I have received advice from "you don't need a light meter" to "use a smart phone light meter app".

I'm kind of resistant to both.

Is there anything easy to use, durable and cheap that works as well or better than a cell phone app?

I think I would like to keep my budget around the $50 level but I want a forever tool, not disposable. Used is ok.

I'm not sure if that is wishful thinking. I just don't know what is out there.

I think I'm going to start mainly with landscape/architectural photography but might eventually do indoor stuff with artificial lighting.