Ashes, not sure which way you mean the statement
"$1,000 just does not buy very much"
Just stepping it a bit further, 15 divided by 12, is a bit more than 1 hour per month. $1000 is just over $80 per month, with your wages calculations of $36. While that calculation is just that, a calculation. Does the office receptionist not also need to be considered, as does the end of month processor, who distributes that funds, the IT person, who keeps the software functioning, the accountant who audits the records, to ensure your interests etc are protected, not to consider the rent, power etc?
I have admiration for those that self manage. They have made a decision to commit a degree of their time to do so. Some do it better than others, as we can all see by the types of questions asked on this forum. However, some look at the time they spend, but a value on it, and think it’s better for them to pay to have it done. I do think that some, do not put a value on their time, and then think what they may be making saving. If they have the time to spend great, however if they are time poor, maybe it’s time to rethink, and see what else you could do with the time saved. As a father, I won’t say any more.
The only other comment I would like to make is insurance. I do know that I am opening myself up to a claim from my friend on this forum of being lawyer panicked, but insurance is an important consideration. We have at least one member of this forum, who I know is still fighting his insurance company over his 2011 flood claim. At least he has insurance, and believes it has the right “cover” items and level’s. Having been in the industry for over 30 years, and having had to deal with claims from accident to death over my time, I have developed the view that insurance is a pain in the a.. when the premium arrives each year, however you are thankful you have it when a claim arrives.