enough to have 3-6 months expenses covered, you should be investing the rest. That's how you get out of shitty jobs, specially later in life. Markets generally recover and have for a century. If this stops we'll have bigger problems (and not investing doesn't shield you from them).
I basically agree with everything else you said.