Run a node for less than $100 by running a pruned node. Electrum and Lightning are overrated in my opinion. Do IBD once, make backup snapshots, and you never need to again.

Verify your wallet whenever you feel like it with:
bitcoin-cli gettxout <txid> <vout>

My node, my rules. But no matter how you choose to run it ... make sure it is Knots with BIP-110. Game theory is on OUR side.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dYA9vYa0iwQ